Amsterdam to Chiang Mai (AMS–CNX) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Dutch passport holders enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days (extended from the previous 30-day allowance). This can be extended once at any Thai immigration office for an additional 30 days for THB 1,900 (about EUR 50). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival, and you need proof of onward travel and accommodation. For longer stays, apply for a 60-day tourist visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in The Hague for EUR 35 before departure.

KLM flies direct from Amsterdam to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) in about 11 hours eastbound. Thai Airways also operates the route. From BKK, the Airport Rail Link runs to downtown Bangkok (Phaya Thai station) in 30 minutes for THB 45 (about EUR 1.20). A metered taxi to central Bangkok costs THB 300 to 500 (EUR 8 to 13) including airport surcharge and tolls. Always insist on the meter.

Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB), trading at roughly 37 THB per EUR 1. ATMs charge a flat THB 220 (EUR 6) foreign card fee per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts at once. Card payments work at malls, chain restaurants, and hotels but many street vendors, markets, and smaller restaurants are cash-only. No mandatory vaccinations. Tap water is not drinkable. Bottled water costs THB 7 to 15 (EUR 0.20 to 0.40) at convenience stores.

Intercity and Sprinter trains run directly to Schiphol Plaza (the station is inside the terminal) from Amsterdam Centraal every 10–15 minutes (15 min, €5.70). The Intercity Direct from Rotterdam takes 43 minutes (€17.40 with supplement). Trains from The Hague take 35–45 minutes.

Taxis from central Amsterdam cost €35–50 and take 20–35 minutes. Highway A4 is frequently congested during morning rush. Bus 397 runs from Amsterdam Leidseplein to Schiphol (30 min, €5.50) for a cheaper landside alternative.