Travel Options
If your international flight lands at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, several convenient travel options are available to reach Chiang Mai for IBIC 2027.
✈️ Option 1: Direct Connecting Flight (Fastest & Recommended)
Flying directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is the fastest and most convenient route.
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Flight Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes.
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Airlines: Full-service and regional carriers operate frequent daily direct flights from BKK, including Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Vietjet.
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Connecting at BKK: If your international ticket is booked through a single airline or alliance (e.g., Star Alliance), your luggage can often be checked all the way through to Chiang Mai (CNX), allowing you to clear domestic immigration seamlessly at BKK.
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From CNX Airport to the Venue: Chiang Mai International Airport is located just 10–15 minutes from The Empress Chiang Mai Hotel / Empress Convention Center. Metered taxis, Grab rides, and airport shuttles are readily available at the arrival terminal.
🚆 Option 2: Overnight Sleeper Train (Scenic & Experience)
Taking the overnight train is a classic Thai travel experience that lets you relax and wake up in Chiang Mai.
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Departure Station: Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bangkok's main rail hub).
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Getting to the Train Station from BKK: Take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) from BKK to Makkasan Station, transfer to the MRT Blue Line at Phetchaburi, and travel to Bang Sue Station connected directly to the central terminal. Alternatively, a direct taxi takes around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
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Travel Time: ~11 to 13 hours (overnight).
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Recommended Service: The Special Express No. 9 train offers modern 1st and 2nd class air-conditioned sleeper berths.
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Tickets: Sleeper berths fill up quickly and should be reserved in advance via the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) official portal or authorized ticketing platforms.
🚌 Option 3: Express / VIP Bus (Budget Choice)
Long-distance VIP buses operate between Bangkok and Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal.
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Departure Point: Mo Chit 2 (Northern Bus Terminal) in Bangkok.
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Getting to Mo Chit from BKK: Take a direct taxi or the Airport Rail Link + MRT to Chatuchak Park / Mo Chit.
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Travel Time: ~9 to 11 hours (overnight or daytime buses).
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Operators: Major operators like Sombat Tour and Bangkok Busline offer 24-seat VIP buses with spacious reclining seats, snacks, and air conditioning.
📌 Travel Tips for IBIC 2027 Attendees
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Same-Airport Transfers: When booking domestic flights, double-check that your flight departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Some budget airlines fly out of Bangkok’s second airport, Don Mueang Airport (DMK), which requires a 1-hour ground transfer between airports.
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Visa & Customs: If you transfer to a domestic flight at BKK, you will pass through Thailand Immigration (Passport Control) at Suvarnabhumi Airport before entering the domestic departures zone.
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Sim Cards & Currency Exchange: Cell phone SIM cards (AIS, TrueMove, dtac) and currency exchange booths are available 24/7 in the arrivals hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport.