Getting to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is easily accessed with most visitors arriving directly to the international airport. The airport is around 15 minutes taxi ride from the centre of the city, and offers flights from several international destinations in south east Asia. Direct international flights are available from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Rangoon, Hong Kong, Kunming, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Macau, while domestic flights connect Chiang Mai to Phuket, Hat Yai, Krabi, Mae Hong Son, Udon Thani and of course both of Bangkok’s main airports, Suvannaphoum and Don Muang. Many visitors will use the interchange at Suvannaphoum before flying on to Chiang Mai – the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 1 hour.
A popular alternative to flights is the overnight train from Hua Lampong in Bangkok. Much cheaper, and relatively comfortable a cabin can be booked with bunk beds. Alternatively buses also connect Chiang Mai to many destinations in Thailand.