Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Chiang Mai, TH 🇹🇭 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VTCC

IATA

CNX

Elevation

1036 ft

Region

TH-50

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: VTCC

Local Code: Not available

Location: 18.7668° N, 98.962601° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX/VTCC) generally receives positive traveler sentiment, often described as a clean, efficient, and welcoming gateway to Northern Thailand. Many travelers appreciate its compact size and user-friendly design, making for a relatively smooth travel experience compared to larger international hubs. The airport holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Google and an average of 7.8/10 from passenger reviews.

What Travelers Love
  • Convenient Location: The airport is exceptionally close to the city center, typically only a 10-25 minute drive, making transfers quick and affordable.
  • Friendly and Efficient Staff: Many reviewers highlight the polite, friendly, and helpful staff, contributing to a positive arrival and departure experience.
  • Cleanliness: The terminal facilities are consistently praised for being clean and well-maintained.
  • Ease of Navigation: Its small and compact size makes the airport very easy to navigate, reducing stress for travelers.
  • Efficient Immigration (often): While sometimes subject to queues, immigration and customs are generally reported as quick and smooth, especially for domestic flights and during off-peak international arrivals.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Post-Security Food and High Prices: Travelers frequently note a scarcity of dining options after security, and the available food and products can be expensive.
  • Crowding During Peak Hours: Due to its smaller size, the airport can become crowded, especially at gates and during peak international arrival or departure times.
  • Double Security Screening: A recurring complaint is the two-step security screening process, where luggage is screened upon entry to the terminal and then again before boarding.
  • Potential for Long Immigration Waits: While often efficient, international arrivals, particularly when multiple flights land simultaneously, can sometimes lead to long waiting times at immigration.
  • Inconsistent Wi-Fi: Some travelers have reported issues or a lack of accessible Wi-Fi.

Overall, Chiang Mai International Airport offers a generally positive and efficient travel experience, particularly valued for its proximity to the city and friendly staff. While it can experience congestion and limited dining choices post-security, its strengths often outweigh these minor inconveniences for most travelers.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Chiang Mai International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
10 435 10 Nov 20, 2025
Nok Air
NOK / DD
2 185 2 Nov 7, 2025
Thai Lion
TLM / SL
4 106 4 Nov 24, 2025
3 104 3 Nov 7, 2025
Bangkok
BKP / PG
3 82 3 Nov 24, 2025
1 58 1 Nov 5, 2025
2 44 2 Nov 4, 2025
1 25 1 Nov 4, 2025
1 25 1 Nov 24, 2025
3 16 3 Nov 24, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
18/36 11155 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 129.6 MHz
ATIS ATIS 127.2 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
TWR TWR 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
CGM Chiang Mai NDB 255 kHz
CHM Chiang Mai TACAN 116200 kHz
CMA Chiang Mai VOR-DME 116900 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport taxis are available at a counter near Exit 1 in the arrivals hall. They operate on a fixed-fare system to the city center (typically around 150 THB). Ride-hailing services like Grab are also a popular option and can be booked via their app for pickup at a designated area.

Rental Cars

Several major international and local car rental companies have service desks in the arrivals terminal, including Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, and Thai Rent a Car. It is highly recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid home country's license to rent a vehicle.

Public Transportation

The RTC Chiang Mai City Bus is the primary public transit option. It's an affordable, air-conditioned bus service with routes (like the R3 Red and Yellow lines) connecting the airport to the Old City, Nimman area, and other key points. The bus stop is located at Exit 1. Shared red trucks (Songthaews) and Tuk-Tuks are also available outside the airport, but fares must be negotiated beforehand.

Nearby Airports

Lamphun Airport
VTCO
NoneTH
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~25 km away
Lampang Airport
LPT • VTCL
NoneTH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~79 km away
Mae Hong Son Airport
HGN • VTCH
Mae Hong Son, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~120 km away
Lampang Airport
LPT • VTCL
NoneTH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~79 km away
Mae Hong Son Airport
HGN • VTCH
Mae Hong Son, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~120 km away
Phrae Airport
PRH • VTCP
NoneTH
Medium Airport
~145 km away
Chiang Mai Airsports
TH-0042
San Kamphaeng, TH
Small Airport
~18 km away
Ban Thi Airport
VTCM
Ban Thi, TH
Small Airport
~18 km away
Nok Airfield
VTCY
NoneTH
Small Airport
~19 km away
Lamphun Airport
VTCO
NoneTH
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~25 km away
Pai Airport
PYY • VTCI
Pai, TH
Small Airport
~87 km away
Mae Sariang Airport
VTCS
Mae Sariang, TH
Small Airport
~127 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.