Cheap flights to Chiang Rai

Why Take a Flight to Chiang Rai

Nestled in Thailand's lush north, Chiang Rai is remarkably accessible by air from across Southeast Asia. Domestic flights depart hourly from Bangkok (1 hour 20 minutes), thrice daily from Chiang Mai (35 minutes), and daily from Phuket (2 hours), with Mae Fah Luang International Airport just 8km from the city center. Regional travelers can reach this cultural gem via direct flights from Singapore (3 hours), Kuala Lumpur (2.5 hours), and connecting services from Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta through Bangkok. Competitive fares start from just 990 THB (US$28) for domestic routes, while international connections range from 3,500 THB (RM420) from Malaysia to 5,800 THB (S$230) from Singapore. Most carriers offer early morning departures (from 6:00 AM) through evening slots (until 9:30 PM), with peak season bringing additional frequencies. With multiple daily flight options, flexible scheduling, and seamless connections from major Southeast Asian hubs, flying to Chiang Rai transforms a potentially lengthy journey into a convenient gateway to northern Thailand's treasures.

Book Flight Tickets to Chiang Rai

Securing your journey to Chiang Rai's enchanting landscapes has never been simpler with Omio's intuitive platform. Whether you're traveling domestically from Bangkok (BKK/DMK), Phuket (HKT), or Chiang Mai (CNX), or internationally from Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), or Jakarta (CGK), Omio provides comprehensive flight options to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI). Compare flights from Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, and Thai Lion Air with real-time pricing displayed in Thai Baht, Malaysian Ringgit, Vietnamese Dong, or Singapore Dollars. The platform's secure payment gateway accommodates multiple currencies and international cards, ensuring seamless transactions. After booking, receive instant digital tickets directly to your mobile device, complete with live updates on gate changes or delays. For optimal savings, book 45-60 days in advance and remember that international travelers require passports valid for at least six months beyond their stay, while domestic travelers need only government-issued ID cards. Omio's filter options help you find the perfect balance between budget and convenience for your Chiang Rai adventure.

Popular Flights to Chiang Rai

Travelers seeking the enchanting landscapes of northern Thailand have several convenient options to reach Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI). The most frequent domestic route connects Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to CEI, with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways operating multiple daily flights lasting approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. From Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Thai AirAsia offers budget-friendly alternatives with similar flight times. Domestic travelers from Phuket International Airport (HKT) can enjoy direct Thai Smile Airways flights taking roughly 2 hours, while those from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) have ultra-short 30-minute hops via Thai AirAsia. For international connections, Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN) offers one-stop services via Bangkok with Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, typically totaling 4 hours including layover. From Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), AirAsia provides convenient connections through Bangkok with a total journey time of approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, making Chiang Rai increasingly accessible to Southeast Asian travelers seeking Thailand's northern gem.

Getting Around Chiang Rai

Navigating Chiang Rai is manageable despite its lack of mass transit systems like metros or trams. The city primarily relies on songthaews (shared pickup trucks with bench seating) that operate along set routes for 20-30 THB per trip, identifiable by their blue or white colors. Tuk-tuks provide more direct transportation, typically costing 60-100 THB for short trips within the city center, while negotiation is essential for longer journeys. For airport transfers, the blue city bus runs between Chiang Rai Airport and the city center (20 THB, 15-20 minutes), operating from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Ride-hailing services include Grab and inDrive, offering convenience through mobile apps with upfront pricing. Traditional taxis are limited but available at the airport and major hotels. Renting a motorbike (200-300 THB daily) or bicycle (100-150 THB daily) from guesthouses and rental shops provides flexibility for exploring the city and surrounding attractions. For day trips to outlying temples and waterfalls, tour agencies offer organized transportation options from 800 THB per person.

Things to do in Chiang Rai

Nestled in Thailand's mountainous north, Chiang Rai captivates visitors with its extraordinary cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. The city's crown jewel, Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), dazzles with its unconventional, ethereal design featuring intricate mirrored embellishments and contemporary artistic elements. Just as impressive are the azure-hued Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) and the hauntingly beautiful Black House (Baan Dam Museum), showcasing the region's artistic innovation. Nature enthusiasts will find paradise at the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge along the mighty Mekong River. For an authentic cultural immersion, visit the hill tribe villages of the Akha, Lisu, and Karen peoples, whose unique traditions have endured for centuries. The Singha Park's sprawling tea plantations offer serene vistas that capture the essence of northern Thailand's lush countryside.

Chiang Rai's vibrant Night Bazaar presents an ideal opportunity to sample local specialties like khao soi (curry noodle soup) and nam ngiao (spicy tomato and pork broth) while browsing handcrafted textiles and hill tribe artifacts. For an elevated dining experience, riverside restaurants serve freshwater fish with nam prik (chili dips) against mountain backdrops. The city comes alive during festivals like the Flower Festival (December-February) when temperate blooms transform the landscape into a colorful spectacle. Getting around is convenient with songthaews (shared pickup trucks), while renting a motorbike offers freedom to explore hidden gems like Mae Fah Luang Garden and the revered Wat Phra That Doi Tung. When planning your visit, the cool season (November-February) delivers ideal weather for temple-hopping and outdoor adventures in this enchanting northern province.