Yes, Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has designated smoking rooms for passengers. The main smoking area is a standalone structure near Exit 9 on the ground floor.
Exit 9 Smoking Area (Ground Floor)
- The main designated smoking area is a standalone structure near Exit 9 on the ground floor (Level 1 / arrivals level)
- Cross the road from the terminal exit to reach this dedicated smoking building
- This is the most commonly used and best-marked smoking location at CNX
Departures Level (Level 2)
- Outdoor smoking areas are available outside the departures entrance before entering the terminal
- Convenient for departing passengers who want a last smoke before check-in and security
Arrivals Level (Level 1)
- Additional outdoor areas outside the arrivals exit
- The ground-level area near transport pickup points has designated smoking zones
Terminal Layout
CNX has a single terminal building divided into domestic (northern portion, Gates 1-6) and international (southern portion, Gates 6-10) zones. Both areas are connected within the same structure — walking between them takes just a few minutes. The compact layout means it takes about 2-3 minutes from check-in to security and roughly 5 minutes from security to the farthest gate.
Thailand Smoking Regulations
Thailand’s Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017) bans smoking in all air-conditioned public spaces and within 5 meters of building entrances. Since February 3, 2019, all indoor smoking rooms at Thailand’s six major airports have been permanently removed. Fines for smoking in prohibited areas reach 5,000 baht (~$140 USD).
E-cigarettes and all vaping devices are completely banned in Thailand. Chiang Mai’s location near the Myanmar and Laos borders means customs officials are particularly thorough with luggage inspections. The 2025 crackdown resulted in 690 arrests across Thailand in a single week. Penalties include fines up to 30,000 baht and imprisonment up to 10 years.
Tips for Smokers at Chiang Mai International Airport
- Head to Exit 9 on the ground floor for the quickest smoking access at Chiang Mai Airport. The standalone smoking structure is clearly marked and the most convenient option.
- During the cool season (November-February), outdoor smoking is pleasant with temperatures of 15-30°C. However, during burning season (mid-January to mid-April, worst in March), Chiang Mai’s valley traps agricultural smoke creating hazardous air quality — limit outdoor exposure.
- Security re-screening at CNX typically takes 15 minutes during off-peak periods but can exceed 60 minutes during peak evening departures and weekends. December and January see increased congestion from peak tourist season.
- CNX is just 3-5 km from Chiang Mai’s Old City — one of the closest airport-to-city distances in Southeast Asia. If your schedule allows, consider smoking at your hotel rather than at the airport.
- King Power operates departure duty-free shops in the international departures hall where tobacco products are available. Arrivals duty-free shops closed at all Thai airports in August 2024.
- A new international terminal expansion targeting 16.5 million passengers per year is planned by 2029, and a second airport (Lanna International Airport) is proposed 25 km from the city center.
Travelers connecting from Chiang Mai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) will find a reinstated smoking room airside in the Satellite 1 Building. For connections to Phuket (HKT) or Don Mueang (DMK), plan your smoke break before entering security.