Airports Near Doi Suthep
ดอยสุเทพ
Quick Overview
| Airport | Code | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai International Airport Nearest | CNX | 15 km | Recommended |
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Distance: 15 km from Doi Suthep
Getting to Doi Suthep
* Prices and schedules are based on traveler reports from Pantip and may change. Always confirm with service providers.
| Transport | Price | Duration | Convenience | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Car (Songthaew) from Airport to Kad Suan Kaew | 30 THB | - | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Requires transfer to reach Doi Suthep. Further transfer needed at foot of the mountain. |
| Red Car (Songthaew) from Airport to Chiang Mai University | 50-80 THB | - | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Some services will take passengers to the station to change for rides to Doi Suthep. |
| Red Car (Songthaew) from Chiang Mai University to Doi Suthep | 40-60 THB | - | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Car departs when full. |
| Taxi from Airport to Chiang Mai University | 150-160 THB | - | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Metered taxi available but expect to pay a fixed price. |
| Taxi from Airport to Doi Suthep | - | - | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Expect a fixed price negotiation. |
| Charter Taxi/Red Car | 1,200-1,800 THB | 8 hr | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Charter for 8 hours. Fuel is usually not included. |
| Rent a motorbike | - | - | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Not suitable for inexperienced drivers. |
Local Tips
Real advice from Thai travelers: These tips are collected from Pantip, Thailand's largest online community where locals share travel experiences.
Take the red car (songthaew) to Kad Suan Kaew for 30 THB, then another red car to the foot of Doi Suthep for 30 THB. Finally, take a shared taxi to the top of Doi Suthep.
- shared by Thai travelers
Walk out of the airport to Central Airport Plaza and wait for the yellow Chiang Mai-Chom Thong bus. Get off at Chang Phueak Gate, where you can find shared taxis to Doi Suthep.
- shared by Thai travelers
Shared red cars (songthaews) around Chiang Mai will circle around to pick up and drop off other passengers, unless you charter it privately
- shared by Thai travelers
Be cautious of red car (songthaew) drivers who might try to overcharge tourists. Negotiate the price beforehand.
- shared by Thai travelers
If you are not an experienced driver, it is not recommended to rent a motorbike to go up to Doi Suthep, especially during the rainy season, as the roads can be slippery.
- shared by Thai travelers
To save money from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) to places like Chiang Mai University (CMU) or Nimmanhaemin, it is recommended to walk to the Central Airport Plaza, where songthaews can be found for a cheaper price.
- shared by Thai travelers
It is best to visit Doi Suthep during the day as the red car service ends in the evening.
- shared by Thai travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a taxi or red car from Chiang Mai airport to the University area?
Taxi from the airport will cost approximately 150 THB. Red cars should cost about 50-80 THB but may require walking to the front of the airport.
Is it possible to visit Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, and Doi Ang Khang in 3 days?
It is generally not recommended to visit all three locations in three days due to the long travel times between them. It is advised to pick a location and plan thoroughly.