Cheap Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is super easy and cheap! The trip is ​583 km and takes ​1 hour 20 minutes. Both cities use the ​same time zone (UTC+7), so no time changes. Arrive ​1–2 hours early for check-in and security.

• Most flights to Chiang Mai leave from ​Don Mueang Airport (DMK), a busy budget-airline hub ​24 km from central Bangkok. A few, like Thai Airways, fly from ​Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), ​30 km from downtown. | You’ll land at ​Chiang Mai Airport (CNX), just ​3 km from the city—super quick to reach your hotel!
• Thai AirAsia has cheap daily flights (some even from $8 one-way!). ​Thai Vietjet Air offers more morning deals. For fun service, try ​Nok Air. If you want free luggage and comfort, ​Thai Airways has 1–2 daily flights from BKK.
• Cheapest time to fly: May-June (off-season). Round-trips drop to $17 (May 25–June 1). Avoid December—it’s busy and pricey.

Airports in Bangkok

Bangkok has two airports serving travelers heading to Chiang Mai: ​Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and ​Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Location: 30km east of downtown

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is Bangkok’s main airport that handles 60+ million travelers yearly. ​It has 1 big terminal split into international/domestic zones. This is where full-service airlines like ​Thai Airways, ​Bangkok Airways, and ​VietJet operate ​15+ daily flights (mostly direct) to Chiang Mai (1.5 hours). If you’re already flying into Bangkok from overseas, Suvarnabhumi is the best choice—you can hop straight onto a domestic flight without leaving the airport.

Getting to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) from Downtown

• ​Train: The Airport Rail Link from Phaya Thai Station takes 28 minutes ($1.50). Trains run every 15 minutes—easy peasy.
• ​Taxi: Costs ~$15, but avoid 7-9am and 5-8pm unless you enjoy car naps.

2. Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Location: 24km north of downtown

Don Mueang Airport (DMK), is Bangkok’s older but wildly popular budget airport. Its 2 terminals are home to airlines like ​AirAsia and ​Nok Air, which dominate the route to Chiang Mai with ​20+ daily flights (from as low as $25 one-way!). While it lacks Suvarnabhumi’s polish, DMK makes up for it with cheaper fares and faster security lines. Budget airlines sometimes means strict baggage rules and looong queues. Arrive ​2 hours early—trust me. There’s no direct rail link here, so plan extra time for ground transport.

Getting to Don Mueang (DMK) from Downtown

• Bus: Hop on the A1/A2 bus from Victory Monument ($1, 45 mins).
• ​Taxi or Grab: ~$8, but keep cash for tolls.

Airports in Chiang Mai

You’ll land at Chiang Mai Airport (the only airport), surrounded by hazy mountains, breeze through baggage claim (seriously, it’s fast), and be sipping a coconut in the Old City within 30 minutes.

Chiang Mai international airport (CNX)

Location: 5km south of the Old City

Chiang Mai international airport (CNX) has two terminals (domestic and international), but don’t let “international” fool you—it’s small, calm, and easy to navigate. Most flights here are from Bangkok (50+ daily!), operated by ​Thai Airways, ​Bangkok Airways, ​AirAsia, and ​Nok Air. You’ll also find a handful of direct regional flights from places like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Taipei.

from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) to Downtown

• ​Taxi: Official booth inside the terminal. Fixed rate of ​150 THB (~$4 USD) to most hotels. No haggling!
• ​Grab/Rideshare: Cheaper (~100 THB), but drivers might ask you to walk outside the airport gate (2-minute stroll).
• ​Red Songthaew: The local shared pickup truck. 30-50 THB (~$1), but only if you’re super budget-savvy and patient.

Best Time to Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

• November–February is the most ideal: Cool, dry weather (16–28°C) perfect for exploring temples and hiking. Highlights include the ​Yi Peng Lantern Festival (mid-November) and ​cherry blossoms (December–January). Book early for December/New Year (peak crowds/prices); mid-November or February offer better deals.
• March–April brings scorching heat (25–38°C) but epic ​Songkran water fights (April 13–15). ​June–October is rainy but cheap (hotels 30–50% cheaper) with lush scenery; trails are muddy, but crowds vanish.
• Avoid: late December–early January (peak rates), and ​September (heavy rain/floods). For fewer crowds and mild weather, aim for ​late October or ​late February.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai & Top Things to Dos

1. Old City (Historic Center)
Attractions: Wander Wat Phra Singh’s golden temples, shop at the Sunday Walking Street Market, and take a Thai cooking class. Catch the sunset at Wat Chedi Luang.
Stay Here: 🏨 ​Rachamankha Hotel – Lanna-style charm, steps from Wat Phra Singh.

2. Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)
Attractions: Sip coffee at trendy cafes, shop at One Nimman, and enjoy rooftop bars. Explore street art and live music on Soi 7.
Stay Here: 🏨 ​Art Mai Gallery Hotel – Art-themed rooms, close to Maya Mall, Chiang Mai International Airport (2.4 miles away)

3. Riverside
Attractions: Cruise the Ping River, shop at Warorot Market, and relax at garden cafes. Visit ethical elephant sanctuaries nearby.
Stay Here: 🏨 ​Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – Riverside infinity pool, near Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai Railway Station (1.5 miles away)

Add Hotel Booking & Car Rental to Your Trip to Chiang Mai

Hotel Booking

Trip.com’s got you covered with ​500+ Chiang Mai hotels! Snag a serene resort near Doi Suthep, a trendy boutique stay in Nimmanhaemin, or a budget-friendly guesthouse steps from the Old City temples. Filter by pools, free breakfast, or 24/7 airport shuttle options—plus, ​free cancellation on most deals.

Car Rental
Explore beyond the city! Rent a car on Trip.com for: Day trips to Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest peak!) or the Sticky Waterfalls | Visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries or San Kamphaeng hot springs | Zipping to the Night Bazaar or Airport Plaza Mall. Compare prices from global brands (Hertz, Avis) and local providers. Opt for compact cars for Old City alleys or SUVs for mountain roads.