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Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang Layover Guide (CEI)

What are you looking for in CEI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is an international airport located in Ban Du, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. It’s about 8 km (5 miles) from downtown Chiang Rai. It opened on 5 August 1992. Chiang Rai is the city in Northern Thailand and is celebrated for its cultural heritage and relaxed lifestyle. It’s also known for lush landscapes and as a gateway to attractions like the White Temple and Golden Triangle.

Can you leave Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Chiang Rai Airport (CEI), travelers may leave the airport after clearing immigration if they hold a valid Thai visa, qualify for visa exemption, or obtain visa on arrival (30-day tourist entry, registration required, fee applies). Passports must be valid for six months. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) Marvel at the shimmering white temple designed by Chalermchai, featuring mirrored mosaics, mythological sculptures and landscaped gardens blending modern art with Buddhist spirituality. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: 20 km by taxi, ~30 min)
• Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) Discover the ornate blue and gold temple adorned with intricate murals, lotus motifs and elaborate carvings, designed by Putha Kabka and inspired by White Temple’s aesthetic with a vivid chromatic twist. (Time required: 45 min–1 hour / Airport to here: 15 km by taxi, ~25 min)
• Baan Dam Museum (Black House) Explore Thawan Duchanee’s avant-garde art complex of dark wooden pavilions housing animal remains, paintings and sculptures that fuse traditional Lanna architecture with surreal, macabre imagery. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours / Airport to here: 15 km by taxi, ~25 min)
• Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Stroll vibrant evening market stalls offering local handicrafts, textiles and street food; sample khao soi, fresh fruit and artisanal snacks while enjoying live music and a festive atmosphere. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: 13 km by taxi or bus, ~20 min)
• Chiang Rai Clock Tower Admire the ornate golden clock tower by Chalermchai and catch the nightly light-and-sound show at 19:00, featuring vibrant illumination and traditional cultural motifs in the city center. (Time required: 30 minutes / Airport to here: 13 km by taxi, ~20 min)
• Singha Park Wander tea plantations, cycle scenic trails, try zip-lining and enjoy panoramic views of hills; visit the petting zoo, botanical gardens and riverside picnic spots for an active outdoor escape. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: 17 km by taxi, ~30 min)
• Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park Tour Lanna-style pavilions showcasing hill-tribe textiles, woodcarvings and traditional crafts amidst UNESCO-designated tropical botanical gardens and seasonal orchid exhibits. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: 20 km by taxi, ~35 min)
• Golden Triangle & Hall of Opium View where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River; visit the Hall of Opium museum for immersive exhibits on regional history, culture and the opium trade legacy. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: 70 km by taxi or tour, ~1.5 hours)

Things to Do in Chiang Rai Airport (CEI)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Chiang Rai International Airport’s Coral Executive Lounge offers a tranquil retreat for premium passengers. The “Fleur de Coral”–themed space features comfortable seating, buffet dining, complimentary beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, flight monitors, TVs and workstations. Additional perks include a 15-minute shoulder massage and reading materials. Restrooms are conveniently located just outside the lounge. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although Chiang Rai Airport has no on-site hotel, several properties lie within five miles. Teak Garden Spa Resort and Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort offer complimentary airport shuttles, river views and spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. Budget options include cozy guesthouses in Ban Du, many providing 24-hour front-desk service and private transport. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There are no dedicated sleep pods or rest lounges at CEI, but the terminal operates 24/7. Travelers can rest on rows of hard-backed chairs in quieter gate areas or use vacant corridor spaces. Be sure to carry a travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs for a more comfortable overnight stay.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal under the SSID “AOT Airport Free Wi-Fi by NT.” Simply connect, open your browser and accept the terms to enjoy unlimited internet access. Charging stations and public USB outlets are located near seating zones for convenient device top-ups.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards are not sold at Chiang Rai Airport. Visitors can purchase data SIMs at numerous shops and 7-Eleven outlets in town. Alternatively, secure an eSIM online before arrival from providers such as Airalo or Nomad for instant 4G/5G activation upon landing without any physical swap. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A metered taxi stand is located at the arrivals hall exit. Standard fares to Chiang Rai city center range from THB 150–200 and include luggage. Drivers accept cash or mobile payment. Ride-hailing services like Grab operate in the region as an alternative, offering upfront pricing and digital booking.

Train: There is no train station at Chiang Rai Airport. The nearest rail link is in Chiang Mai, approximately 250 km away. Travelers wishing to use Thailand’s rail network should take a bus or taxi to Chiang Mai Railway Station. more info.

Bus: An AOT-operated electric shuttle bus runs between the terminal and Chiang Rai city center from 06:20 to 21:40 daily. Buses depart every 30 minutes from Entrance 1 and cost THB 30 per ride. Tickets are purchased on board. more info.

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels, including Teak Garden Spa Resort and Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, offer complimentary airport shuttle services. Advance reservation is usually required. Private shuttle companies can be booked in advance for shared or dedicated transfers, providing door-to-door service between the airport and surrounding areas.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies maintain desks in the arrivals hall, including Avis, Budget, Europcar and True Leasing. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs. Rentals require a valid driver’s license, passport and deposit. Office hours generally match flight schedules, though after-hours pickups can be arranged with prior notice. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking facilities flank the terminal building, offering both covered and open-air spaces. Short-term parking lies closest to arrivals, while long-term lots are a short walk away. Automated pay stations accept cash or card. Rates vary by duration; consult posted signs or the parking office for current fees.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left-luggage services operate near the check-in counters on the ground floor, allowing passengers to store bags for a nominal fee. A lost-and-found desk is located in the main lobby. Storage hours align with terminal operations, and sealed tags are provided to secure belongings. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks