Chiang Mai Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Chiang Mai Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

CNX Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Chiang Mai International Airport.

What to Expect

Chiang Mai Airport (code: CNX) has two small but connected terminals, divided for international and domestic flights. Facilities include a few eateries, cafes, and shops. Three eateries are open 24 hours in the International Terminal. WiFi is free for two hours. For added comfort, economy-class passengers can pay to enter one of two airport lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and access information.

Sleeping in Chiang Mai Airport

The airport is open 24 hours, but you may have to sleep landside while security checkpoints close for the night. A few armrest-free cushioned benches are located near the main entrance. The lights are bright, and the air conditioning may get chilly, so bring an eye mask and a sweater or blanket. For uninterrupted sleep, hotels are nearby. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are several hotels near Chiang Mai Airport.

Airport Resident – This hotel has two buildings: AR1 has cheaper, smaller rooms. AR2 is newer, with larger rooms. Free airport shuttle is available (to the airport) at the following scheduled times: 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
VC @Suanpaak Hotel & Serviced Apartments (0.4 mi / 0.6 km) Upscale hotel.
Wellness Chiangmai Hotel (0.5 mi / 0.8 km) Mid-range hotel.
Pleasant Chiangmai (0.6 mi / 1.0 km) Mid-range hotel.
We Terminal Hotel (0.7 mi / 1.1 km) Budget hotel.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Domestic Terminal

Coral Executive Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor, near Gate 8. Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

International Terminal

Coral Executive Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, International Departures, 2nd Floor, after Passport Control, next to the VAT refund office. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

Domestic Terminal

Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor. Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Bangkok Airways passengers.
Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Landside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor, near the domestic departure gate entrance. Hours: Based on flight schedules. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Club passengers and eligible members.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge – Location: Domestic Terminal, Airside, Domestic Departures, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 3. Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Thai Airways premium passengers • Star Alliance premium passengers • Eligible frequent flyer members.

International Terminal

Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge – Location: International Terminal, Airside, International Departures, 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 8. Hours: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Thai Airways premium passengers • Star Alliance premium passengers • Eligible frequent flyer members.

Drinking Water

A reader tells us, “There are water fountains and bottle refill points once through security beside the toilets.” (February 2026)

Food & Drinks

A range of restaurants and cafés operate in both terminals. Hours vary by location. There are no 24-hour dining options. Most outlets operate roughly between 6:00 AM and late evening, depending on flight activity. If you are staying overnight, purchase food and water before shops close.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage service is available on the 1st Floor. Reported rate is approximately 200 THB per item per day.

Mobile Charging

Charging stations are available airside in both the Domestic and International departure areas.

Showers

There are no public shower facilities. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available for two hours per session. Connect to the “@AirportTrueFreeWiFi” network. Reconnect at the end of your session.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available in both the Domestic and International terminals. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s withdrawal limits and international transaction policies before travelling.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available through several Thai banks located in both the Domestic and International areas.
Duty-Free & Shopping – King Power Duty-Free operates in the International Departures area. A selection of convenience stores, gift shops, and small retail outlets are available throughout the terminals.
Information Desk – Information desks are located on the 1st Floor of Domestic Arrivals if you need assistance.
Luggage Wrapping – Luggage wrapping services are available in both terminals on the 1st Floor. Fees apply.
Medical Services – A 24-hour medical clinic is available in the Domestic Terminal.
Postal Services – A post office is located in the Domestic Arrivals area. Hours are limited to daytime and early evening.
Prayer Room – A Muslim prayer room is available near the International Departures area. It closes at night and is not intended for sleeping.
Smoking – Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking room located in the International Departures area.
Spa – Traditional Thai massage services are available in the Domestic Terminal. Hours vary by operator.

Airlines

Chiang Mai Airport is served by the following airlines: Air Asia • Air China • Asiana Airlines • Bangkok Airways • Cathay Dragon • China Eastern Airlines • China Southern Airlines • EVA Air • Hainan Airlines • HK Express • Jeju Air • Juneyao Airlines • Korean Airlines • Lao Airlines • Lucky Air • Nok Air • Qatar Airways • Ruili Airlines • Scoot • Shandong Airlines • Sichuan Airlines • Spring Airlines • Thai Airways • Thai Lion Air • ThaiSmile • T’way Airlines • VietJet Air.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Buses 4 and 9 link CNX airport to the city center. The bus stop is about 100m to the left of the airport terminal. This is not the most comfortable or reliable way to travel to and from the airport, but it’s the cheapest.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are available on-site: Asap Car • Avis • Budget • Chic Car Rent • Drive • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thai Rental.

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Hotel Shuttles

At the time of this update, we were unable to find any hotels that provide airport shuttle service. See also Airport Hotels above.

Shared-Ride Vehicles

“Songthaews” offers shared transportation along a fixed route. While this is not the safest method of travel, it is a popular mode of travel among locals and an economical way to travel between the airport and town if travelling with others.

Shuttle Buses

Shuttle buses to the city centre are available from Exit 9, 1st Floor of the International Terminal. Buses depart every 30 minutes and provide three destination options.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at Exit 1. There is a taxi stand available to assist you 24 hours a day.

Last updated: 2026-02-11

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.