Chiang Mai Airport Explained: Arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport, Thailand 2023. CNX tips!

[@anups7958]

Great information! Planning to arrive at Chiangmai Mai soon and this is some fantastic info.

[@flor35953]

Cant wait to visit chiang mai next month 🙏🙏

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Great! I hope you enjoy it. We have a few videos showing some good activities and places that might interest you.

[@Nikki.L.L]

Thanks for making this video especially about the transportation from the airport and sim card!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Our pleasure! We hope you enjoy Chiang Mai and can now get out of the airport fast and easy!

[@jacquesslabbert1092]

Cant wait to go to Chiang Mai in January. I have been travelling to Thailand (mainly Bangkok and Phuket) for the past 9 years (except for during covid) . January 2024 I celebrate my 60th and there is no better place than doing it in my country away from home. Chiang Mai always has been on my bucket list. So now it is confirmed. Planes booked and I will be 8 days in Chiang Mai then fly down to my beloved Phuket. Warmest greetings from Cape Town, South Africa.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Great news, Jacques. January is the tail end of the winter so a great month to visit. Best wishes.

[@matthewkendall8544]

Really excellent intro to Thailand. I just subscribed

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Matthew. I'm glad you liked it. You have no idea how many times I walked up and down that airport hallway recording the video... (:

[@Kaidad2024]

Bum gun! Always informative. Visiting to volunteer at Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai always a delight! Thanks!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Now that sounds like a lifetime adventure! Have fun.

[@sharbymj]

Thank you so much. I am not a seasoned traveler even though I’ve been to Thailand once before and the Philippines. I’m 68 and I struggle to make flights and transportation connections. This will really help me out with my anxiety issues. This will be our first time in Chiang Mai.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I'm go glad it helped. And welcome to Chiang Mai. If you are coming soon, good for you, it is just starting winter so the best weather. Check out our other videos on things to do and where to stay in Chiang Mai. I hope they are helpful. Best wishes!

[@learnings.infinity]

Loved watch it❤

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks for watching!. We hope you will subscribe: www.youtube.com/@RetiredGlobalLife?sub_confirmation=1 and don't forget to ring the notification bell to get notified of new videos. If you are looking for how to find a great hotel in Chiang Mai, check out our video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4eplXSQedCYhKM

[@PhilHare-er8nr]

So good - so much useful information. Good stuff!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Phil! Glad it helped you.

[@aprianto1985]

Great info and helpful.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks for the nice words! Appreciated.

[@Caferide1]

Well done to you both for getting through your big day out for the benefit of us viewers!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@k9companion231]

Great information but just a caveat, before you leave the states open a Charles Schwab high interest checking account for full reimbursements at the end of the month for ATM fees, if you bring cash, when you arrive, go one floor down and receive a better exchange rate and like you said always bring baby wipes just in case.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yes! Schwab is great! It's what I use. I should have mentioned it.

[@knowthygod-olivergonsalves2336]

Enjoyed your discomfort explaining the "Bum Gun".....Never gave a thought about pressure and temperature.....Good one

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks Ollie, you are now ready to bum gun safely! Take care amigo.

[@anups7958]

Love the recommendations for eating places.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks for your messages. Never heard of Jet Spray as a name but does add a James Bond element to cleaning yourself I suppose! Definitely cleaner, no doubt. Have a great time in Chiang Mai!

[@whistler1056]

I love watching your videos! You two have such fun sharing important information! Arriving exhausted after a long flight can be shocking so any information can ease that transition. When I arrived in Chiang Mai I didn't know up from down so these tips can really reduce the stress. Keep making the videos!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Big thank you! And come to Chiang Mai again soon.

[@roblacyclist1170]

Randy, I really enjoyed this video. Lots of helpful information. 😊🙏🏻.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffedwards5028]

That was a great vlog. Look forward to watching more. Thank you and have a great day.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Jeff, much appreciated!

[@robinlawley8675]

Gracias por toda la información, ha sido muy útil. El 28 estaré en Chiang Mai y me va a ser de gran ayuda todos tus consejos.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Robin. We look forward to seeing you here.

[@AkwKossu]

You are really wonderful couple! Thanks for the video!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

What a nice comment to wake up to! Thanks!

[@pete106]

Great video guys. Very tip a winner and will be using them all. 🙏😊

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Peter. Glad it was helpful!

[@hannahathaway7220]

Thank you, this was so helpful! I love to travel, but navigating foreign places gives me a lot of anxiety, yet your video has given me more peace of mind now that I know what to expect.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks. You have no idea how many times security gave me a hard time for filming at the airport...

[@rochellaspiras]

Your vlog are amazingly informative!! My family is planning to visit Chiang Mai, uour vlog has helped me a lot!!!Thank you !!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks! It is always great to hear they help people experience Chiang Mai.

[@charliemulligan1988]

Thank you so much Randy and Joy. you are making my decision much easier to make Chiang Mai my next adventure.😊. I think you’re both very lovely. I am hoping to see Chiang Mai by early November. Thanks for everything.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Charlie! You will be arriving for the best weather period. Congrats.

[@jocko_]

Great video great info. Thanks!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks so much! We appreciate it. Take care.

[@anna_m59]

I watched second time just few hours before my departure. Thank you Randy!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Anna! I hope it helps you visualize walking out those doors from baggage/immigration so all is familiar to you. Enjoy Chiang Mai!

[@anna_m59]

@@RetiredGlobalLife I let you know right now waiting in lax lounge for my midnight fly 🥲

[@kohein404]

very useful

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy your visit to Chiang Mai.

[@davedaniels4967]

I have to say, Joy is very pleasant 😊. I really don't understand why we don't have bum guns in America. I've used the built-in ones in Japan, and they are fantastic! Big savings on paper! Try it before you condemn the idea.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yes, Joy is sweet. Thank you. Many love the bum gun and want one in the US. I'm sure they have them, just not popular.

[@anna_m59]

We have water line coming out from the toilet including warm air dryer. There are many brand that are excellent you just need to replace your old toilet to new one. Also European has a toilet and next to it a vet bide that they are using for centuries.

[@davedaniels4967]

​@@RetiredGlobalLifeYes, they have them in America. I have one installed in my toilet.

[@davedaniels4967]

​@@anna_m59Yes, I have one installed and have been using it for several years now.

[@tanya4691]

My husband, a plumber put one in after we got back from Thailand. And during Covid he was putting them in a lot for others due to the TP shortage.

[@amandamurdoch3587]

Thank you for the bike rental tip.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Amanda!

[@gomiguelgo]

Very helpful❤

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thankks and hope you have a great visit.

[@philsummers579]

Thank you Randy and Joy, great timing, I am just about to leave BKK for CM, I should arrive in CM at about 12.20pm. For the first time, really looking forward to it. First time for my wife too.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Phil and have fun here!

[@CharlieBrown-j1w]

Thanks for another great video I think I’ve seen everyone. Always fun to watch. Met my wife in Udon in 2005 and we just finished our home in a small village southeast of Udon last year. Next is to Sell our business in Colorado then sell the house and make the move. I’m thinking of visiting Chang Mai on a regular basis to make friends and maybe a little golf.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Sounds like you've got a great life, and great plan, going. Congrats! See you here one day.

[@samhicks2220]

Dearest Randy Hicks, My name Samuel Hicks from New Mexico. My girlfriend and I are flying Chiang Mai on the last day of November, 2024. She is a Philipina and living near Manila. I had to laugh at your video because my girlfriend was absolutely appalled to learn that Americans generally do not use a bidet.Thanks for you and your girlfriends videos.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, yes, most Americans have never seen a bidet until they go overseas, or at least Europe where they are common. November and December are nice months in Chiang Mai. Maybe see you around town!

[@TerryAShaw]

Bueno, thanks for this.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Terry. I hope you enjoy Chiang Mai!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, Terry, my pleasure.

[@anna_m59]

Wow what a timing. I am in 2 days in CM from California..

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Glad to finish it in time for your visit! Enjoy your stay.

[@ronboston6529]

thank you...very helpful..I am due in in CM next Wed.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Great to hear. And so glad it will be helpful to you. Take care.

[@brianwhiteside4178]

HI Randy ! Another great video full of information and tips. I love the ease of the Chiang Mai airport. Most things are well layed out , with English signs to direct you around. I haven't been lucky enough to have someone as beautiful as your Joy , waiting for me yet. Maybe in the future 🙂🤞. Yes !! Dangerous to walk into a men's room carrying a camera 😅

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, Brian, yes all true! And I see that woman in your future.

[@ronboston6529]

Hello Randy, I am Ron, been following your channel for sometime. I am excited that I will arrive in Chiang Mai on Thursday night. I have taken note of many of your recommendations. I am staying at the Aruntara with my soon to be finance from PHI. Maybe we could meet for a beer?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hi Ron and welcome. Bad timing. I just returned to California for a while, no joke, yesterdat, so I'll be editing and posting from here until I return in November. Have fun!

[@justsayin...2784]

Been to Thailand a few times now, but never been to Chiang Mai... So, yeah, I know about songthaews and sim cards and money exchange and bum guns, etc. This year, looking to spend some time there -- maybe a week or so -- on the last leg of my trip, flying in from Koh Samui. Then at the end of my visit, down to Bangkok for a day or two and back home. So, basically, just hoping to be able to make the most out of my time there -- avoiding any first-timer missteps.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

You've been here... sounds like you will do great.

[@WanderlustReports]

This airport seems so long when you arrive at international and want to get a taxi... Perfect video explaining everything you always wanted to know about Chiang Mai airport but were afraid to ask. Oh Yeah! Chick-chicka...

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yes, looooong. But so easy. I was so proud of the chart I made, I wanted to keep in on screen forever, haha.

[@WanderlustReports]

​@@RetiredGlobalLifeA pure masterpiece! 😅

[@anups7958]

That bum gun is also known as jet spray and very popular in South Asia…makes you way cleaner than toilet paper :)

[@seekhearts]

just one thing, with grab and bolt, you can pay with your card as well if you add one as a payment method.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Good to know. I thought that was only for Thai bank cards so you could pay by QR scan. Take care.

[@seekhearts]

@@RetiredGlobalLife used my Revolut and Wise visa, makes it super easy.

[@philwebster3914]

Thanks for the information, one question please, I thought you could use a debit card for Bolt and Grab ?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Perhaps that's true. I guess download the app and see it it lets you load it as an option. I have a Thai bank account so I can pay by scanning a QR code with my phone, although I find cash easier.

[@desyfenfen]

Hello 😊, it is so good to find your youtube channel, it's fun to watch and also very usefull information, because i have a plan with family ( 5 include me and my mom 75 yo ) to visit Chiang Mai next year on February 2024 . I have a question, If i want to visit Doi Inthanon National Park. Which one most comfort and affordable , by Grab Car, rent a car with driver , or booking a 1 day travel ? Thank you 😊.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hiring a driver for a day including car and gas is around 1,400. You can book it online via Grab or find a driver you like on short trips and do your own deal. Caution, February can be the start of the burning season some years. Others not terrible until March, but chancy. Come a month or two earlier if you can for clean air. Watch our weather video "Best Time Thailand" if you don't know about the burning season. Take care.

[@desyfenfen]

@@RetiredGlobalLife thank you for your reply 😊. I'm planning to visit Chiang Mai in the early Feb ( 3rd - 7th Feb ), is the burning season already started yet ? Because I read from online that during that time my visit, there'll be The Annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival at Nong Buak Haad Public Park. Thank you 😊.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

The burning season is different every year, as it depends when farmers start burning. And some years are mildly bad and some, like 2023, very bad. The worst months are March and April generally. You stand a chance of little or no bad air in early February, but I'm just alerting you there is a chance the burning season could begin. But since you are saying early Feb, not late, you are likely okay. February and May are shoulder months for the burning season.@@desyfenfen

[@desyfenfen]

Ok, thank youu for your reply Randy 😊. Your information really help my plan to visit Chiang Mai 😇. Best wishes for you and Joy 🙏🤗

[@annchurchill2638]

I was lucky to have my family meeting me. It might be a good idea to have a totally bilingual(English) Thai representative working there.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Having a Thai partner makes life soooooooo much nicer and easier. And when I speak Thai and no one understands me, Joy can translate what I just said in Thai to actual Thai.

[@toddbrooks8845]

Thank you! We’ll be landing in Chiang Mai this week! Quick question: my phone is locked. Is there a place in the airport where I can buy a cheap unlocked phone and then get a SIM card after?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I hope you have a great trip, Todd. I've never asked about phones, just SIM cards. I don't see what in the US we call burner phones, those super cheap ones with purchaseable minutes. I don't know if they exist in Thailand.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

But I think the "lock" is only for your phone number. I'm not sure about data. I think any phone can use wifi, however, and if you are like a lot of us, we just use Apps to communicate.

[@s.porter8646]

Take the electric cab, it's super quiet and comfy and clean

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I don't think I've noticed any electric cabs. Thanks for the tip.

[@s.porter8646]

@@RetiredGlobalLife they're the BYD

[@koufax174]

Excellent, very helpful and cheerful video. Thank you. Do you have video on meeting women not online? Are Thai women friendly to meeting foreigners? I don’t drink and don’t go to bars. Thank you.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Hi and thanks. Joy and I plan to do some videos on that subject. For now I'll tell you yes, Thai women like westerners, but many don't speak much English which is a challenge. To meet the nice "real" Thai women you just live a normal life there and meet them serving you in a restaurant, a clerk in a store, buying something next to you at the grocery store, et cetera.

[@koufax174]

@@RetiredGlobalLifeThank you very much for that 🙏🏼

[@loretteparrillo4170]

Bum gun.....😅. Crazy!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, I'd never seen or used one until my first time in Thailand seven or so years ago. Now they seem pretty sensible actually.

[@letsseechannel8759]

😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thank you! And ❤❤❤❤❤ right back to you! I hope you visit us again.

[@farawayfred802]

Great video! My wife and I arrive on Friday to start our retirement there. We have an Airbnb for a couple weeks. Could you recommend a realtor to help us find a pet friendly home( med size dog). Thanks in advance.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Congrats! Perfecthomes is quite popular and large. I don't hear great things about Route 66, however. Driving through neighborhoods you like can also lead to finding places. Not everyone wants to pay the fee for a realtor so advertise themselves. Best wishes.

[@farawayfred802]

@@RetiredGlobalLife , Thank you! I appreciate it.

[@Will-cc4wb]

Randy, I was wondering if temporarily relocating to one of the nearby countries would be an option to escape the burning of the fields in mid-February as Joy mentioned in an earlier video? Or is it an SE Asia-wide occurrence with local crop farmers? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated as I try to plan our trip. Thanks!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Your idea is right on. What you propose is what we all do. You can stay in Thailand and go to the islands. No issue there. You will find some smoke, but much less, in Bangkok in the burning season, and the usual smog. Or return to your home country, or travel to Vietnam, the Philippines, S. Korea, Japan, or wherever, just not Laos and Myanmar as those are the worst burners.

[@rebeccad8568]

Great video. One thing I would add about Grab vs Bolt debate is that Grab is more expensive but actually Bolt price is an estimate and can be changed as you are in the taxi. Crazy right? But it happened to me. I had a taxi booked for 79 baht to Maya. There was traffic and when we arrived the driver explained the cost was now 104 baht. So I messaged Bolt. They said every price is an estimate only. They can change the price if any ‘circumstances’ affect the ride. I have only had this happen once in two weeks but if it becomes a regular occurance, I’ll go back to Grab who don’t do this.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Funny but that happened to me for the first time just last week. I didn't know it was possible either. But I've heard of Grab drivers in Bangkok who will stop a far midway when a drive turns difficult and timely and won't continue for the set fare. So I guess it cuts both ways. Never heard of that problem in Chiang Mai, however.

[@vhangelotang4244]

Hello! I am arriving Chiang mai at around 11:35pm. Are the taxi booth still open by that time?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I have never arrived that late but I am under the impression they would be available. And you always have Bolt as a back up ride share.

[@vhangelotang4244]

Thank you for the advise, sir. ​@@RetiredGlobalLife

[@justice4all997]

Can I still walk left towards the street and catch a sougthou red truck? To around the north end of old city 30-50 baht?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I've never walked to take a songtow, but the airport is quite central so you can walk right out of it and be on a main street and only 5 minutes to town, so I don't see why not. There is also a bus stop there but no benches and the times do not seem reliable from my limited observation.

[@briandumont7272]

I'll be arriving Oct. 17 for 3 weeks. Just wondering about Grab. Do I need to use a car or can I pay cash? Thanks.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Do you mean use a card? You pay cash for Grab and Bolt, unless you connect a Thai banking account, which you likely don't have. So pay cash. In Chiang Mai, Bolt is a tad cheaper I find, and the drivers arrive more quickly. Can't say if that is the same in all Thai cities. Grab is great too.

[@briandumont7272]

Thanks. I'll download Bolt (already downloaded Grab). Good to know, unlike Uber or Lyft, I don't need a card!

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Cash for Grab and Bolt unless you get a Thai baank card to scan the Q code.@@briandumont7272

[@tonyste12]

Nice and useful video.....doesn't water run down your legs, getting your clothes wet, when using the 'water hose'? :)

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Thanks, and yes... if I had bad aim.

[@tonyste12]

@@RetiredGlobalLife also you gonna need a 'steady' hand :)

[@curiousboy2204]

What are the operation hours of the airport shuttle bus (50 baht) ?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

That's a good question and one I admit I didn't check when I did the video. Sorry. But I can tell you that Bolt is 24 hours a day and a fare from the airport to Old City is only going to cost you about 70 baht, so that's barely more than the shuttle. Cheaper than Grab always by about 50 baht. Take care.

[@curiousboy2204]

@@RetiredGlobalLife Thank you for your reply. I asked because my flight over to Chiangmai might arrive 6pm or later. Do let me know anyways if you happen to know about it later. Thank you.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

@@curiousboy2204 I would guess there will be the shuttle at that time as there are many flights coming in at that time frame and they are there to serve people and make money. Have a great trip and enjoy CM.

[@curiousboy2204]

@@RetiredGlobalLife So I arrived there about 3.30pm local time and the service was still available. However, take note that all the passengers arriving at the airport exits at one end of the airport (where all the taxi booths are) , but the location of this shuttle bus booth was all the way at the other end of the airport. Hence, there is really not many people who would even come to know of this service. And as you mentioned, the bus would wait for 6 people before leaving. But when I was there, there were another 2 people waiting so all 3 of us went together but the price was quoted at 100 THB for each of us. And the van did take us to our respective accomodation. I think this transportation option would be most suitable for those travelling in a group , preferably close to 6 people, since it can just leave right away, contrary to what you mentioned in your video about it not being suitable for groups.

[@flor35953]

Is the chiang mai airport is free wifi sir?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I have a Thai phone so I have not checked. But seems every airport does, especially in Thailand which is very digital, so I'd have to guess yes.

[@flor35953]

Thank you sir 😊

[@Janman-vq8sn]

I'm after a private tour guide to hire for the whole day, where can I find someone like that ?

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

I don't really know exactly. There are tour offices you will walk by all the time and could ask them about someone who could give a tour just for you. Or if you have a Grab or Bolt (like Uber) you have and like you can hire the by the day for about $2000 baht to drive you all over. Some might be good tour guides. Take care.

[@glorgau]

Who's that strange farang videoing himself in the stall? ;-)

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Haha, yes, I'm sure the three stalls next to me were wondering exactly that. Or worse, they were Westerners and spoke English, and thought I was talking to myself...

[@bigdogpapix]

Thank you, Randy and Joy, for another great and timely video. Great info as always. I'll be in Chiang Mai from Nov 9 to Nov 14. Randy - my previous offer stands - lunch/dinner on me. I would love to meet you both. Let me know if you are in town then. And, with your permission, I'll email you via your gmail address. I look forward to hearing from you. Safe travels...

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

We'd enjoy grabbing a coffee or something withyou. But I'm not in Chiang Mai on the dates you say. I'm back on Nov 29th. So let me know if you will be back after that. Take care.

[@bigdogpapix]

Hello Randy. I am sorry i will miss you. I am only in Chiang Mai in early November. I then head back to Bangkok, Singapore, then back home to California. Perhaps on my next trip. Keep making the great videos. I watch them all. You are both great and very personable. Be well. Stay safe. Safe travels.....

[@cjinasia9266]

This is hilarious. Getting lost at CNX is next to impossible. If you can survive the transfer at BKK, this is easy.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yes, I don't think I said you'd get lost at CNX. One long hallway. Super, super simple!

[@mmaranta785]

Often there are female janitors cleaning the men’s room.

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Yes, that is the case. I used to live in France many years ago and back then almost all their bathrooms were unisex, one for both men and women. At first it felt funny, then after a while we make too much of a big deal about that stuff and it feels normal.

[@sterntahlerklaus4800]

BLABLA crease premetiv PEOPLE

[@RetiredGlobalLife]

Sorry, I don't understand you but if you want to write back legibly I will reply. Thanks.