lskohn

4th trip to Thailand, but first one going outside BKK for more than a day without Thai friends along - we're flying to Chiang Mai on AirAsia. We're getting ourselves to DMG, being met at CNX by guide. Two day tour. We'll have one dinner on our own (suggestions, anyone?) and get ourselves back to the airport from our Chiang Mai hotel morning of day 3.

Anything I need to know about navigating AirAsia and the "old" airport?

yestravel

I have only done it once, and others on here do it often. We flew AirAsia and had no issues with checking in with them. My experience was not a problem at all. We even had inadvertently booked our car at an agent in the city and was able to work with agents at the airport to change it and get another car at the airport. I recall that there could be traffic getting to the airport. I vaguely recall a merge point that was a mess and took some time to get thru. Others I am sure will be more specific.

Kathie

Air Asia is a budget airline, so the same cautions apply to it as to other budget airlines. They take baggage limits seriously. If you are going to be over the limit, purchase the increased allowance on the website ahead of time, as the price is double at the airport. Likewise, decide if you want early boarding, etc.

DMG is small and uncrowded in comparison to BKK. I think you will find it easy. In CM, you will find getting a taxi from the hotel to the airport to be easy. Depending on the location of your hotel, you may want to arrange for the taxi the night before.

chris45ny

I'm sure the hotel where you are staying will have some dinner suggestions for you or even your guide. Just in case here are some ideas to check out.

If you're interested in seeing a khantoke show - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g2...g-Mai:Thailand
The article has lots of info and at the end there are some places that offer this experience. I like the Old Chaing Mai Cultural Center which is where I'm going to in February 2014 on my trip.

Other restaurants:

Dash, Lemongrass, Deck 1, Ginger & Kafe at the House, Rattana's Kitchen. I'm sure there are many more good places.

Hanuman

DMG is easy and Air Asia is easy. Make sure you buy enough weight for your luggage and if you want extra leg rooms then book an "exit row" seat (row 12 or 14) - extra payment for these seats but much more comfortable.