Find the cheapest flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Bangkok (BKK) → Chiang Mai (CNX)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 3 h 15 m – 5 h 30 m (1 stop)
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €95 | high |
| February | €85 | high |
| March | €70 | medium |
| April | €65 | medium |
| May | €45 | low |
| June | €40 | low |
| July | €42 | low |
| August | €45 | low |
| September | €38 | low |
| October | €55 | medium |
| November | €70 | medium |
| December | €110 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Thai AirAsia (direct): from €35 — Book directly on AirAsia app or website for lowest prices. Use Big Credit Card for additional discounts. Checked bags cost more at airport than online.
- Bangkok Airways (direct): from €120 — Worth the premium for the included baggage allowance and more comfortable experience. Blue Ribbon class includes lounge access at BKK.
- Thai VietJet Air (direct): from €300 — Check their website for promo codes. Wednesday flash sales often offer fares under 1,000 THB. Baggage cheaper when booked with flight.
- Thai Lion Air (direct): from €40 — Lion Basic is extremely restrictive – ensure you understand the no-refund policy. Lion Value is better value if you need checked baggage.
- Thai Airways (direct): from €90 — Often not cheapest but includes full service and reliable connections. Better experience than low-cost carriers. Check Star Alliance redemptions.
Booking Strategy
For Bangkok to Chiang Mai, book 2-6 weeks ahead for the best deals. This short domestic route sees dynamic pricing based on load factors. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically €10-20 cheaper than Friday-Sunday. Use Google Flights to track price trends – prices fluctuate daily. Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet offer the cheapest fares, but factor in baggage costs if needed. Booking directly with airlines is usually cheaper than using OTAs for this route. Songkran Festival (mid-April) and Loy Krathong (November) see surge pricing – book 6+ weeks ahead for these periods. Early morning flights (6-8am) are consistently cheapest, while midday departures premium pricing applies.
Route Tips
- Book early morning Thai AirAsia flights (6-8am departure) for the absolute lowest fares – these can drop below €30 during promotions.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main departure point – ensure you arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights due to security queues.
- Low-cost carriers have strict baggage policies – measure and weigh your cabin bag before arriving at airport to avoid €30+ excess bag fees.
- Consider flying into Don Mueang Airport (DMK) instead of BKK for Thai AirAsia and Lion Air – prices can be €10-20 cheaper from DMK.
- Download the Grab app before arriving in Chiang Mai – it’s the most reliable way to get a metered taxi from the airport.
- If visiting during November’s Loy Krathong festival, book flights 6+ weeks in advance as domestic tourism peaks during this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Chiang Mai (CNX) take approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. This is one of the busiest domestic routes in Thailand with over 30 daily flights. If opting for connecting flights (via Phuket or other airports), expect total travel time between 3 hours 15 minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes. Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet operate the most frequent departures, with flights roughly every 30-60 minutes during peak hours. All commercial flights land at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), located about 3 kilometers southwest of the city center.
How much does it cost to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Economy class tickets range from €35 to €150 depending on airline, season, and booking timing. Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet offer the cheapest fares starting around €35-50 for basic economy. Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways premium economy cost €90-150 but include baggage allowance. The most expensive period is December to February (Thai high season) when prices average €95-110. The cheapest deals appear in September-October during low season, with fares as low as €35-45. Budget an additional €10-25 for checked baggage on low-cost carriers if needed.
Are there direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Yes, direct flights are readily available with over 30 daily departures. Five airlines operate this route: Thai AirAsia (most frequent), Thai VietJet Air, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways. Flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). There is no need for connecting flights on this route as direct service is abundant and cheap. The only reason to consider a connection would be if combining travel to Chiang Mai with another destination like Phuket.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
September offers the lowest prices, averaging €38, coinciding with Thailand’s low season and end of monsoon. October and November see moderate pricing around €55-70 as tourism picks up. May through August offers consistent low prices (€40-45) but expect occasional rain. December through February is peak season with prices averaging €85-110 due to cool, dry weather ideal for exploring. If your schedule is flexible, September and early October provide the best balance of low prices and acceptable weather, though occasional flooding can occur in northern Thailand during monsoon season.
Which airlines fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Five airlines serve this route: Thai AirAsia (budget, cheapest at €35-60), Thai VietJet Air (budget, €45-70), Thai Lion Air (budget, €40-65), Bangkok Airways (premium, €120-150 with baggage included), and Thai Airways (full-service, €90-130). Low-cost carriers dominate with over 80% of flights. All budget airlines charge extra for checked baggage – factor in 400-600 THB per 15-20kg bag. Bangkok Airways offers the most comfortable experience with priority boarding and lounge access. Thai Airways provides the most reliable service with full meal service on this short hop.
What airport do I fly into in Chiang Mai?
You will arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), located about 3 kilometers (2 miles) southwest of the Old City. The airport is small and easy to navigate. Transport options into the city include: Songthaew (red truck) – 50-100 THB per person to the Old City; Grab (Thai Uber) – 150-250 THB to most locations; Taxi – 200-300 THB fixed rate to city center; Hotel shuttles – many hotels offer free pickups. The journey to the Old City takes 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. There is no train or metro connection at CNX.
How far in advance should I book Bangkok to Chiang Mai flights?
For this route, booking 4-6 weeks ahead typically yields the best prices. Low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia and Thai VietJet use dynamic pricing based on load factors, so prices increase as flights fill up. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for standard travel, but allow 6+ weeks for peak periods (December, Songkran in April, Loy Krathong in November). Last-minute bookings (under 7 days) can be expensive unless seats remain unsold. Tuesday and Wednesday departures booked on Monday or Tuesday the week prior often secure last-minute deals under €50.
Is it cheaper to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to fly this route, with savings of €10-25 compared to Friday-Sunday. Monday and Thursday fall in the middle price range. Weekend departures (Friday-Sunday) command premium pricing as Thai domestic tourists travel for weekend getaways. The difference is most pronounced during high season (December-February) when weekend fares can be €30-50 higher than midweek. For best value, aim for Tuesday or Wednesday departures in the early morning (6-8am) slots.
Data updated: 2026-03
