Best Flights starting from $1,964
from$1,964economy
Des Moines (DSM)
Tue, Nov 10
Roundtrip
Chiang Mai (CNX)
Tue, Nov 17
from$1,964economy
Des Moines (DSM)
Wed, Nov 11
Roundtrip
Chiang Mai (CNX)
Wed, Nov 18
from$2,064economy
Des Moines (DSM)
Fri, Nov 13
Roundtrip
Chiang Mai (CNX)
Fri, Nov 20
from$2,231economy
Des Moines (DSM)
Sat, Nov 14
Roundtrip
Chiang Mai (CNX)
Sat, Nov 21
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Des Moines (DSM) to Flint (FNT) in November from $249
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Chicago (ORD) to Chiang Mai (CNX) in November from $5,767
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✈️ Flight Guide: Des Moines (DSM) → Chiang Mai (CNX)
Complete travel information for your November journey
Departing from Des Moines (DSM) FAQs
There are no nonstop flights between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in November; most itineraries require two or more connections. Typical routing includes a domestic U.S. connection (Chicago O'Hare ORD, Minneapolis MSP, Dallas/Fort Worth DFW) to an international gateway (Tokyo NRT/HND, Seoul ICN, or Bangkok BKK), followed by a short domestic flight into Chiang Mai. Expect total journey times of 20–30+ hours depending on layovers.
Round-trip fares from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in November typically range between $900 and $1,600 USD depending on carrier, routing, and how far in advance you book. Booking 6–10 weeks ahead and being flexible on midweek departures can reduce costs; monitor sales from major carriers and partner airlines for the best deals.
November is the beginning of the cool, dry season in northern Thailand: expect daytime highs around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and cooler nights near 18–22°C (64–72°F). This month is generally clear and pleasant for sightseeing, although localized agricultural burning can occasionally affect air quality; check real-time AQI forecasts before outdoor plans.
Yes. November often hosts Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals in Chiang Mai, which draw large crowds and higher hotel prices. Book flights and accommodations early, and expect peak-time surcharges and heavier traffic to and from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) during festival weekends.
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is about 7 miles from downtown Des Moines and is served by rental cars, app-based rides (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and hotel shuttles. Allow 20–30 minutes for the transfer under typical traffic; pre-book airport shuttles or reserve a rental car to secure better rates for onward travel.
U.S. citizens traveling to Thailand for tourism typically receive a visa exemption for stays up to 30 days if arriving by air, but requirements can change—check the Royal Thai Embassy and your airline before travel. Recommended vaccinations include routine immunizations and consideration of hepatitis A; consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
Arriving at Chiang Mai (CNX) FAQs
The most convenient options from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to the Old City are app-based taxis (Grab), metered taxis, or airport shuttle vans, and the journey typically takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. In November, festival traffic for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong can increase travel times—allow extra time and consider pre-booking a taxi or hotel transfer for festival evenings.
Visa rules for Thailand are set by the Royal Thai Government and can vary by nationality; U.S. passport holders generally qualify for a visa exemption of up to 30 days if arriving by air. Always verify current visa and immigration requirements before departure, as policies can change seasonally and during special events such as major festivals.
November typically offers comfortable temperatures and lower humidity, making it one of the best months to visit Chiang Mai. However, northern Thailand sometimes experiences agricultural burning which can reduce air quality; travelers should check AQI forecasts, especially if sensitive to haze, and pack lightweight masks or plan indoor activities during poor-air-quality days.
From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) you can quickly reach the Old City, Doi Suthep temple, Night Bazaar, and Nimmanhaemin Road; many tours also start from CNX to popular day-trip destinations like Pai, Chiang Rai, and the Golden Triangle. November is ideal for temple visits and trekking due to cooler, drier weather and clear skies.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) experiences increased passenger volumes during Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, typically in November; airlines often add extra seats and some flights fill quickly. Expect longer queues at immigration and ground transport—book flights and hotels well in advance and plan transfers to avoid festival peaks.
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Events & Festivals — Yi Peng and Loy Krathong in Chiang Mai (CNX) — November Guide
November in Chiang Mai is famed for Yi Peng and Loy Krathong, when lanterns fill the sky and rivers glow with floating krathongs. These cultural events attract many international travelers, so flights into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and hotels sell out quickly. Expect higher airfare and limited hotel availability around festival dates. If you fly from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) for the festival, book flights and transfers well in advance and consider staying outside the Old City for quieter, less expensive lodging.
Best Time to Fly — DSM to CNX: Weather, Festivals, and Prices in November
November is among the best months to visit Chiang Mai due to cooler, drier weather and the popular Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals, making it an excellent time to fly from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) for cultural experiences. However, festival demand drives higher hotel and flight prices around specific festival dates—book early if you plan to attend. For lower fares but still favorable conditions, consider late November weekdays after festival weekends or January-February for continued pleasant weather with potentially fewer crowds.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — DSM to CNX in November
There are no direct flights between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX); all itineraries require connections. Connecting flights allow you to choose preferred layover cities, potentially lower fares, and the chance for a stopover in hubs like Seoul (ICN) or Bangkok (BKK). The trade-offs include longer total travel time and increased risk of missed connections during peak travel times such as November festivals. Single-ticket itineraries reduce rebooking stress and provide better protection if delays occur.
Airline Comparison — DSM to CNX in November: United, Delta, American, Korean, EVA, Thai
Top options for the DSM→CNX route in November involve combinations of U.S. carriers and international partners. United/Star Alliance itineraries commonly route via Chicago (ORD) or San Francisco (SFO) and on to Asian hubs like Seoul (ICN) or Bangkok (BKK). Delta/SkyTeam often pairs U.S. domestic connections with partners via Seoul (ICN) or Tokyo (NRT/HND). American/Oneworld itineraries may route via Dallas (DFW) and then through Tokyo or other partner hubs. Asian carriers such as Korean Air and EVA Air provide high-quality long-haul service and reliable transfers but require connecting in their hub cities. Compare total travel time, baggage rules, seat comfort, and Alliance protection when choosing for November travel.
Seasonal Travel Tips — DSM to CNX in November: Packing, Health, and Air Quality
November travel from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) benefits from pleasant weather but requires planning for festival crowds and occasional smoke haze. Pack lightweight breathable clothing for daytime, a warm layer for cool nights, and comfortable walking shoes for temple visits. Bring a travel-sized air purifier or N95-style masks if you are sensitive to particulate matter, and carry essential medications and travel insurance. Verify visa requirements and vaccination recommendations well before departure.
Flight Time & Schedules — Des Moines (DSM) to Chiang Mai (CNX) in November
There are no direct flights between Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX); expect itineraries with at least two connections. Typical total travel time from gate-to-gate ranges from about 20 to 30+ hours depending on layover length and routing. Common layover hubs include Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), then an international gateway such as Seoul Incheon (ICN), Tokyo Narita/Haneda (NRT/HND), or Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), followed by a domestic connection to CNX.
Cheap Flights — DSM to CNX in November: Savings, Fare Tips, and Alerts
Finding affordable November flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) requires flexibility and proactive monitoring. Best tactics include booking 6–10 weeks in advance, traveling midweek, and comparing multi-carrier itineraries through alliance partners. Set price alerts, search nearby U.S. gateways (e.g., Chicago ORD or Minneapolis MSP) for lower long-haul fares, and consider carrier sales from Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld partners. Sample round-trip price ranges in November commonly fall between $900 and $1,600 USD; flash sales or off-peak routing can occasionally dip below $900.