Cheap Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Airlines that fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

When it comes to travelling between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, two popular cities in Thailand, you will find more than 40 direct flights every day. This route shared by Don Mueang Airport and Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport is served by Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Mentari, and Thai Smile. These direct flights are available on Sundays to Saturdays, allowing you to schedule conveniently, depending on your preferences. Connecting flights are currently not available for this route.

Terminal Information

Due to the presence of two airports in Bangkok, you have the choice of choosing which one provides flights closer to your budget. Don Mueang Airport has three terminals, but only Terminal 1 is operational, as of 2011 to the time of writing. You will venture to the Departures area in Level 3 with other travellers where you will undergo the check-in process. Going through the Airport Immigration Checkpoint is also a step to take. Be sure you have all the documentation you need to make it easier to travel.

This is more or less the situation you will similarly face in Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi Airport. Its main terminal serves various check-in procedures for various destinations, including Chiang Mai and other domestic locations. After clearing out the check-in, security, and immigration, you can then go on to the shops and dining areas while you wait for the boarding time.

Upon arriving in Chiang Mai Airport through its Domestic terminal, you will find that there are several transport options you can take to get on your way to your destination. There are limousine services and car rental services to be found here, which you can contact via the transportation counter on the upper floor, opposite to the domestic and international arrival lounge. Bus schedules and van rentals can also be enquired here. For other options, you will have to go through the exit of the airport to use bicycle or car services, as the airport does not allow minibuses and tricycles to enter the premises of the passenger terminal.

Practical Information

Domestic passengers flying out of Bangkok only need to prepare their ticket and/or booking reference, along with photographic IDs such as driver’s licence and passport. Make sure to be at the airport at least an hour before scheduled departure time to go through check-in and security.

All arriving passengers at Chiang Mai Airport are required to complete before landing the Passenger Arrival Document no. 6 from the Immigration Bureau. If you are a foreign traveller flying between domestic destinations, you must still have all the documents ready, such as a passport valid for more than six months at least, as well as a visa corresponding to the type and length of your visit. If you do not have a visa, you are required to bring two one-inch photographs and a specific amount of baht for the application fee. Lack of photographs means you have to line up at the photo express service available at the airport.

What to expect in Chiang Mai

Given that the two cities are both in Thailand, there is no time difference between Bangkok and Chiang Mai; so you can schedule appointments and meetings without having to adjust the time in your clock.

You will find that it is cooler in Chiang Mai than in Bangkok. There are three distinct seasons in Chiang Mai: hot, cool, and rainy. The cool season lasts from early December to February, which makes the most popular time to visit Chiang Mai. The region begins to warm up after the New Year's, with the hot season coming in full swing by the middle of March. Rains, on the other hand, fall around early June and continue on until late October or so.

When it comes to cost of living, restaurant meals and grocery items are relatively cheaper in Chiang Mai than in Bangkok. Transportation, though, is more expensive, but the utilities and the rental price on apartments are much lower. This allows you to stretch your budget when coming to Chiang Mai, leaving a sum for souvenirs.

This information is correct as of July 2015.