Chiang Mai · South of the Old City, near the airport (Pa Daet)

Central Chiang Mai Airport.

Northern Thailand's largest shopping and entertainment complex, originally opened 1987 and rebranded by Central Pattana in 1996, near Chiang Mai International Airport.

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By Kirby Scofield
Founder of BAANLYY · International real estate broker, investor & relocation specialist
Last updated 8 July 2026 · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
1987Site opened
1996Rebranded by CPN
~6M/yrVisitors
Near airportLocation
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Overview

Central Chiang Mai Airport -- long known as Airport Plaza and, from 1996 to early 2022, as Central Airport Plaza -- began operating as Tantraphan Airport Plaza in 1987. Central Pattana (CPN) took over and rebranded it Central Airport Plaza in March 1996, and it was renamed Central Chiang Mai Airport in early 2022 as part of a wider simplification of the Central brand across Thailand. Located at 9, 9/1 Mahidol Road in Pa Daet, south of the Old City near Chiang Mai International Airport, it is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in northern Thailand, drawing an estimated six million visitors a year.

02

Anchor stores & dining

Anchor tenants

Robinson department storeLarge supermarketBanks, food court & multiplex cinema

Dining

A large food court plus a wide range of restaurant chains -- one of the city's most complete one-stop dining and shopping destinations south of the Old City.

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Getting there & nearby areas

Central Chiang Mai Airport sits on Mahidol Road in Pa Daet, south of the Old City and close to Chiang Mai International Airport -- often a shorter drive than Central Festival for residents of the Old City and Suthep side of town.

Where to live in Chiang Mai →All Chiang Mai shopping & markets

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Hours & practical info

Central Chiang Mai Airport is generally open daily from around 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00. BAANLYY does not operate or receive payment from Central Chiang Mai Airport -- always confirm current hours directly.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Central Chiang Mai Airport the same as Airport Plaza?Yes -- the site began operating as Tantraphan Airport Plaza in 1987, was taken over and rebranded Central Airport Plaza by Central Pattana in March 1996, and was renamed Central Chiang Mai Airport in early 2022 as part of a nationwide simplification of the Central brand. Long-time residents still often call it Airport Plaza.
How big is Central Chiang Mai Airport?It is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in northern Thailand, drawing an estimated six million visitors a year, anchored by a Robinson department store, a large supermarket and a multiplex cinema.
Where is Central Chiang Mai Airport?At 9, 9/1 Mahidol Road in Pa Daet, south of the Old City and close to Chiang Mai International Airport -- often a shorter drive than Central Festival for residents of the Old City and Suthep side of town.
Sources & References

Sources & References

Mall facts are drawn from the mall's own reporting and independent cross-checks. BAANLYY is not affiliated with this mall and takes no paid placement in this content — confirm current hours and store details directly with the mall before visiting.

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Hero photo by Ryutaro Tsukata on Pexels. General information only; confirm current opening hours, locations and prices locally.