Ground Transportion

Airport Information

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
60 Mahidol Road, Suthep, Mueang, Chiang Mai 50200
Tel. : + (66-53) 922 000
Fax. : + (66-53) 922 020

Chiang Mai International Airport consists of domestic and international terminals in a single building. There are travel agent offices at the airport and customer service desks for Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and a number of other airlines. There are several exchange bureaus and ATMs in the terminal as well.

Travel Options

Fly to Chiang Mai

The most popular and convenient way to get to Chiang Mai is to fly here (Airport code: CNX). Depending on your country and departure airport, you may be able to find a direct flight to Chiang Mai, or take a connecting flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 1.5 hours, and depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book, can cost less than $50 each way. The best part of flying to Chiang Mai is that Chiang Mai International Airport is only 10-15 minutes drive away from the venue. An example route map for both international and domestic flights in Thailand is shown below.

https://www.lionairthai.com/en/Flight/Route-Map

Bus to Chiang Mai

The cheapest way to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by either government-run bus or private bus. Buses to Chiang Mai take about 10 or 11 hours and cost around 250 Baht for a fan-cooled, government bus. The government bus will make frequent stops and you are not guaranteed a seat. First-class government buses are slightly more expensive, go non-stop to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, and are very comfortable.

Government buses depart from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (at Mo Chit) at least a dozen times per day. Private buses depart from various parts of the city, including the Khao San Road area. Buses arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station, which is a few miles from the venue. If you are planning on taking the bus, consider that bus accidents are far more frequent in Thailand than plane or train accidents.

Train to Chiang Mai

Another cheap option to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is by taking a train. There are around six trains each day that make the trip from Bangkok’s Hualumpong Station. The trains are rather slow considering the distance — the slowest takes about 15 hours to make the 470-mile journey. When buying a train ticket, you will need to choose between third-class seats (wooden benches, fan-cooled), second-class sleeper (cushioned seats that open into flat beds at night, air-conditioned), and first-class sleeper (private rooms shared by two people, air-conditioned).

Getting to the Empress Hotel from Chiang Mai International Airport

  • Google Map directions: Airport <-> Hotel
  • Purchase ticket from CHIANGMAI AIRPORT TAXI counter located near the exit of the Domestic Terminal. Rates: 160 Baht for regular taxi, 260 Baht for large taxi