Chiang Mai Airport supports many international flights daily. Direct flights connect the city with Singapore, Taipei, Kumming (China), Vientiane and Luang Prabang (Laos), and Yangoon and Mandalay (Myanmar).

Domestic flights connect to Bangkok, Samui, Phuket, Mai Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Mae Sot, Phitsanulok, and Sukhothai.

Carriers include Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Silk Air, Air Andaman, Mandarin Airlines, Lao Aviation and Air Mandalay.

Although small, Chiang Mai’s airport is well equipped with travellers’ facilities. Upstairs is a book store and large restaurant, while the ground floor provides several fast-food outlets, car-rental booth, money changers, ATM, a tourist information booth, taxi service and a phone office. For more information, contact the airport on +66 (0)53 793 048 Ext. 120

There is only one licensed taxi service that provides comfortable cars that can take up to four or five people and their luggage. Pick up a taxi at the taxi stand just outside the baggage claim area and present it to the taxi drivers outside by the main arrival area exit. The airport is only 2-3km from the city centre.

From Bangkok’s Northern bus terminal (also known as Mo Chit), there are a variety of buses that make the 12 hour journey to Chiang Mai. Classes range from rough non-air-conditioned buses to air-conditioned VIP buses with reclining seats. Best to buy your ticket at the Mo Chit bus station directly to ensure that you get the bus that you want and the right price. Take the Skytrain to Mo Chit Skytrain Station.

There are a variety of daily and nightly trains that run from Bangkok’s Hualampong Station (Tel: 02 220 1690 / 02 220 4334). Special Express trains have two daily evening departures, providing 1st class private cabins with a sink and individually controlled air-conditioning, and 2nd class sleeper with or without air-con. Rapid trains and Express diesel rail cars offer 2nd and 3rd class seating, with two departures each in the morning and evening.

Public transport within urban Chiang Mai is by songtaew (essentially converted pickups with bench seating) samlor (Pedi cabs or tricycles) and tuk-tuk (motorized tricycles) Hoards of red songtaews ply the streets looking for passengers. Just flag one down, state your destination and if it’s going that way, you can ride for a few baht (usually around 10-60 baht, depending on the distance). Tuk-tuks work on a charter basis at around 30-60 baht per trip. After midnight, tuk-tuks charge a flat rate of around 50 baht, no matter the distance. Samlors cost around 20-40 baht for most trips.

If you would like to rent a vehicle, cars, 4WDs and minivans are readily available at several locations throughout the city. Be sure that it is covered by insurance – ask to see the documents and carry a photocopy with you while driving.

International car companies with rental outlets in Chiang Mai are Avis (Tel: 053 201 574), Budget (Tel: 053 202 871. Located at Chiang Mai Airport), National (Tel: 053 210 188. Located at Amari Rincome Hotel), and Journey (Tel: 053 208 787. Email: journeycnx@thaimail.com).

You can rent a Honda motorbike for 100-200 baht per day. Common models are 100cc-150cc. You can find some bigger Honda and Yamaha bikes for anywhere between 350-900 baht per day depending on the model and season. Thai law requires the driver to wear a helmet, but if riding pillion, it’s a good idea to get one for the passenger as well.