United States, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, And South Korea To Experience Unmatched Tourism Growth With CPN’s One Point Two Billion Baht Groundbreaking Transformation Of Central Chiangmai Airport

Published on December 24, 2025

United States, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea are set to witness remarkable tourism growth, thanks to CPN’s groundbreaking 1.2 billion baht transformation of Central Chiangmai Airport. This ambitious redevelopment is poised to enhance the airport’s connectivity, offering greater access to Thailand’s northern region. By catering to the rising demand for both international and domestic travel, the transformation aims to bolster tourism flows and provide a robust platform for economic growth, positioning Chiang Mai as a more prominent hub for regional and global travelers.

Spanning over 130 rai, the ambitious redevelopment of Central Chiangmai Airport is set to transform Chiang Mai into a major commercial and tourism hub. This large-scale project covers a vast area and includes a variety of facilities designed to cater to both local residents and international tourists alike. At the heart of the development is a state-of-the-art shopping center with a gross building area (GBA) of 173,000 square meters, housing over 350 premium brands. The mall aims to offer a wide range of retail experiences, appealing to shoppers from different demographics and backgrounds. The addition of this shopping center alone is expected to boost Chiang Mai’s status as a regional commercial center, drawing more international and domestic visitors.

In addition to the shopping center, the development also features a 2,800-square-meter convention hall, designed to accommodate events ranging from conferences to exhibitions. This expansion is a crucial step in positioning Chiang Mai as a key destination for business tourism, which has seen substantial growth in recent years. With such a facility, the city is poised to attract business travelers and event organizers from around the world, further enhancing its role as a regional hub for commerce and industry.

To ensure accessibility and convenience for travelers, a dedicated tourist hub has been integrated into the project, with shuttle bus services running to and from the airport. This initiative will provide seamless connectivity between the shopping and business areas and the airport, making it easier for visitors to move between the two spaces. Moreover, the development will introduce a Multi-Generation Space, a first of its kind in Northern Thailand. This space will cater to families and groups with varying needs, offering a place where people of all ages can gather and enjoy a range of services and experiences together.

Northern Thailand’s first GO Wholesale will also be included in the development, providing shoppers with competitive pricing and bulk-buying opportunities. As one of the key components of the new retail experience, the wholesale store is set to attract both local consumers and tourists looking for cost-effective shopping options.

Furthermore, there are plans to expand the development with the addition of hotels and residential spaces. These expansions will help meet the growing demand for accommodation in the area, offering a variety of options for both long-term residents and short-term visitors. The addition of these facilities underscores the project’s comprehensive approach to urban planning, with a focus on improving the overall quality of life for residents and providing world-class amenities for tourists.

The transformation of Central Chiangmai Airport is aligned with the company’s broader vision of promoting sustainable economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in key cities. By developing mixed-use projects in strategic locations, the company aims to create vibrant, thriving communities that cater to the needs of residents, businesses, and tourists alike. The development of two shopping centers in Chiang Mai—Central Chiangmai Airport and Central Chiangmai—will form a network that connects the Old City and the New City. This connectivity will offer greater convenience for shoppers, tourists, and businesses, fostering urban growth and cross-spending across the city.

Central Chiangmai Airport has long been an integral part of the city’s infrastructure. Located in the southern zone near downtown, it has become a key commercial center, surrounded by important business districts, hospitals, and over 150 residential projects. The center’s proximity to Chiang Mai International Airport—just a three-minute drive—further strengthens its position as a central hub for both locals and tourists. Its location makes it an ideal destination for shopping, dining, and business, and as the city grows, this redevelopment is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the community.

As Chiang Mai continues to expand, there is an increasing demand for mixed-use developments that combine shopping, entertainment, business, and residential spaces. This transformation of Central Chiangmai Airport is a direct response to these needs, positioning the development as a vital part of the city’s future. The modernized space will attract both local residents and international visitors, offering a variety of amenities that make it an ideal destination for shopping, dining, and business activities.

The continued growth of tourism in Chiang Mai is another key factor driving this transformation. In 2025, the center welcomed over 13 million visitors, averaging around 38,000 visitors per day. This number is expected to grow, with projections suggesting daily visitor numbers will rise to 42,000 by 2026. These figures are a testament to the city’s growing appeal as a tourist destination, further supported by its expanding infrastructure and tourism sector. With a target of 70% Thai visitors and 30% international visitors, the development aims to attract a diverse mix of shoppers, business travelers, and tourists from around the world.

The top five international visitor groups at Central Chiangmai Airport are from the United States, China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore, underscoring the center’s wide international appeal. Chiang Mai’s status as a premier tourism destination in Asia was also cemented when the city was named the best city in Asia in 2025, a recognition that highlights the city’s rapidly growing tourism potential. From January to October 2025, nearly 10 million Thai and foreign tourists visited the region, generating over THB 87 billion in tourism revenue, with the United States, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia being the top contributors to this growth.

Chiang Mai’s combination of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities makes it a top-tier destination for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. The city’s rapid tourism growth reflects a broader trend of increasing domestic and international travel to Thailand, with more tourists seeking to explore the country’s diverse destinations. The development of Central Chiangmai Airport as a mixed-use space plays a vital role in supporting this trend by offering modern facilities for shopping, dining, and staying, making it easier for tourists and locals alike to experience all that the city has to offer.

United States, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea are set to experience unprecedented tourism growth, thanks to CPN’s 1.2 billion baht transformation of Central Chiangmai Airport, which will enhance connectivity and attract more international travelers to Thailand’s northern region.

the ongoing transformation of Central Chiangmai Airport marks a pivotal moment in the city’s evolution into a commercial and tourist hub. With its strategic location, modern amenities, and diverse offerings, the development is poised to attract visitors from around the world, further establishing Chiang Mai as a dynamic, global destination. As the city continues to grow, projects like this one will play an important role in supporting its future and enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors alike. With steady increases in both Thai and international visitors, the future of Central Chiangmai Airport looks bright, promising an even more vibrant and dynamic city.