Question 1

Can I fly direct to Chiang Mai from the UK?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no direct flights from Europe. Most routes connect through Bangkok, with alternatives via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha or Dubai. Total journey time is usually 15 to 20 hours depending on the connection.

Question 2

Should I book the Bangkok to Chiang Mai leg separately?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Domestic fares on that route are frequently under £30 one way with Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air or Thai Vietjet, which can undercut a through-fare considerably. The trade-off is that a delayed long-haul flight leaves you to rebook the domestic leg at your own cost, so allow at least four hours between them. Note that Bangkok has two airports — some budget carriers fly from Don Mueang rather than Suvarnabhumi, and transferring between them takes about an hour.

Question 3

When is burning season in Chiang Mai, and how bad is it really?

Accepted Answer

It runs from roughly late January to mid-April, with March consistently the worst month. Agricultural burning across northern Thailand, Myanmar and Laos combines with forest fires, and because Chiang Mai sits in a mountain basin a temperature inversion traps the smoke like a lid. It is genuinely severe: in March 2026 the city ranked as the most polluted in the world on multiple occasions, reaching an AQI of 233 on 30 March. Anything above 100 is classed as unhealthy. If you have asthma or any respiratory condition, or you are travelling with young children, avoid February through mid-April entirely. Severity varies year to year, so check live readings on IQAir before booking anything in that window.

Question 4

When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai?

Accepted Answer

November through January — cool, dry, clear, and consequently the busiest and most expensive. Late October and May either side of that are a good compromise. Green season from June to September is wet but cheap, the landscape is at its best, and the air is clean, which is worth more than most people realise.

Question 5

Can I live in Chiang Mai as a remote worker?

Accepted Answer

Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa, launched in mid-2024, was designed for exactly this. It costs 10,000 THB, is valid for five years with multiple entries, and allows 180 days per entry extendable by another 180. You need to show around 500,000 THB in savings held for three consecutive months. Rejection rates have risen since 2025, most commonly for funds deposited too recently or vague freelance documentation, so prepare the paperwork properly. Be aware that staying 180 days or more in a calendar year makes you a Thai tax resident, which is worth taking advice on before you commit.

Question 6

How far is Chiang Mai airport from the city?

Accepted Answer

About 15 minutes to the Old City and a similar distance to Nimmanhaemin. A metered taxi or Grab is usually 150 to 200 baht. It is one of the closest international airports to a city centre anywhere in Asia.

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