$438 Cheap Flights to Mae Sai

Flights to Mae Sai at a glance

Flying to Mae Sai is easy—simply select from a range of full-service or budget airlines, compare travel times, and choose the best fit for your budget and itinerary as you plan to explore the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Mae Sai: Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
• Flights per week: 41 flights arriving at Mae Sai airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Mae Sai: around 5+ carriers

Popular airport near Mae Sai

Mae Sai is a captivating city ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, renowned for its stunning scenery and beach experiences. Travelers flock to Mae Sai for its natural beauty and thrilling activities, and it is conveniently served by a major airport.

• Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI): Situated in Chiang Rai Province, approximately 33 miles from Mae Sai, this airport caters to both domestic and international travelers. It connects to around 3 cities within Thailand and 2 international locations, allowing passengers the option to enhance their travel experience with business class and premium economy seating, depending on the airline and route. Key airlines operating here include Thai Airways International, Nok Air, and Thai AirAsia.

Top routes to Mae Sai

• Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Mae Sai (CEI), with one-way flights starting at around $30
• Phuket (HKT) to Mae Sai (CEI), with one-way fares starting at around $80
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Mae Sai (CEI), with one-way fares starting at around $520
• San Francisco (SFO) to Mae Sai (CEI), with one-way flight options from around $470

Cheapest routes to Mae Sai

• Bangkok (BKK/DMK) to Mae Sai (CEI), with budget one-way fares from around $30
• Phuket (HKT) to Mae Sai (CEI), with affordable one-way prices from around $80
• San Francisco (SFO) to Mae Sai (CEI), with cheap one-way fares from around $470
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Mae Sai (CEI), with cheap one-way fares from around $520

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Mae Sai

• Thai Airways International: This carrier operates flights to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) and is responsible for about 40% of arrivals in Mae Sai. The typical one-way ticket costs around $90, with premium cabin services like premium economy and business class varying by route.
• Nok Air: Serving Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Nok Air accounts for roughly 25% of the arrivals in Mae Sai. Travelers can expect average one-way fares to be about $70.
• Thai AirAsia: Providing services to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Thai AirAsia makes up approximately 12% of arrivals in Mae Sai. One-way tickets are typically priced around $120.
• APG Airlines: This airline flies into Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) and is responsible for about 12% of arrivals to Mae Sai. The average fare for a one-way journey is approximately $80.
• Hahn Air: Hahn Air operates flights to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) and contributes around 9% of arrivals in Mae Sai. One-way fares usually average about $110.

Best time to fly to Mae Sai

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Mae Sai are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Mae Sai can reach up to 78.3°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 81.1°F. For better deals, May and September usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $61, roughly 34% cheaper than the yearly average.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Mae Sai

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Mae Sai is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Mae Sai hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Mae Sai flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Mae Sai

Mae Sai welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Mae Sai efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Chiang Rai International Airport, Chiang Rai Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, a bus station, is situated about 6.7 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Mae Sai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Mae Sai is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Mae Sai on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Mae Sai

• Ko Chang: Nestled in the area of Mae Sai, Ko Chang offers travelers a delightful beach experience. Visitors can unwind on the sandy shores while enjoying the scenic views. Key attractions include the Maesai Customs House, perfect for those on a business trip; the Hall of Opium, a cultural museum that delves into the region’s history; and the Golden Triangle Viewpoint, an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts to take in breathtaking vistas.
• Huai Khrai: Huai Khrai is located in the area of Mae Sai and is a fantastic destination for travelers seeking scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. The village is surrounded by mountains and is home to several notable landmarks. Explore the majestic Wat Phra That Doi Tung, a temple steeped in culture, or visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa, a historic house showcasing the royal family's heritage. For a romantic outing or adventurous hike, the Wat Phra That Doi Tung Viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape.
• Pha Mi: Situated in the area of Mae Sai, Pha Mi is a charming village that attracts visitors with its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Nature lovers can hike to the Wild Boars Academy Team View Point for exhilarating mountain views. The Maesai Customs House also serves as a modern hub for business travelers. Additionally, the cultural site of Wat Phra That Doi Tung invites exploration, making it a perfect stop for those looking to immerse themselves in the local traditions.

Tips for short-haul flights to Mae Sai

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and coordinating your outfits effectively. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—short-haul flights frequently lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for even short or domestic flights, it's wise to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Mae Sai

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in begins, usually 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may permit seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security procedures, and immigration.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help mitigate jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Mae Sai

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Mae Sai on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

November is the cheapest month to fly to Mae Sai. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Mae Sai. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Mae Sai, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Mae Sai

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Mae Sai in 2026 starts from $862, while one-way tickets start from from $438. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Mae Sai. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Mae Sai

All Nippon Airways are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Mae Sai. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Mae Sai and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Mae Sai, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Mae Sai. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Mae Sai plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Mae Sai

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Mae Sai.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Mae Sai are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Mae Sai. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Mae Sai for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Mae Sai. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Mae Sai flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Mae Sai. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.