Just tired of the Mae Sai drive for my 90 day run. Only been able to find CNX to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia (doable), and CNX- Vientiane or Luang Prabang on Lao Air (expensive). Anybody know any other options for direct flights?

Tiger Airways fly to Singapore twice a week from CMX... price around 8,500 Baht return

Kunming, China and Rangoon, Burma are reasonably priced. Accom in China is a bit pricey tho. Straight forward procedure at both.

The flight CNX-Tokyo may appear to be direct, but Thai Air goes to BKK first. Upon return, you don't have to clear Immig-customs at BKK, but you change planes to get to CNX.

I always go to Yangon - 6300 baht return + 1500 for Burma visa 28 days - go Sunday return Thursday. Visa appliacation on Monday get it on Tuesday, Wednesday is then left for shopping . . . Hotel 20 usd per night in the centre. A great and very inexpensive 5 days out. It is a bit of a culture shock however Yangon . . . Just got my new non-immigrant 0 with multiple entries.

The CNX flight to Vientiane stops in Luang Prabang. A much cheaper, although more complicated, alternative for Vientiane is to fly Nok Air (on Friday and Sunday only) to Udon Thani for 1200B. Catch one of the vans right outside the terminal to Nong Khai for 200B. From there a tuk-tuk gets you to the Friendship Bridge. It's still another 20km to Vientiane but there are frequent songthieuws and buses.

Nok Air to Udon is certainly an alternative, but be prepared for flight delays, not a good track record.

The have flights on Monday,Thursday, Friday and sunday direct to Udon, and similar for the return.

El Jefe, you mentioned the Vientiane flight stops in Luang Prabang, can you get a 90 day Visa in Luang Prabang ?

El Jefe, you mentioned the Vientiane flight stops in Luang Prabang, can you get a 90 day Visa in Luang Prabang ?

I've never tried but I really doubt it. i don't think there's a Thai embassy in LP.

I always go to Yangon - 6300 baht return + 1500 for Burma visa 28 days - go Sunday return Thursday. Visa appliacation on Monday get it on Tuesday, Wednesday is then left for shopping . . . Hotel 20 usd per night in the centre. A great and very inexpensive 5 days out. It is a bit of a culture shock however Yangon . . . Just got my new non-immigrant 0 with multiple entries.

Which hotel?

I stay most of the time in The City Star Hotel near Sule Pagoda right in the center. They have a website http://www.citystarhotel.com where you can make a reservation on line. Everything is always handled very correctly! Pickup from the airport is also a possibility (12 usd with very good airco car or otherwise take a taxi for about 4-6 usd with open window airco)

I stay most of the time in The City Star Hotel near Sule Pagoda right in the center. They have a website http://www.citystarhotel.com where you can make a reservation on line. Everything is always handled very correctly! Pickup from the airport is also a possibility (12 usd with very good airco car or otherwise take a taxi for about 4-6 usd with open window airco)

Heard that twice weekly flights to/from Hong Kong starting in June with a Hong Kong carrier...........another option.

I'm curious about this new flight to Hong Kong... any more info? (ie airline?)

Also, China Airlines has a direct flight to Taipei three times per week from Chiang Mai.

I'm curious about this new flight to Hong Kong... any more info? (ie airline?)

Also, China Airlines has a direct flight to Taipei three times per week from Chiang Mai.

Try www.hongkongexpress.com

It will not show up yet on the schedule as it does not start till 22nd June on Thurs and Sun

Just out of curiosity, has anyone heard about possible flights from CNX to Dehli or Mumbai? It was announced briefly somewhere on Air Sahara planned routes. (India's Budget Airlines)

Could not get a confirmation about this but it would be nice to fly into Dehli from Chiang Mai.

I always go to Yangon - 6300 baht return + 1500 for Burma visa 28 days - go Sunday return Thursday. Visa appliacation on Monday get it on Tuesday, Wednesday is then left for shopping . . . Hotel 20 usd per night in the centre. A great and very inexpensive 5 days out. It is a bit of a culture shock however Yangon . . . Just got my new non-immigrant 0 with multiple entries.

Curious..... " Visa appliacation on Monday get it on Tuesday, Wednesday" I assxume that this is the new Thai visa.... Where do you get the Burma Visa.... Is it visa on arrival or do have to send away for it, or is there an interest section here in CM... also what airline ?

Gonzo