Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)

Chiang Rai, TH 🇹🇭 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VTCT

IATA

CEI

Elevation

1280 ft

Region

TH-57

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 19.952299° N, 99.882896° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) generally receives positive reviews from recent travelers, who appreciate its efficiency, cleanliness, and relaxed atmosphere compared to larger, busier Thai airports. It's often described as a small, well-maintained, and easy-to-navigate airport that provides a smooth start or end to journeys in northern Thailand.

What Travelers Love
  • Overall Efficiency and Calm Atmosphere: Travelers frequently highlight the airport's smooth processes, quick security clearance, and a generally laid-back and stress-free environment due to fewer crowds.
  • Cleanliness and Facilities: The airport is consistently praised for its cleanliness, including well-kept restrooms and adequate facilities, such as disabled access. There are also spacious waiting areas with charging stations.
  • Dining and Shopping Options: Despite its size, CEI offers a diverse range of dining options, from local Thai cuisine to international fare, including well-known coffee shops. There's also a good selection of shops for souvenirs and duty-free items.
  • Convenient Transportation: The airport is located just 10 minutes from the city center by car, with readily available transportation options like airport taxis and app-based rides (e.g., Grab), making it easy to reach destinations. Ticket counters for local transportation and tour services are also available within the airport.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Parking on Holidays: Parking can be difficult to find, especially during holidays.
  • Fewer International Flight Options: Some reviewers note that the airport has limited international flight options compared to larger airports.
  • Limited Services Inside Security: There are mentions of limited food and beverage outlets inside the gate boarding area and generally fewer services available once past security.
  • Facilities Can Seem Dated: A few travelers have commented that some facilities may appear dated.

Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport offers a pleasant and efficient travel experience, particularly suited for leisure travelers seeking a relaxed atmosphere. While parking can be an issue on peak days and international flight choices are not as extensive as major hubs, its excellent cleanliness, efficient processes, and convenient access to the city make it a highly regarded gateway to northern Thailand.

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

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
2 54 2 Dec 9, 2025
Nok Air
NOK / DD
1 47 1 Dec 9, 2025
Thai Lion
TLM / SL
1 26 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 24 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 24 1 Dec 9, 2025
Showing top 5 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
03/21 9843 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 163.05 MHz
ATIS ATIS 927.7 MHz
RDO RDO 0.7 MHz
TWR . TWR l3oM_Tul2l3o® 1.0 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
CT Chiang Rai NDB 277 kHz
CTR Chiang Rai VOR-DME 116500 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Metered taxis and airport limousines are available at service counters and taxi stands just outside the arrivals hall. Fares for metered taxis include a small airport surcharge. Ride-sharing services like Grab are also operational and can be booked via their mobile app for pickup at a designated point.

Rental Cars

Multiple car rental companies, including major international brands (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Budget) and local providers (Thai Rent a Car), have service desks inside the arrivals terminal. It is highly recommended to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country's license. Pre-booking online is often cheaper and recommended during peak seasons.

Public Transportation

An affordable airport bus service connects the airport to the city center, stopping at the main bus terminal (Bus Terminal 1). The bus stop is located on the main road just outside the airport exit. This is the most economical option, but services are less frequent than taxis.

Nearby Airports

Bokeo International Airport
BOR • LA-0006
Ton Phueng, LA
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~51 km away
Tachileik Airport
THL • VYTL
Tachileik, MM
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Mong Hsat Airport
MOG • VYMS
Mong Hsat, MM
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~90 km away
Bokeo International Airport
BOR • LA-0006
Ton Phueng, LA
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~51 km away
Tachileik Airport
THL • VYTL
Tachileik, MM
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~59 km away
Mong Hsat Airport
MOG • VYMS
Mong Hsat, MM
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~90 km away
Ban Huoeisay Airport
HOE • VLHS
Huay Xai, LA
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~67 km away
Mong Hpayak Airport
VYMH
Mong Hpayak, MM
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~98 km away
Xienglom Airport
XIE • VLXL
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~104 km away
Mong Tong Airport
MGK • VYMT
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~110 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.