Thanks Stefan, i am trying to do the carry on only thing. lets see what they say about my Osprey Porter 46L. its designate by Osprey as meeting the carry on limiations but i know they could possibly make me check it in.

Thank you Dan, i am going to Tokyo first as well Both legs are United but actually serviced by Nippon. i will check Thai Smile Airways!

Thanks Stephen!

thanks Jon, i do see flights both from Don Mueng and S****** to CM so i just need to make sure that the flight i choose is leaving from S****************

@Jim *******

You asked so you are getting and answer. i went to Chiang Main in 2019 and had a great time. i met a Thai woman there and we became very good friends. This Thai woman came down with breast cancer a few months ago and is recovering from a masectomy and chemo. i am going there to help her with her recovery. if she feels well enough she wants to get out of CM and go to a beach town. i am thinking Pranburi which is not too touristy. she is also a deeply devoted Buddhist so i will also take her to Ayutthaya.

Thanks Alejandro i appreciate your advice, i dont mind waiting around a few hours vs not making it to CM that day

Many thanks Steve! these things i did not know!

Thank you Jennifer!

Ok thanks again J Brian

@Glyn *********

i did a Google flights search from LA to Chiang Mai and those flights were very expensive