$463 Cheap Flights to Chiang Rai

Flights to Chiang Rai at a glance

Traveling to Chiang Rai is easy: you can choose from various airlines, whether full-service or budget-friendly. Compare journey durations to find the flight to Chiang Rai that fits your budget and itinerary, allowing you to explore the city's renowned attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.

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

Popular airport in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a vibrant city that appeals to business travelers and families alike, thanks to its rich culture, stunning scenery, and outdoor adventures. With its major airport, Chiang Rai International Airport, visitors can easily access this captivating destination, making it a convenient choice for memorable vacations.

• Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI): Situated in the Chiang Rai Province, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking travelers to approximately 3 domestic cities and 2 international destinations. Passengers have the option to enhance their travel experience by upgrading to business class or premium economy class seating based on the specific routes and airlines. Notable airlines operating at this airport include Thai Airways International, Nok Air, and Thai AirAsia.

Top routes to Chiang Rai

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

Cheapest routes to Chiang Rai

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

• Thai Airways International: This airline operates flights to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), handling roughly 40% of arrivals. Average one-way tickets cost around $90, with premium service options available, including premium economy and business class, depending on the specific route.
• Nok Air: Serving Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Nok Air represents about 25% of arrivals in the region. Travelers can expect average one-way fares to be around $70, making it a popular choice.
• Thai AirAsia: Connecting to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), Thai AirAsia accounts for approximately 12% of arrivals. The typical cost for a one-way ticket is about $120, offering a budget-friendly option.
• APG Airlines: This carrier flies into Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), contributing to around 12% of arrivals. Average one-way fares are approximately $80, providing another economical travel choice.
• Hahn Air: Hahn Air services Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) and makes up about 9% of arrivals. The average fare for a one-way journey is around $110, appealing to various travelers.

Best time to fly to Chiang Rai

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Chiang Rai are January, February, and March, when peak temperatures in Chiang Rai can reach up to 81.7°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 83.1°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 Chiang Rai

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Chiang Rai

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

• Public transportation: From Chiang Rai International Airport, Chiang Rai Seaport, a seaport, is located about 0.2 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot, while Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, a bus station, is situated approximately 6.7 miles away by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chiang Rai, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Chiang Rai is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai

• Wieng: Wieng is located in the area of Chiang Rai and is a charming village that offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors flock to Wieng for its vibrant public market and shopping mall center, where you can immerse yourself in local life. Key attractions include the stunning Chiang Rai Clock Tower, a beautiful landmark perfect for photos, and Wat Phra Kaew, a serene temple that showcases local architecture. Don't miss the King Meng Rai the Great Monument, which stands as a tribute to the founder of Chiang Rai, making Wieng an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts.
• Ban Du: Ban Du is located in the area of Chiang Rai and is an excellent spot for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views. This village offers thrilling experiences, with attractions like the picturesque Pongphrabath Waterfall, perfect for a romantic outing or an adventurous hike. The modern Chiang Rai Rajabhat University adds an educational flavor to the area, while the Wat Huai Pla Kung Temple provides a peaceful retreat for reflection. With its blend of nature and culture, Ban Du is a must-visit for travelers looking to explore the great outdoors.
• Mae Kon: Mae Kon is located in the area of Chiang Rai and is a delightful village renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquil landscapes, including the expansive Singha Park, which offers a beautiful farm experience. The iconic White Temple, known for its unique architecture, is a significant cultural landmark worth exploring. Families can enjoy a day at Boon Rawd Farm, a sculpture garden that combines art with nature. Mae Kon is perfect for travelers wanting to connect with the serene beauty of the region.

Tips for short-haul flights to Chiang Rai

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 cost-effective. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time and consider bringing a book to keep yourself entertained. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Chiang Rai

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 often provide complimentary seat selection once online check-in begins, typically 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier than this.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—make sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights to ensure you have enough time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you find yourself with extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, visit a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Most airports offer free and accessible Wi-Fi.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to sync your body clock by changing your watch and sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Chiang Rai

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai. 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 Chiang Rai. 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 Chiang Rai, 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 Chiang Rai

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Chiang Rai in 2026 starts from $927, while one-way tickets start from from $463. 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 Chiang Rai. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Chiang Rai

All Nippon Airways are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Chiang Rai. 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 Chiang Rai and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Chiang Rai, 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 Chiang Rai. 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 Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai

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 Chiang Rai.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Chiang Rai are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Chiang Rai. 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 Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Rai. 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.