Chiang Mai Layover Guide (CNX)

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

Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) is a major international gateway airport in the Suthep subdistrict of Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. It’s about 3 km (1.9 miles) west of downtown Chiang Mai. The airport first opened on 1 October 1921. Chiang Mai is the fourth-largest city in Thailand and is considered one of the country’s most livable destinations. It’s also known for its historic temples, vibrant night markets, and diverse culinary scene.

Can you leave Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Chiang Mai Airport during layover by passing immigration control. Nationals from visa-exempt countries may enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa; others must obtain a visa in advance. Transit passengers with onward tickets may apply for transit visa. Also Check entry rules before travelling (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Perched atop Doi Suthep mountain, this golden chedi offers panoramic city views. Explore ornate murals, climb the Naga staircase and observe monks’ rituals at sunrise or sunset. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~25 min or songthaew ~50 min)
• Old City Temples Walking Tour Stroll inside the 13th-century walls to visit Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh. Admire Lanna sculptures, ancient brick chedis and hidden soi alleys, with local cafés dotted along the route. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or red truck ~30 min)
• Warorot Market Immerse yourself in vibrant Warorot Market, sampling kanom jeen, local fruit and northern handicrafts. Browse bustling stalls offering textiles, spices, flowers and traditional snacks beloved by Chiang Mai residents. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or songthaew ~30 min)
• Nimmanhaemin Road Wander trendy Nimmanhaemin Road’s boutique shops, art galleries and specialty cafés. Discover colorful street murals, rooftop bars and fusion eateries showcasing Chiang Mai’s modern creative scene. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or red truck ~35 min)
• Sunday Walking Street Market Every Sunday evening, Ratchadamnoen Road becomes a pedestrian-only bazaar featuring local crafts, live performances, street food stalls and handmade artworks—ideal for souvenirs and tasting Lanna specialties. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or songthaew ~30 min)
• Thai Cooking Class Learn to prepare northern favorites like khao soi and sai ua under expert chefs. Visit a fresh market for ingredients then cook and savor your homemade Thai dishes in a fun group setting. (Time required: 3 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or red truck ~35 min)
• Ping River Cruise Relax on a traditional teak boat cruise along the Ping River. Enjoy riverside views of temples, rice paddies and cityscapes while sipping herbal tea and listening to gentle traditional music. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min)
• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Explore the iconic Night Bazaar’s endless rows of stalls selling handicrafts, electronics and street snacks. Experience neon-lit alleys, live music and budget-friendly treasures available nightly until midnight. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~15 min or songthaew ~30 min)

Things to Do in Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Chiang Mai International Airport features five lounges including the Coral Executive Lounge, Royal Orchid Lounge, Blue Ribbon Club and Business Class Lounge. Each provides comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, high-speed Wi-Fi, flight monitors, shower facilities and quiet relaxation areas. Entry is via day pass or airline membership access. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels lie within a 2 km radius of CNX, offering free airport shuttles and nightly rates from 1,100 THB to 3,500 THB. Budget options like The Airport Greenery Hotel and Sleep Airport Chiang Mai provide en-suite rooms with air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk service and easy terminal transfers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
While there are no dedicated sleep pods, padded seating and quiet corners are available near gates. Seven charging stations and USB outlets line the departure lounges. Shower facilities are located inside the Coral Executive Lounge (day-pass required). Travelers are advised to carry a travel pillow, eye mask and earplugs.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout CNX via the “AOT Airport Free Wi-Fi by NT” network. Simply enable Wi-Fi, select the SSID, accept the terms and connect. There is no password or voucher required. Charging outlets and USB ports are conveniently located near seating areas for keeping devices powered.

SIM/eSIM Card: AIS Traveller kiosks at points S13, S14 and S16 in the arrivals hall sell prepaid SIM cards from AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC. Data plans start at 299 THB for 5 GB valid seven days. Passport registration is required. eSIM packages can be pre-ordered online and activated instantly on landing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered Airport Taxis queue outside the arrivals hall offering a flat rate of 150 THB to anywhere in Chiang Mai city. Larger vehicles seating up to six cost around 200 THB. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are popular alternatives. Hotel transfers can be arranged on request. Journey times range from 10 to 20 minutes.

Train: There is no rail connection directly to Chiang Mai International Airport. The nearest State Railway of Thailand station is Chiang Mai Railway Station, located approximately 12 km from the terminal. Travelers can take a taxi (12 minutes) or public bus to reach the station. (more info)

Bus: The RTC City Bus routes 24L (red) and 24R (yellow) operate between Chiang Mai Airport and the city centre from 07:15 to 19:10 at 20–40 minute intervals. Tickets cost 30 THB and drop passengers at major stops including Nimmanhaemin Road and the City Moat. (more info)

Shuttle: The official Airport Shuttle Bus A1 links the terminal with Nimmanhaemin Road, Huay Kaew Road and the City Moat. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 22:00. Tickets cost 40 THB one way. Buses board outside the arrivals hall and run on a fixed schedule throughout the day.

Car rentals: International brands (Hertz, Avis, Budget) and local agencies maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Drivers must present a valid licence and credit card, with a minimum age of 21. Daily rates for compact cars start at approximately 800 THB. Online pre-booking often secures discounted rates and guaranteed availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: CNX offers both short-term and long-term parking adjacent to the domestic and international terminals. Rates start at 30 THB per hour and 150 THB per day, payable at automated barriers via cash or credit card. A free drop-off zone is available for quick luggage unloading. CCTV monitors all parking areas 24/7.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A luggage storage and delivery service (AIRPORTELs) operates on the 1st Floor near Gate 7 across from the Thai Post Office. Open daily from 06:00 to 24:00, rates are 60 THB per hour, 150 THB per day and 750 THB per week. Delivery to hotels is also available. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks