Travelling from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI): what you need to know
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are in the UTC+7 timezone. That means you won't have to change your watch on arrival.
Arrive at the airport on time so you don't miss your CNX to CEI flight. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid sprinting to your gate.
Flying during a peak time such as August? School holidays and other high seasons can result in longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
If you want to explore a new city along the way, search for a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Don Mueang International Airport is a well-known stop between CNX and CEI.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
At the moment, R 453 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is R 1,837. Keep in mind that fares could change due to availability at the time of booking.
To score cheap tickets from CNX to CEI, book as early as you can. Airlines typically offer lower prices when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest flights from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport throughout the month. It's a good way to find a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from CNX to CEI by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals on flights from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport.
Handy information about Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
76.37% of flights leaving from Chiang Mai International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
To get to Chiang Mai International Airport from central Chiang Mai, it'll take around 10 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 5 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
The journey when using public transport usually takes 25 minutes.
Need a convenient hotel close to CNX? If you've booked an early flight from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Arriving at Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Book a hotel close to CEI if you're catching a late Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport flight. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer after landing:
Go where the road takes you with a Chiang Rai International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Chic Car Rent, Drive Car Hire or Hertz and discover more of Chiang Rai and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your ride from Chiang Rai International Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
Getting from Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to central Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai International Airport to the centre of Chiang Rai has a drive time of about 15 minutes. It's approximately 8 kilometres away.
When to fly to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
April is the busiest month for flights from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport. To skip the crowds, go to Chiang Rai in February.
Before locking in your flight from Chiang Mai International Airport to Chiang Rai International Airport, think about the type of weather you like. April is the warmest month in Chiang Rai, with the temperature ranging from 22ºC (72ºF) to 41ºC (106ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CNX to CEI in January. Average temperatures are between 12ºC (54ºF) and 30ºC (86ºF) then.
Explore more of Thailand
Chiang Rai has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of Thailand you'll want to see. About 418 kilometres south-east of Chiang Rai, a visit to Udon Thani will keep your itinerary packed. Start with attractions like Nong Prajak Public Park, Krom Luang Prachaksinlapakhom Monument and Chinesisches Tor.
Chiang Mai is another essential stop in Thailand and is around 153 kilometres south-west of Chiang Rai. No trip is complete without seeing Doi Suthep, Kalare Night Bazaar and Wat Phra Singh.