Chiang Mai as replacement for Bankok
 

Would Chiang Mai be a good base for a week's stay, to explore Northern Thailand, for someone seeking to avoid potential unrest in Bankok?

Chiang Mai should be the "hub" of your Northern Thailand visit. Lots of flights from Bangkok, Phuket and other international cities. Lots of hotels of all price range and luxury. Very good food and from November to February, much better weather than Bangkok.

From Chiang Mai you can drive to Chiang Rai, about 2 - 3 hours. You can drive and explore or do the Mae Hong Son loop and spend nights at Pai, Mae Hong Son before returning to Chiang Mai.

I think a week exploring the north would be fantastic! Don't forget to include Doi Inthanon in your planning. Beautiful gardens, amazing stupas, waterfalls, plus the highest point in Thailand.

I think I would want to have perhaps two bases instead of just one. Chiang Rai might be a workable option for 3 of your 7 days in the north, with the rest being in Chiang Mai and surrounds.

Do consider driving times plus the beautiful winding roads to places like Pai.

By the way, I'm going to Bangkok for the last two weeks of July. I do not anticipate having problems with demonstrations, as it would appear that things are mostly quiet for the time being.

Chiang Mai is a great choice, small easily walked old city, a huge range of accommodation options and very scenic countryside. I would spend a couple days at least in Chiang Rai too. There is an interesting Saturday night walking street market, and the Black House is not to be missed.

If you look at the websites of Nok Air and Air Asia there are many places you can fly to and have a base to explore.

Bangkok drama has settled down.

There's some real vfm accommodation choices for the Chiang Mai area on Airbnb.