Udon Thani Airport

[tamada]

years ago the route to Chiang Mai was tortuous and long, now with the roads improved, what used to be a 11+ hour drive is comfortable with less time spent on the road anything from 6 to 10 depending on route and speed travelled. I used toi do it quite regularly and found , down to KK, turn right to Phitsuanlok and then right again up to Chiang Mai, good roads and speed acceptable got it down to 9.30 hours.

With the upgrades to several secondary roads, there's no need to go via KK any more. But it's still a +9 hour hike.

Years ago...

[stattointhailand]

tam, the last three times I drove there (albeit over3 yrs ago) it took under 9 hrs without excessive speed even with some major road works in Lampang area. Only went via KK/Phit once (abt 15 yrs ago) as there is far too much heavy traffic which continually slows you down. The "country" route over/between the mountains has really long stretches of straight roads (several km visibility with next to nothing else on the road)

[Shado]

We have friends in Chiang Mai and our niece is a student at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai so we've made that journey several times in the past four years or so. Did the Khon Kaen / Phitsuanlok route once but found the mountain route through Phu Ruea / Dan Sai to be preferable. Lots of "passing lanes" on the highways and rarely get stuck behind traffic for very long. The "mountain road" is actually pretty easy to drive. It's our route of choice.

[joepai]

Nok is the only airline flying direct to Chiangmai from Udon according to the posted schedule.

Last time I flew to CM from Udon with Nok it was in a propeller jobbie but pleasant as it flew closer to the ground which made looking out more interesting.
With these new (today) announcements re. Covid suggest you check the day of departure in case it’s cancelled.

[anefarious1]

With a 1 year old and 3 year old, was planning on spending the night in Uttaradit before making it to Chiang Mai. That seems like a decent halfway point. However, the wife convinced me to fly so Nok Air it is. Was a nightmare trying to book online. Couldn't get their online payment option of counter service i.e 7-11 to work. Finally was able to book it using QR code option. Grand total for the roundtrip came to 11,569 baht for 2 adults, 1 child (same price) and infant (1,000 baht).

[stattointhailand]

Plus taxi's too & from the airport both ways ?

That's steep compared to B2000 - B3000 total petrol cost and with only a few kg luggage half the toys etc have to stay at home

[tamada]

^ Maybe Mrs anefarious1 is footing the bill?

[stattointhailand]

If that were true, can someone introduce her to Mrs Statts please

[anefarious1]

Plus taxi's too & from the airport both ways ?

That's steep compared to B2000 - B3000 total petrol cost and with only a few kg luggage half the toys etc have to stay at home

Yeah but this way I'm only paying for 1 night in a hotel compared to probably 4 nights if I drove (2 on the road and 2 in CM). And my daughter is starting a new school very soon so by flying she'll only miss 2 days. Going for 2 CRBAs at the US Consulate. But I agree about the cost being no bargain. Should be around 8,000. Def cheaper to fly to BKK.

[Udon Map]

New Udon Airport Timetable: https://www.main.udonmap.com/udon-thani ... -timetable

[Giggle]

How's that airport parking garage coming along?

[joepai]

New Udon Airport Timetable: https://www.main.udonmap.com/udon-thani ... -timetable

16-28 March ?

[Udon Map]

New Udon Airport Timetable: https://www.main.udonmap.com/udon-thani ... -timetable

16-28 March ?

No, it goes to October 30. Clear your cookies.

[Niggly]

FWIW the left of the two schedules side by side showed 16-28 March for me also yesterday.

It’s okay now Apr 1 to Oct 30 without clearing any cookies