Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (IATA: CEI, ICAO: VTCT) serves as the main air gateway to Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand. Strategically located just 8 kilometers from Chiang Rai city center, the airport provides convenient access to the region’s natural and cultural attractions, including the Golden Triangle, mountain villages, and historical temples.
Operated by Airports of Thailand (AOT), CEI has developed into a well-managed regional airport offering reliable domestic service and steadily resuming international operations post-pandemic. The airport combines modern facilities with efficient service and has continued to invest in expansion and passenger comfort.
Airport Overview
Chiang Rai International Airport is compact and easy to navigate, ideal for both leisure and business travelers. It supports a growing volume of passengers with domestic and limited international services, and includes amenities to ensure a comfortable transit experience.
Key Information
-
Location: Ban Du Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai, Thailand
-
Distance from City Center: ~8 km (15–20 minutes by car)
-
Operator: Airports of Thailand (AOT)
-
IATA / ICAO Code: CEI / VTCT
-
Runway Length: 3,000 meters
-
Terminal: Single terminal serving both domestic and international flights
-
Annual Capacity: Approx. 3 million passengers
Airlines and Destinations
Chiang Rai International Airport is primarily a domestic airport, with international service resuming on a limited basis.
Domestic Airlines
-
Thai AirAsia – Bangkok (Don Mueang), Phuket
-
Thai VietJet Air – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), other seasonal routes
-
Thai Smile / Thai Airways – Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)
-
Nok Air – Bangkok (Don Mueang)
International Airlines (Limited & Seasonal)
-
AirAsia (Malaysia) – Kuala Lumpur
-
VietJet Air – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (seasonal or charter)
Airport Facilities and Services
Chiang Rai Airport offers modern and practical services for travelers:
-
Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
-
Coffee shops and restaurants, including local Thai cuisine
-
Souvenir and gift shops, including regional handicrafts
-
Currency exchange and ATMs
-
Car rental counters from national and local providers
-
Information desk, lost & found, and customer service
-
Business lounge for premium passengers
-
Nursing room, first aid station, and prayer room
-
Facilities for persons with disabilities, including ramps and elevators
Ground Transportation
The airport is conveniently connected to Chiang Rai town and surrounding regions by multiple transport options:
1. Taxi Service
-
Readily available at the arrival area
-
Standard fare to Chiang Rai city center: 150–200 THB
-
Travel time: Approx. 15–20 minutes
2. Airport Shuttle & Minivans
-
Shared minivans operate to city hotels and key areas
-
Cost: 50–100 THB, depending on drop-off point
-
Available at fixed schedules
3. Public Transportation
-
Local buses and songthaews (shared taxis) operate outside the airport
-
Suitable for budget travelers; may require some local language interaction
4. Car Rental
-
Major providers include Avis, Budget, and Thai Rent A Car
-
Ideal for exploring Chiang Rai, Mae Sai, and other northern provinces
Future Developments
Chiang Rai Airport continues to pursue development projects to enhance capacity and services:
-
Expansion of terminal areas to accommodate higher passenger volumes
-
Initiatives to resume and expand international routes
-
Improved check-in and baggage handling systems
-
Sustainable and accessibility-focused upgrades across facilities
Final Notes
Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport is an increasingly important travel hub in northern Thailand. With a focus on convenience, comfort, and connectivity, CEI offers an ideal entry point to one of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. The airport continues to develop in response to growing tourism demand while maintaining high service standards.
