Key hubs
Chiang Mai airport and railway station
- Airport
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Suthep subdistrict, a short drive southwest of the old city; the road trip is usually 15 to 25 minutes, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- Chiang Mai station (CGM) on the east side of the Ping River; the State Railway of Thailand runs overnight and day trains from Bangkok, which take most of a night (about 750 km), so many visitors fly instead
- Getting around
- Grab app cars, red songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and tuk-tuks; the old city is compact enough to walk, but for the mountain temple and day trips book a car with driver
How to reach Chiang Mai by air
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is just southwest of the old city, about 15 to 25 minutes by road. We could not confirm scheduled non-stop flights from India at the time of writing, so most travellers connect through Bangkok or another hub.
How to reach Chiang Mai by train
Chiang Mai station (CGM) is on the east side of the Ping River. State Railway of Thailand runs several daily trains from Bangkok over about 750 km, taking much of a day or a night, so many travellers prefer to fly.
How to reach Chiang Mai by road
Highways link Chiang Mai to Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Pai and Doi Inthanon. Buses and vans run to the main northern towns; the road to Pai has many curves, so allow extra time.
Getting around Chiang Mai
Grab app cars, red songthaews (shared pickup trucks), tuk-tuks and hotel car transfers are the main options. The old city is compact and flat enough for short walks; hire a car with driver for Doi Suthep and day trips.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Chiang Mai
- Choose an old-city or Nimman hotel with a lift and a room away from the road; many guesthouses have stairs only.
- Book a car with a driver for Doi Suthep, Wat Umong and day trips. Songthaews are cheap but have high steps and no air conditioning.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and remove shoes before entering halls; carry socks for hot stone floors.
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance and note the nearest large hospital. Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital is a major teaching hospital on Inthawarorot Road; private hospitals in the city also cater to international patients.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.