Thailand
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the economic centre of northern Thailand, with domestic connections to Bangkok.
Services in Chiang Mai
- Air freight in Chiang MaiAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in Chiang MaiFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in Chiang MaiImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Chiang Mai
- AirportChiang Mai International
CNX - AirportSuvarnabhumi
BKK - SeaportLaem Chabangby road
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), close to the city centre, is the main airport of northern Thailand. It has frequent domestic flights to Bangkok and a number of regional international services, mostly passenger flights carrying belly cargo. Most international air freight for Chiang Mai therefore connects via Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. Chiang Mai has no seaport; sea freight goes by road to Laem Chabang on the Eastern Seaboard or to Bangkok Port.
Highway 11 and Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) link Chiang Mai with Lampang, Nakhon Sawan and Bangkok, and further roads lead north to Chiang Rai and the borders with Myanmar and Laos. The Northern Line of the State Railway of Thailand runs from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The Northern Region Industrial Estate in neighbouring Lamphun is a short drive away. We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Chiang Mai and Lamphun area.
Industries in Chiang Mai and how we support them
Chiang Mai is known for handicrafts such as woodcarving, silverware, celadon, textiles and paper products, produced in districts like San Kamphaeng and Hang Dong. The region also grows coffee, tea and fruit, and food processing serves both domestic and export markets. In neighbouring Lamphun, the Northern Region Industrial Estate hosts electronics and component manufacturers. Ziem Logistics supports these exporters with air freight via CNX and BKK on our own air waybills, LCL sea freight via Laem Chabang for furniture and crafts, and Next Flight Out or On-Board Couriers for urgent electronics parts. Customs clearance runs through a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Operational logistics facts for Chiang Mai
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) | Domestic and regional air freight | Main airport for northern Thailand, linked to BKK by frequent flights |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) | Long-haul international air freight | Wider choice of airlines for Chiang Mai cargo |
| Northern Region Industrial Estate (Lamphun) | Electronics and components | Industrial estate within trucking range of CNX |
| Laem Chabang Port, by road | LCL and FCL for crafts and furniture | Sea freight for bulky goods from the north |
Customs clearance in Thailand
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Thailand is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Thailand we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Thailand need a 13-digit tax ID registered for customs (paperless) use.
Frequently asked questions
Do you fly cargo directly from Chiang Mai or via Bangkok?
Most international shipments connect via Suvarnabhumi (BKK), either on a domestic flight from CNX or by truck. Some regional destinations can be served directly from CNX. We compare both options and fly on our own air waybill.
Does the burning season haze affect flights at Chiang Mai?
Smoke haze in the burning season, usually from February to April, can reduce visibility and occasionally disrupt flights at CNX. In this period we keep the option of trucking urgent shipments to Bangkok and flying from BKK.
Can you ship handicrafts and furniture from Chiang Mai to Europe or the US?
Yes. Small, high-value items often go by air via BKK, while furniture and larger orders go as LCL or FCL via Laem Chabang. Wooden products may need fumigation or certificates for the destination, which we check before booking.
Can imports for Chiang Mai be cleared locally?
Thai Customs has an office at Chiang Mai, and goods arriving directly at CNX can be cleared there. Goods arriving via Bangkok are usually cleared at BKK or Laem Chabang and then trucked north. A partner team in the Ziem network handles clearance under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
What do exporters of food or agricultural products from Chiang Mai need?
Depending on the product and destination, exporters may need phytosanitary certificates, health certificates or registration with the Thai FDA. We check the requirements during tariff classification and coordinate the documents with the export declaration.
Can you handle certificates of origin for crafts from Chiang Mai?
Certificates of origin are issued by the Thai authorities on application by the exporter. We help prepare the documents and make sure the data matches the export declaration, so the buyer can claim any preferential duty rate.