From Niigata to Chiang Mai via Korea — A Surprisingly Comfortable Route
You don’t need to go through Tokyo or Bangkok to travel to Chiang Mai. Today, I’ll show you a comfortable route that starts from a regional city. Many people travel from Tokyo to Chiang Mai via Bangkok, but traveling from one big city to another often means dealing with crowds and fatigue. Actually, there’s a route from Niigata to Chiang Mai via Incheon, South Korea. Even from a regional airport, international travel can be more accessible. Niigata Airport is a very user-friendly option for those living outside major cities. It offers easy access, minimal crowds, and a smooth process from arrival to departure. With only a limited number of international flights, there’s no confusion, just peace of mind. Start your journey comfortably, away from the hustle and bustle, at Niigata Airport. If you fly with Korean Air from Niigata to Incheon and then from Incheon to Chiang Mai, your checked luggage goes all the way to Chiang Mai. You don’t need to pick it up at Incheon Airport. It’s super convenient. Niigata Airport has a lounge where you can relax before your flight. Although Priority Pass is not accepted, you can use the lounge for free if you have an eligible card, such as the Rakuten Premium Card. Enjoy a drink and wait for your flight in a quiet, comfortablespace. Incheon Airport is spacious and clean, with clear signs that make navigation easy. Even if you only speak English, transferring is no problem. And even if you don’t understand English, the signs are easy to follow. Just look for your terminal and gate number. It’s a stress-free experience, even for first-time international transfers. At Incheon Airport, you can use the lounge. Meals and drinks are free, and there’s no need to exchange Korean Won. If you have a Priority Pass, you can access the lounge for free. I have a Rakuten Premium Card, which gives me access to Priority Pass. I also have a Platinum Debit Card from Sumishin SBI NetBank. With the Rakuten Premium Card, I can use the Priority Pass up to five times a year. With the Sumishin SBI Platinum Debit Card,I can use it up to three times a year. You depart from Niigata in the afternoon and arrive in Chiang Mai by evening. Since the entire trip is completed in one day, there’s much less travel stress. Let’s compare the Bangkok route with the Inchon route. In terms of crowd levels, clarity of signage and lounge comfort, Inchon offers several major advantages. The route from Niigata to Chiang Mai via Incheon is a hidden gem, surprisingly comfortable and convenient. Avoid the busy cities and enjoy a smarter, more relaxing way to travel.
Introducing an unexpected route from Niigata to Chiang Mai!
Compared to the Bangkok route, this option lets you avoid the crowds — with the added comfort of Korea’s Incheon Airport.
The airport is spacious and clean, with clear signage, making transfers easy even if you only speak English.
If you’re traveling from a regional city in Japan to Thailand, this is a smart alternative to consider. ✈️
📌 In this video, you’ll learn:
Route comparisons from Niigata to Chiang Mai
Highlights and tips for using Incheon Airport
A real experience: how smooth it was without speaking Korean
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