Chiang Mai International Airport [1] (CNX) handles both domestic and regional international flights. The route from Bangkok is one of the busiest in the country (Thai Airways flies daily almost every hour, with additional flights in the peak tourist season). Other airlines operating direct services from/to Chiang Mai include:
Air Asia [2] - a well-known Asian low-cost airline, flies from/to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport), Phuket, and also Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Usually it's a cheapest choice if you book at least a week before, with price tag (as of July 2009) just above 1000 baht from Bangkok and 2000-2500 baht from KL/Phuket; promotional fares may be even cheaper. Their prices can be significantly higher, however, if you book just a few days before, or want a specific day/flight.
Air Mandalay [3] - from/to Myanmar Bangkok Airways [4] - to Ko Samui (flights from Ko Samui are indirect), from/to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) and Sukhothai; flights from/to Jinghong (China) and from/to Siem Reap (Cambodia) have been cancelled due to the downturn in tourism. China Airlines [5] - from/to Taipei, Taiwan Korean Airlines [6] - Four flights weekly from Seoul/Incheon Lao Airlines [7] - from/to Luang Prabang (Laos), from there the flight continues onward to Vientiane Nok Air [8] - Thai (semi-)low-cost carrier, flies from/to Bangkok (Don Mueang airport, from 1400 baht and up) and Mae Hong Son. Starting from 17 January 2010, they also fly from/to Udon Thani, ticket price is 2400 baht. The latter, while still 4 times more expensive than bus, is more than twice cheaper than Lao Airlines' flight to Vientiane, which is easily accessible from Udon Thani. Nok Air only allows bookings of up to 3 months in advance. One-Two-Go [9] (low-cost division of Orient Thai Airlines [10] ) files from/to Bangkok (Don Mueang). They fly 23-26 years old McDonnell Douglas MD-83 jets, but if you do not afraid - it's often a cheapest (1450-1750 baht) option if you book during the last days before flight. One-Two-Go also only allows bookings of up to 3 months in advance. SGA [11] - Recently renamed 'Nok Mini'. - from/to Chiang Rai (twice daily), Mae Hong Son (once daily), Nan (Daily) and Pai (once daily). Their tickets are booked via Nok Air website. Silk Air [12] - from/to Singapore
Thai Airways [13] - from/to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport only, from 2500 baht and up, but sometimes there are promo fares as low as 1500) and Mae Hong Son; in addition, flights from and/or to Phuket & possibly Nan may also be available seasonally. Direct flights from/to Kunming (China) have been cancelled.
The airport is some 3 km south-west of the city centre, only 10-15 minutes away by car. Legal airport taxis charge a flat 120 baht for up to 5 passengers anywhere in the city; if you take a metered taxi, the fee will start from 40 baht + a 50 baht service fee from the Meter Taxi counter. The taxis operate from the exit at the north end of the terminal - after baggage claim and/or customs, walk into the reception hall and turn left. Alternatively, take bus #4 to the city center for 15 baht, or charter a tuk-tuk or songthaew for 50-60 baht. Most hotels and upper price range guesthouses offer cheap or free pick-up/drop-off services. | 
