top of page
Camera and open photo album on a fabric surface. Text reads: "blogs - lost in landscapes found in words". A black circle logo beneath the text includes white text: "Closer Lives Jenn & Leon Travel & Lifestyle."

Closer Lives Travel and Lifestyle Blog: Your Guide to Adventure and Cultural Discovery

Welcome to our Blog!

A man and a woman posing together in front of a colorful canal with traditional houses and an urban skyline in the background.

Nice to Meet You!

We are digital nomads slow traveling the world full time, budget and bougie style! Jenn & Leon Travel Blog is for you if you enjoy relationships, history, getting to know local people & communities, are looking for travel & tourism, world culture & cuisine, digital nomadic how to's, tips, tricks & recommendations from 42 countries and counting. We also review restaurants and our Airbnb stays!

A world map with interconnected lines and a circular logo labeled "City Lives, Travel & Lifestyle" is featured. The words "Country Guides" sit at the bottom, inviting you to explore just as warmly as a stuffed turkey hoodie on Thanksgiving.

FREE Country Guides

Check out our all you need to know comprehensive country guides for over 20 countries, with everything from visa information to culture and customs, transportation to health and safety, must-see places and handy maps. We include helpful links, sim card info and even emergency numbers! Not to mention our blog posts, videos, interesting facts and much more.

Check out our Latest Posts

Jenn & Leon on YouTube

As entrepreneurs and full-time slow travellers our goal is to see as much of this beautiful planet as we can! We love getting to know communities and locals around the world and through our channel we want to help and support them by sharing their culture with our viewers.

 

By subscribing to our channel you will get notified of our latest videos as and when they land, so you will never miss out.

Two people taking a selfie in clear shallow water, one wearing a pink cap and sunglasses, the other with a beard, both smiling.

Get our latest posts straight to your inbox. No spam, opt out anytime

We plan to see, learn, love and share as much of the world with others as possible. That is why we created Closer Lives, to create a community for like-minded individuals and to help bring the world a little closer together through poetry, history, storytelling, healing, art, purpose and community.

 

If you'd like to join us please subscribe; our social part is still being developed but currently you are able to post, share and interact. You will also be notified of our latest blog posts, videos and receive our monthly newsletter! We'd love to have you here with us!

 

PLUS when you sign up you will receive a welcome bonus of 20% off ANYTHING on our site!

Three people modeling casual clothing with printed designs, outdoors in a natural setting, above a sign reading "Closer Lives Emporium.

Travel & Lifestyle Emporium

Shop our inspirational range of suitcases, backpacks, phone cases, clothing, gifts exclusively designed by us with worldwide delivery. Our range also includes stylish kitchen & home gifts, stationery & office items with positive quotes, awesome accessories with powerful designs and an excellent range of fun gifts for all ages and occasions!

Popular Searches

Categories

Some of the links in our posts are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Links

Writer's pictureJenn & Leon

Burning Season in Chiang Mai: All you need to know

Updated: Dec 10

Sometimes called 'smoky' season, from February to May Thailand's northern regions, in particular Chiang Mai, are covered by a thick haze caused by agricultural burning and exacerbated by unregulated vehicles. So why does Chiang Mai have the worst air quality rating in the world at this time of year?


A field with a fire burning under a cloudy sky, accompanied by text about burning season in Thailand.


Read on for all you need to know about the causes of Smoky Season here in Thailand, when to avoid it, and what you can do to protect yourself from it if it catches you by surprise like it did us!




Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, which helps support our blog and keeps it free to use. Tap here for more information.





What is Burning Season and why does it happen?


The main contributor to Chiang Mai's poor air quality at this time of year is not necessarily the usual suspects of fossil fuels, factories and polluting vehicles (although this is a factor). It is actually caused by agricultural farmers, primarily the burning of biowaste such as unsold corn.


Foggy landscape with green fields, scattered trees, and hills in the background under a hazy sky.

This is practiced during the 'dry season' as there is hardly any rain for several months. In addition to burning waste, the farmers also use this time to set fire to cultivated farmland, clearing it for the next crop cycle. This process is in fact illegal in Thailand but farmers do this anyway as it is the most cost-effective way to deal with waste and land preparation, mainly owing to the lack of affordable alternatives.





In addition to it being a cheaper, the burning also paves the way for the growth of white mushrooms in mountainous areas, which are then exported to markets such as China and the United States. This is a valuable source of income for the farmers and makes it harder for the government to clamp down on the practice, despite the environmental damage and negative impact on people's health.


Aerial view of a city enveloped in heavy smog, with buildings barely visible in the haze.
The smog usually clears by April, but due to a lack of wind and rain it continues to choke the north of Thailand

Chiang Mai, like many other major cities in Thailand, also suffers from lack of vehicle regulation and heavy congestion. Tuk-tuks, cars, motorcycles, songthaews and trucks all contribute heavily to the poor air quality. This existing problem only increases as travel and tourism peaks between October and February, adding to the city's traffic problems.





While much of the North of Thailand suffers from this smog, the city of Chiang Mai is particularly vulnerable as it is surrounded by the mountains of Doi Saket, Doi Suthep, Doi Khun Tan, and Doi Inthanon. They create a dense valley that traps the smog and literally blankets it over city. Even on a cloud-free day it feels gloomy. The heat is still palpable, but it is very hard to see the sun at times!


A misty landscape featuring a lush green field in the foreground with distant hills and scattered trees under a cloudy sky.




 
 


When is Burning Season in Thailand?


There is no exact start date for Burning Season, but typically it will start in November, owing to the start of the dry season. With no rain to clear the air, the smog eventually starts to cover the whole of the North. By February, when the heat is most intense (average temperatures start to hit 35 degrees Celsius / 95F), the air becomes much thicker and with barely any wind, the smoke and smog gets trapped.


As with the start, there is no particular end date to Thailand's Burning Season either, however 'rainy season' tends to start at the end of March / beginning of April. The rain and strong winds not only help to clear the smoke, but also mark the end of the burning and the beginning of the new growing season.


Numerous palm trees stand on the edge of a rice field against the backdrop of a grey foggy sky.

The end of the Burning Season in Chiang Mai can also coincide with the Songkran Water Festival, which is held on April 13th (the Thai New Year). This incredible festival involves people standing outside their houses with large tubs of cold water and hoses, waiting to douse literally anyone who walks past. It is totally friendly and huge fun, with parades also going through the streets, and locals even providing water filling stations for the public to use. Literally nowhere in the city is safe!





 
 


What can you do to Protect Yourself from the Smoke?


⪢ Avoid the City

Perhaps not ideal if you are a local or are staying in Chiang Mai already, but highly advisable if you are planning to visit during smoky season. There are lots of great surrounding areas, such as Doi Saket, which still encounter the smoke but at a lower rate due to less vehicles and more open spaces.


⪢ Wear a Mask

N95 masks are widely available and the most effective way to protect from the smoke if you are outside. They filter out 95% of harmful particles (hence the name) and can be found in most stores or online.





⪢ Use an Air filter / Purifier

This is a solid option for the home, as they actively filter the air around the home and can be invaluable if you are typically affected by poor air quality. They are relatively affordable in Thailand and can be found at most appliance stores and online too.


⪢ Stay Indoors

The best way to avoid the smoke of Burning Season in Chiang Mai is simply to stay at home if you can. This is not a great option if you are keen to get out and explore, but in all honesty it is so hazy and smog-covered that you can not really see much which takes away from the experience.


If you need to go out, early morning or late evening is the best time. It is super hot and muggy anyway, so staying indoors with a good purifier and air-con is not exactly the worst solution! Plan for indoor activities, and try to keep doors and windows closed too.


⪢ Travel by Car / Taxi

One of the best (and most popular) ways to get around in Thailand is typically by motorcycle, a tuk-tuk or a songthaew. These are all open-air vehicles however, so should you need to go out during this time using a car or taking a cab is the safest bet.





 
 

Should You Still Come to Thailand During Smoky Season?


We have to admit, we knew nothing about smoky season before we came to Thailand. We arrived on December 25th and up until the end of January it was barely noticeable. We are staying in Doi Saket, which is just outside of Chiang Mai, 20-30 minutes east of the main city centre. It is far more rural here, so the air is slightly better, yet we are still barely able to see the surrounding mountains because of the haze.


View from an airplane window showing a cityscape below, partially obscured by haze. The aircraft's wing and engine are visible in the foreground.
Leaving Chiang Mai for Phuket, the haze clearly visible

We do smell the smoke, and we definitely try to avoid being outside for too long. As we are staying in Thailand long-term, this is not a big issue for us from an exploration point of view, although it is a little frustrating! It is also rather strange not really being able to feel the sunlight, be it indoors or outdoors. The heat is still there, but it is darker and gloomier, and we are very much looking forward to waking up to the bright light of the sun again!


⪢ Streamline Your Travel with Closer Lives Powered by 12Go

Closer Lives has partnered with 12Go, a leading online travel booking platform for Southeast Asia and Europe, to offer a seamless booking experience for your transportation needs.


Through our white-labeled platform, booking.closerlives.com, you can easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for trains, buses, ferries, and even flights within your desired journey. 12Go's user-friendly interface makes navigating options a breeze, ensuring you find the perfect travel solution for your trip.




⪢ Easily Find Hotels in Chiang Mai and Beyond

Use our interactive map to easily locate the top hotels nearby, sourced from a variety of reputable platforms such as Booking, Vrbo, Expedia, Get Your Guide, and Hotels.com. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.






 
 


Our Final Thought on Thailand's Smoky Season


Sunrise over a misty field with trees and hills in the background, bathed in warm, golden light.

We would still recommend visiting this spectacular country in any case, although perhaps staying in the south or near the coast between February and May would have been our choice in hindsight! We absolutely love Thailand and while we will always avoid visiting during this time for health reasons, we are keeping a close eye on the news for any developments.


Government ministers in Chiang Mai in particular have been putting forward proposals over the past year with regards to regulating polluting vehicles and developing more transport infrastructure to ease pollution-causing congestion. In addition, the government itself has been holding meetings with neighboring Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos in an attempt to find a way to stop the burning every year. We can only hope that these initiatives have an affect, and that for everyone's sake, Burning Season can be a relic of the past that is consigned to the environmental dustbin!







Your FREE Interactive Map of Thailand


Check out all of the places we visited in Thailand courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.



Wanderlog is a free travel planning app for iOS and Android devices that allows users to create trip itineraries, organize flights, hotel and car reservations, view places to visit on a map, and collaborate with friends. It is super handy and has made a big impact on our travel planning. It saves time and is super easy to use!


Explore Top Thai Destinations with Klook


Klook offers a wide variety of tours to help you experience the best of Thailand. Whether you're looking to visit some of the famous sites, looking for airport transfers or even hotels, Klook can help. Klook offers great deals on top attractions and offers additional security behind your booking as a reputable and accountable company!





All tours are led by experienced guides who can help you learn about the history and culture of Thailand. Klook's tours are all-inclusive too, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your experience!


Your FREE Guide to Visiting Thailand


First time in Thailand? Explore our detailed guide featuring everything you need to know, including our newest posts, essential attractions, and vital details on health & safety, transportation, local customs, connectivity, visa details, helpful links, and more. No sign-up needed.


Golden Buddha statue in front of ornate temple architecture under a clear blue sky. Text overlay reads, "Your guide to visiting Thailand.



8,385 views

Related Posts

See All
Banner showcasing travel resource logos like Wise, TrustedHousesitters, Expedia, and Amazon. Two people pose on the left. Text: "Our Top Travel Resources - Earn & Save with Budget Travel Tips!

Save, Earn & Explore!

Find amazing, specially curated offers for travel (Klook, Trusted Housesitters, Expedia, 12go), teaching online (Cambly), shopping (Amazon), drop-shipping (Printify) and even banking (Koho, Wise). Save, earn and explore with us here at Closer Lives! And don't forget to check back regularly for new offers and opportunities!

bottom of page