Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): What you need to know
Your trip gets off the ground at one of Bangkok's main airports, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Explore your options for booking a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) leaving from either of these bases.
Around 1 hour 20 minutes is the usual time it takes for a direct Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport flight.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai (where Chiang Mai International Airport is located) share the UTC+7 timezone. That means you won't need to adjust your watch once you arrive.
The most popular route is from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), with 176 direct services every week. If you're ready to head out sooner, the earliest flight from BKK to CNX is the 6am Thai Vietjet Air service. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 10pm with Thai Vietjet Air.
To ensure you get on your flight from Bangkok to CNX, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Popular months like February or other peak periods mean longer lines and possible delays. Stay on schedule by getting to the airport even earlier. Plan for at least four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Bangkok
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Get there in one go from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK). Nonstop flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) operate from here.
Popular carriers that offer direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport out of BKK include:
The airline most travellers choose when flying between BKK and CNX is Thai VietJet Air.
Thai AirAsia is the top performer for punctuality on this route.
Located around 31 kilometres from central Bangkok, BKK can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 35 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport:
73% of flights leaving from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Planning to catch a flight from Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)? Direct Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) plane tickets can be booked from here.
When setting off from DMK, you can pick from a range of airlines that have direct flights from Bangkok to CNX. Cruise through the sky with these preferred carriers:
On the DMK to CNX route, Thai AirAsia is the favourite choice for most passengers.
Flights between Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport and Chiang Mai International Airport are more likely to stay on schedule with Nok Air compared to other carriers.
You can get to DMK from central Bangkok in approximately 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 5 minutes to travel the 24 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Bangkok to CNX flight? Kick back in a hotel near Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport before your break officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport has an on-time performance of 60%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that depart from this airport land on schedule.
About Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Have a late flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport? Don't let it stretch your travel day into tomorrow. Check in to one of these hotels near CNX and turn out the lights sooner:
Booking your vehicle around two weeks in advance of your Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport flight can help you score a better rate.
Getting from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to central Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai International Airport is around 3 kilometres from the centre of Chiang Mai. It takes around 15 minutes or so to drive to the city.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
R 352 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport. Return flights start at R 723. These prices may change based on availability and demand.
Snap up cheap flights from Bangkok to CNX by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for landing a bargain.
July is when you're most likely to land a bargain on a Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport ticket. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Finding a cheap plane ticket from Bangkok to CNX couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a lower fare pops up.
Filters make it easier to dig up a deal for your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport. Choose the airlines, flight times and number of stops that make sense for you. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to bring up the lowest fares right away.
The best time to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
It's time to decide when to book your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). February is the peak month for travel to Chiang Mai. If a slower pace sounds more appealing, think about going in May.
Book a Bangkok to CNX plane ticket departing in April if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chiang Mai to range from 22ºC (72ºF) to 42ºC (108ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 31ºC (88ºF).
More about Chiang Mai
Start your Chiang Mai trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai International Airport, browse our range of hotels including:
Songkran Festival Chiang Mai and Doi Suthep are just the start of the popular attractions to put on your Chiang Mai itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Elephant Conservation Park.
Explore more of Thailand
You've seen Chiang Mai, now it's time to explore other parts of Thailand. Travel around 257 kilometres southeast to Phitsanulok to tick off its top attractions. From Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to Phra Si Ratana Temple (Wat Yai) and Wat Ratcha Burada Temple, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 153 kilometres northeast of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is another essential stop in Thailand. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Huay Pla Kang: Goddess of Mercy Chiang Rai.