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What are some less smoky places to stay in Thailand during March and April for someone moving to Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai Air Quality Pollution Travel Destinations Southern Thailand Seaside Koh Samui Koh Samet Rayong Trat Koh Chang Pattaya Phureau Living in Thailand

Oct 14, 2024

a month ago

Jamie *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Where are some less smoky places to stay in Thailand during the months of March and April? I will be living in Chiang Mai full time starting in February.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

During March and April, when air quality can be poor in Chiang Mai, particularly due to agricultural burning, many recommend relocating to less polluted areas. Feedback from various comments suggests areas such as southern islands (Koh Samui, Koh Samet), coastal towns (Rayong, Trat, Koh Chang), and Pattaya are ideal. Others mention places like Phureau, which offers a mountain setting similar to Chiang Mai but with better air quality. It's advised to avoid Chiang Mai during these months due to high pollution levels.

Scott *********

Trang

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Jamie *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you! 😊

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Sasi ************

I have a home in Phureau, it’s probably the most similar place to CM with less pollution during the mentioned period of time. The weather is similar, the mountain is nicer with a smaller city setting. It’s my preference, anyway. Check it out if you like, maybe we can be neighbors. (Im living overseas, only there when visiting Thailand one a year)

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Lawrence *******

Koh Samui, Koh Samet, Rayong, Trat, Koh Chang.

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Zap **********

Southern islands

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Martin *****

Pattaya

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Paul **********

Anywhere

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Keith ************

To anyone who is 'not bothered' by air pollution, just because you're not experiencing noticeable symptoms right now doesn't mean you're in the clear. Air pollution is a risk factor for heart disease and dementia, as well as the obvious. I wouldn't worry much short term, but if you're going to stay a while, consider it.

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Tim *********

@Keith ***********

exactly. I have COPD and of course I wouldn't go in the burning season. I'm told by a friend who spent Songkran in Chiang Mai a couple of years ago, the ash can fall in quite large chunks, so it's not just a matter of a slight burning smell, it could block the lungs of anyone who is sensitive

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Tim *********

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Bill **********

Chiang Mai has been the most polluted city in the world at times over the past few years .

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Jamie *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

👌👌👌

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Marty *********

I’ve never been bothered by the air quality in Bangkok or here in Sisaket province. The AQI in these places is often half the AQI in northern Thailand. So not as nice as the coastal regions but not really a problem unless you are particularly sensitive about it.

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Keith ************

Well south of Bangkok is the only option I've found.

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Bob **********

Bad timing on your part, stay on the seaside for about 3 months

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Thaimer ******

Anywhere on seaside

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John ********

Take an air Asia non stop flight to Hua Hin

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Evan ********

can be smokey here in Hua Hin too!

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Evan ********

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