โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Tak Airport in western Thailand is not an active scheduled passenger airport today, even though the runway and airfield remain in place. Its significance is geographic rather than commercial, sitting in Tak Province near the overland corridor toward Mae Sot and the Myanmar border, so any aviation use is occasional, governmental, or charter-based instead of routine airline service.
Passengers should therefore treat Tak Airport as a limited-access field rather than as a routine airline terminal. Any aviation activity is usually tied to official, private, training, charter, or support flying, and anyone traveling to Tak normally relies on larger nearby airports or surface transport instead of expecting regular scheduled processing on site.
What makes Tak Airport distinctive is that its significance comes from geography, history, or institutional use rather than passenger volume. In Thailand, a field like this still matters because it preserves direct air access or specialist capability even when it no longer behaves like a standard commercial airport.
๐ Connection Tips
This airport in Tak province northern Thailand has no commercial airline service since Thai Airways International ceased operations in March 1994, though the 1,500-meter runway 09/27 remains operational for charter and government flights. Ground transportation requires private vehicle or arranged pickup as no public transport serves this inactive commercial facility in Mueang Tak district. Monsoon season (May-October) affects the region with heavy rains potentially impacting charter operations on the single runway. For any travel to Tak province, route through Bangkok to Mae Sot (MAQ) or use overland transportation from Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, or Bangkok.
Located in Nam Ruem subdistrict near Myanmar border region, approximately 80km from Mae Sot (separate airport MAQ with Bangkok flights), requiring overland connections for any commercial travel needs. Consider Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) 80km away for actual commercial service to Bangkok, or drive 4-5 hours to Chiang Mai or Sukhothai airports for more flight options. No terminal facilities, passenger services, or amenities exist for civilian use - this is essentially a maintained runway without commercial infrastructure.
The facility serves primarily military, government, and emergency operations in this strategic border province where the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge connects to Myawaddy across the Moei River. The airport's proximity to Myanmar border and East-West Economic Corridor makes it strategically important for potential future development, though no airline service currently exists. Border security considerations and regional instability can affect access and operations in this sensitive area near refugee camps and cross-border trade zones.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chumphon Airport (CJM), also known by its ICAO code VTSE, is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Chumphon and the surrounding province in Southern Thailand. Located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center in the Pathio District, the airport acts as the definitive gateway for travelers heading to the world-famous diving destination of Koh Tao and the neighboring islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The facility is managed by the Department of Airports and has seen steady growth as an efficient alternative to the more congested hubs in Surat Thani or Samui.
The airport features a modern and functional single passenger terminal building that was specifically designed to handle high-volume domestic tourist traffic. The terminal is organized on a single level, ensuring that check-in counters, security screening, and the departure lounge are all within close proximity. The architectural design emphasizes natural ventilation and a bright, airy atmosphere characteristic of Thai regional airfields. The facility has undergone recent modernization to improve passenger flow and accommodate the larger turboprop and narrow-body aircraft that connect the mainland with the national capital.
Amenities at Chumphon Airport are well-appointed for its size, catering primarily to adventure travelers and island-bound tourists. The terminal houses several cafes and snack bars serving both local Thai refreshments and international coffee. For the convenience of travelers, the main hall features dedicated transport desks for 'Lomprayah' and 'Boonsiri' high-speed ferries, where passengers can purchase combined bus and boat tickets directly upon arrival. Other facilities include several retail shops selling beach gear and regional souvenirs, multiple ATMs, and an information booth. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the airport provides ample car rental options for those looking to explore the scenic Chumphon coastline.
CJM provides robust connectivity to Bangkok, serving as a key operational point for carriers like Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Frequent daily flights connect Chumphon with Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), providing a rapid link for both international tourists and local residents. Ground transportation is well-coordinated with flight arrivals, with dedicated shuttle buses waiting to take passengers to the various ferry piers, such as Thung Makham Noi, for their onward journey to Koh Tao. Its role as a strategic transport node is fundamental to the tourism economy of the Gulf of Thailand, offering one of the fastest ways to reach the islands from the mainland.
๐ Connection Tips
Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a strategic transit point for travelers heading from Bangkok to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, particularly Koh Tao. Most visitors use this airport as a link to the Lomprayah or Boonsiri high-speed ferry services. For the most seamless connection, it is highly recommended to book a 'joint ticket' or 'Island Transfer' directly with Nok Air or AirAsia. These packages bundle the flight from Bangkok (DMK), a 60-minute shuttle bus ride to the pier, and the subsequent ferry crossing.
Note that only early morning flights (typically departing DMK around 6:00 AM) align with the afternoon ferry departures; later arrivals will likely require an overnight stay in Chumphon town. Upon arrival at CJM, proceed to the ferry operator counters in the arrivals hall to collect your transfer stickers and boarding documents. The shuttle to Thung Makham Noi Pier (used by Lomprayah) takes about an hour. From the pier, high-speed catamarans reach Koh Tao in approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
If you have not pre-booked a bundle, you can purchase shuttle-plus-ferry transfers at the airport desks for roughly 800โ1,100 THB. Sea conditions in the Gulf can be choppy during the monsoon season (November to January), so motion sickness medication is advisable. For your return, ensure your ferry departs Koh Tao at least 5 hours before your flight to account for potential sea delays and the land transfer. The airport itself is a small, quiet facility with basic cafes, so it is best to buy essential supplies in Bangkok or upon reaching the islands.
โ Back to Tak Airport