Chiang Mai's airport is rather small, but very busy since Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for both Thai and foreign tourists. See our comprehensive Chiang Mai airport guide at Asia-Airports.com.
When departing Chiang Mai, you can easily get to the airport using a taxi or hotel transfer service. Note that you and your bags must pass through a scanner to get into the airport building. Check-in counters for all flights are located at the south end of the ground floor. After checking in for your flight, you can take the escalators up to the second floor to access the departure lounges. Note that if you are flying on an international flight, or a Thai Airways flight connecting directly to an international flight in Bangkok, you will need to go through immigration in Chiang Mai. Immigration and the international departure lounges are accessed at the south end of the terminal.
Airport Services
There aren't that many shops in Chiang Mai's airport. You'll find several places selling local handicrafts and produce, including outlets for the Royal Projects Foundation. For food, there is a Pizza stand, Ritazza Coffee stall, Puff & Pie and in an outdoor courtyard, a small Black Canyon Coffee garden. There's a full restaurant operated by Thai Airways on the second floor, as well as a few more shops.
Inside the domestic departure lounge, there is another souvenir shop, a small food shop, a snack bar and another Black Canyon Coffee outlet. For Thai business class passengers and Star Alliance Gold card holders, the lounge is located at the back of the departure lounge.