Burning Season In Chiang Mai - Everything You Need To Know

Planning to visit northern Thailand this January? You might want to reconsider that trip. The period of January to March is infamously known as the smoky season in Chiang Mai. Also known as the Burning Season, this is a time when the air quality in northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai hits an all-time low due to several reasons. Many travelers aren't aware of this and thus have to face multiple problems. Here's a complete guide that will prepare you to meet the worst of the Burning Season in Chiang Mai.

Burning Season Chiang Mai
Source

What Causes the Burning Season?

There are several reasons for Chiang Mai's lousy air quality. Pollution caused by vehicles are the usual suspects but what triggers the alarm is the Burning Season in Chiang Mai.

In the dry season, the farmers in northern Thailand burn their fields to prepare their land for the following year and also to get rid of biowastes like corn that can't be sold in the market. Although It's illegal to burn the fields as it causes harm to the environment and people's health but due to the lack of cheaper alternatives farmers continue this practice.

Next up, the unregulated pollution of tuk-tuks, cars, and trucks add up to the bad air quality. Even though newer vehicles cause less pollution, its effect has been negligible on the environment. The problem gets severe during the peak seasons (October- February) when travelers flock in millions from all across the globe and traffic on the roads increase.

The city is also surrounded by mountains like Doi Saket, Doi Suthep, Doi Khun Tan, and Doi Inthanon which create a dense valley that traps the smog over Chiang Mai.

Lastly, rains get over in Chiang Mai by the end of October. No showers to clean the air means that by February, the air gets dry.

Burning Season In Chiang Mai
Source

When does the Burning Season Start?

There's no official date for the Burning Season in Chiang Mai to start. The dates vary from place to place. You will start feeling the heat in January, followed by increased heat and smog in February. Things start taking a toll in March when the temperature hits an all-time high, and the visibility reduces due to the smog. If you want to be safe and out of the toxic air, try not to travel to Chiang Mai in March. And if it rains, you might be in luck as farmers postpone the burning if rains hit in February, but it's rare.

When does the Burning Season in Chiang Mai End?

Like there's no official start date, there is no official end date for the burning season. The heat reduces in mid-April, just before the Thai New Year water festival. The water festival is the time when the very laid back and silent Chiang Mai turns into a celebration destination as thousands of tourists are seen throwing water balloons on the streets.

Survival Guide

1. Head out of the City

Although not a good option for the locals whose livelihood depends on the city, tourists surely can move to a better destination. Domestic flights are cheaper than usual during this season so you can book a ticket to the south of Thailand and spend some time on the beautiful beaches and bays that the places have got to offer. If budget is not an issue, head over to Bali or Malaysia for a relaxing tour.

Burning Season in Chiang Mai
Source

2. Wear N95 or Higher Grade Masks

Most of the local population wears the cheap masks which are available for a mere 10 Bahts. That doesn't solve the problem as it doesn't filter the harmful particles. N95 grade masks protect you from 95% of the harmful particles the size of 0.3 microns or larger. The masks can be purchased at a local store or online and are available in cool designs and vibrant colours to beat the smoke season of Chiang Mai.

Burning Season In Chiang Mai
Source

3. Indoor Filters or Air Purifiers

Indoor filters or purifiers fit into your air conditioner and filter the harmful particles from the air. These are really effective for people who get affected easily by poor air quality. The purifiers can be purchased online or from appliance stores all over Chiang Mai.

Burning Season In Chiang Mai
Source

4. Stay Indoors

The best way to avoid getting affected by toxic air is to stay put indoors. As the temperatures are at an all-time high during this time, it is best to go out only early in the morning or late in the evening. Rest of the time, just switch on the air conditioner and put on a good flick on the TV.

Chiang Mai's Burning Season can make you uncomfortable real quick and if you plan to visit the city, you will definitely miss the good views as everything will be covered in smog. So if you have breathing problems or pollution-related issues, you might want to give this trip a pass.

This post was published by Yash Saboo

Share this post on social media

Chiang Mai Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Related Articles

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Day Trips From Chiang Mai

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Nightlife in Chiang Mai - 15 Night Clubs, Bars & Party Places

Nightlife

Nightlife

Night Markets in Chiang Mai: 8 Best Places For Shopping

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

8 Best Cafes In Chiang Mai To Chill And Have Fun

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2024 - Time to Get Mesmerised!

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

7 Restaurants for the Best Halal Food in Chiang Mai

Transport

Transport

Airports in Chiang Mai - A Detailed Guide to Chiang Mai International Airport

Transport

Transport

An Exclusive Guide on Renting a Car in Chiang Mai

Experiences

Experiences

7 Golf Courses in Chiang Mai That Must Be on Every Golfer's Checklist

Adventure

Adventure

7 Amazing Places to Hike in Chiang Mai

Shopping

Shopping

7 Shopping Malls in Chiang Mai for a Delightful Shopping Experience

Shopping

Shopping

Shopping in Chiang Mai - 9 Must-Visit Malls & Markets in Chiang Mai

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Drink to Love at These Gay Bars in Chiang Mai!

Transport

Transport

Renting a Bike in Chiang Mai - Operators, Prices, Documents Required

Adventure

Adventure

Camping in Chiang Mai - 6 Beautiful Camping Spots in Chiang Mai

Experiences

Experiences

7 Gardens and Parks in Chiang Mai to Relax and Rejuvenate

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Street food in Chiang Mai: The Ultimate Guide To A Hungry Tummy

Experiences

Experiences

8 Hill Tribes in Chiang Mai That You Can Visit

Adventure

Adventure

Mountain Biking In Chiang Mai

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai

Religious

Religious

Temples in Chiang Mai That Are Must Visit on Your Next Trip

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Waterfalls in Chiang Mai

Adventure

Adventure

National Parks in Chiang Mai

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Places to Visit in Chiang Mai

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Festivals in Chiang Mai - Celebrations of the Creative City

Comments on this post

View Packages