Airport Lounge Guide: Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), often referred to simply as Chiang Rai Airport, is located in Northern Thailand. Located approximately 8 kilometres from Chiang Rai city centre, it was named in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra.
Opened in 1992, CEI can handle both domestic and international flights from its single Terminal building. While currently focused on domestic routes, it remains an important space for tourism, particularly for accessing the Golden Triangle region, and for regional business connectivity.
Chiang Rai Airport currently has one lounge available for use by passengers: The Coral Executive Lounge. Operated by reputed lounge provider The Coral, it’s open to both Priority Pass members, various cardholders, and walk-in guests, making it accessible to a broad range of passengers. It is available for domestic flights only.
This guide provides useful must-know information on the airport itself, and then more comprehensive information on the lounge location, amenities, policies, and access options.
About Chiang Rai (CEI) Airport – handy info beyond the lounge
Small, swift and only eight kilometres from the city
Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International (CEI) is a single-terminal airport, so you will never need to worry about inter-terminal shuttles or epic walks. Land, clear formalities, and you can be kerb-side in minutes.
Getting into town (spoiler: the bus is gone)
The once-popular purple CR Bus was axed in August 2024. These days your choices are:
Metered taxi or Grab – book at the official counter by Gate 3; expect THB 160-200 to central hotels and about 20 minutes’ drive, traffic permitting.
Pre-booked car or van – a wise hedge at peak times when taxis run thin, especially after late-night flights.
Self-drive – major car-rental brands line the arrivals hall for those planning Golden Triangle road-trips.
Stay connected & flush with cash
Log on to the free “AOT Free Wi-Fi by True Move H” network (two hours per day) and recharge at the plentiful power points. Currency exchange booths and five ATMs sit landside – handy if you need baht for a street-food binge in town.
Eat, sip, shop
Waiting for your boarding call? Grab a cappuccino at Hacienda Coffee House, sample locally-grown Doi Chaang beans, or cool off with coconut ice-cream. A cluster of snack outlets and bakeries covers the basics, while the souvenir zone stocks teas, handicrafts and Doi Tung textiles for that last-minute gift.
Extra traveller niceties
Left-luggage, a prayer/meditation room, onsite first-aid, and even a petite spa-sauna mean CEI punches well above its weight in passenger comforts. The terminal is step-free with disabled toilets and lifts, so mobility isn’t a drama.
Airport Lounges at Chiang Rai (CEI) Airport
The Coral Executive Lounge is the premier lounge facility at Chiang Rai International Airport, offering travelers a luxurious space to relax before their flights. Designed with a "Fleur de Coral" theme, the lounge blends modern furnishings with natural elements.
Depite being the only lounge at this airport, it punches above it’s weight in terms of comfort and design, which is a trend for all Coral-branded lounges across Thailand and now Japan.
Location and Access
Chiang Rai (CEI) has a single, compact terminal building, making navigation straightforward. Arrival and departure areas are located on the ground floor.
You'll find The Coral Executive Lounge within the Domestic Departures area, airside (after security control). It’s situated on the 1st Floor, near Gates 1 and 2. Note that this lounge is not accessible for any international flights that may be scheduled from CEI.
Front Entrance to The Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Opening Hours
The lounge is open daily from 08:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Amenities and Services
The Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Rai International Airport offers a comprehensive range of amenities to ensure your comfort:
Dedicated work areas
Buffet
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - only beer is free though!
Wi-Fi
Newspapers and magazines
Flight monitors
TVs
Air-conditioning
Complimentary 15-minute shoulder massage, subject to availability.
Please note that restrooms are located just outside the lounge, in the public terminal area.
F&B and Seating Area at The Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Food & Drink
Food and beverage offerings at The Coral Executive Lounge are inspired by the ‘East meets West’ concept, meaning you can enjoy a variety of authentic, locally sourced Thai food in addition to Western fare.
The open buffet features a selection of artisanal snacks and hot and cold foods. A highlight is the extensive variety of premium imported teas and coffees. Complimentary refreshments, soft drinks and a limited selection of alcoholic beverages (beer only) are also available. Premium alcoholic beverages including wine may be available for a fee.
Quick Bite F&B Options at The Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
Access Duration
The maximum stay permitted is limited to 3 hours from the time of entry into the lounge.
Children Access Policy
Children under 2 years of age can enjoy complimentary access to the lounge when accompanied by an adult.
Access Options and Pricing
There are several ways to access The Coral Executive Lounge:
LoungePair Pass: Purchase a flexible lounge pass via LoungePair, which offers walk-up access without a fixed time/date booking. LoungePair offers 3 hours access from $29 USD, a fully refundable pass for an additional $5.00 USD, or a free pass when purchased alongside LoungePair+ membership.
Other Online Advance Purchase Methods::
Lounge Pass and Plaza Premium offer the ability to purchase a pass to The Coral Executive Lounge, for $29 USD and $38 USD, respectively. Both options require that you select a fixed time and date of use, and have a restricted purchase window of at least 24 hours before time of your visit.
Discounted rates may be available through certain banks and partners (e.g., Krungsri Prime offers special price of THB 750).
Lounge Membership: Priority Pass and DragonPass members can access the lounge as part of their membership benefits. Complimentary guest entitlements will depend on how you have obtained your membership.
Credit Card Programs: A number of premium credit cards include lounge access as a cardholder benefit. There are a variety of domestic Thai Credit Cards that offer access, facilitated either via direct partnerships with Coral or through an intermediary like Priority Pass. For those visiting Thailand, familiar options include American Express Platinum, Diners Club, Mastercard with LoungeKey, and Capital One.
Airline Access: Travellers flying Thai AirAsia who purchase the airline’s Red Carpet priority service are entitled to complimentary entry to The Coral Executive Lounge.
Pay at the Door: Subject to availability, travelers may purchase access directly at the lounge entrance. The walk-in rate is THB 1,400 per person (approximately $43 USD).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Royal Silk Lounge at CEI?
Previously, Thai Airways operated a Royal Silk Lounge at CEI. However, this lounge is now permanently closed. Passengers who previously had access to the Thai Airways lounge are now typically directed to The Coral Executive Lounge, depending on their ticket type or status and prevailing agreements. Currently, no other airlines (Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air) operate their own dedicated lounges at Chiang Rai Airport. Access for premium passengers would likely be through arrangements with The Coral Executive Lounge. Similarly, major airline alliances like Star Alliance, OneWorld, or SkyTeam do not have dedicated alliance lounges at CEI. If you have access to this lounge included courtesy of your airline status or travel class, you will ordinarily be given a physical pass at time of check-in.
Is there a Priority Pass lounge at Chiang Rai Airport?
Yes, The Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Rai Airport accepts Priority Pass members.
How much does it cost to access The Coral Executive Lounge at Chiang Rai Airport?
A 3-hour day pass for The Coral Executive Lounge can be purchased via LoungePair from $32 USD, and via a number of other vendors including Plaza Premium and Lounge Pass. Prices for walk-up access may vary and are subject to availability.
Summing Up
Stylish, calm, and functional, The Coral Executive Lounge at CEI punches above its weight. Enjoy good food, comfy vibes and even a quick massage. For a regional airport, it's a hidden gem worth the stop. It is fairly impressive that most airports in Thailand offer lounges of this calibre to business and leisure travellers.
If your journey starts in Chiang Rai, The Coral Executive Lounge is the perfect place to unwind before your flight.
This guide was last updated: June 2025