Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Hong Kong Patients: 2 ATA Access in Thailand

Hong Kong patients seeking clinical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) face a difficult reality: access to therapeutic-pressure treatment within the territory is extremely limited. Public hospital hyperbaric units serve a narrow range of approved indications with long waiting lists, and private HBOT options for wellness, longevity, or elective rehabilitation are virtually non-existent. For health-conscious Hong Kong residents who want clinical-grade HBOT at 2 ATA (atmospheres absolute) in a hard shell chamber, travelling abroad is often the only practical option.

Chiang Mai, Thailand, under three hours by direct flight from Hong Kong International Airport, offers a compelling solution. With Thai FDA-approved, clinical-grade HBOT at 2 ATA, visa-free entry, and Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking patient support, Chiang Mai provides Hong Kong patients with accessible, affordable, and clinically rigorous hyperbaric treatment. This article explains why pressure matters, what our chamber delivers, and how the proximity of Chiang Mai makes treatment practical.

HBOT Availability in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s hyperbaric medicine infrastructure is limited to a small number of hospital-based units, most notably at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. These units primarily serve diving medicine and wound care indications under strict referral criteria.

For Hong Kong patients interested in HBOT for broader clinical applications, several constraints apply:

Narrow approved indications. Hospital-based HBOT in Hong Kong is typically reserved for decompression sickness, gas embolism, chronic non-healing wounds, and a limited set of other approved conditions. Patients seeking HBOT for sports recovery, longevity optimisation, neurological rehabilitation, or chronic inflammation management will generally not qualify for referral through public channels.

Long waiting lists. Even for approved indications, waiting times for public hospital HBOT can be substantial. The limited number of chambers and high demand for approved uses create bottlenecks that delay treatment access.

Very few private options. The private hyperbaric market in Hong Kong is extremely small. Some wellness centres offer mild hyperbaric sessions using soft shell chambers at 1.3 ATA, but these devices operate at pressures well below the clinical threshold and do not deliver pure oxygen through a built-in breathing system (BIBS). The physiological effects at 1.3 ATA are fundamentally different from those achieved at 2 ATA.

High cost. Where private HBOT is available in Hong Kong, session costs reflect the territory’s overall high cost of healthcare delivery. For patients requiring a course of 20 to 40 sessions, the cumulative expense can be substantial.

These limitations have led a growing number of Hong Kong patients to explore HBOT options in the region, with Chiang Mai emerging as the most accessible and cost-effective destination.

Why 2 ATA Clinical-Grade Pressure Matters

The clinical effectiveness of HBOT is directly proportional to the pressure at which treatment is delivered. This relationship is governed by Henry’s Law: the amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of that gas above the liquid. Higher pressure means more oxygen dissolves into the blood plasma.

At 2 ATA, breathing 100% oxygen results in an arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) of approximately 1,400 mmHg, compared to roughly 100 mmHg under normal breathing conditions. This represents a more than tenfold increase in plasma-dissolved oxygen, a level that triggers significant physiological responses:

Tissue oxygenation. Oxygen dissolved in plasma reaches tissues independently of haemoglobin, penetrating areas with compromised blood supply that red blood cells cannot access efficiently.

Angiogenesis. The alternating cycle of hyperoxia during treatment and relative normoxia between sessions stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, improving long-term tissue perfusion.

Stem cell mobilisation. Research published in the American Journal of Physiology has demonstrated that HBOT at therapeutic pressures can increase circulating stem and progenitor cells, supporting the body’s natural repair mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory signalling. HBOT at 2 ATA modulates inflammatory pathways by influencing cytokine expression and reducing oxidative stress markers, effects that are not observed at lower pressures.

Soft shell chambers operating at 1.3 ATA achieve only modest increases in dissolved oxygen and do not produce the same magnitude of physiological response. The clinical evidence supporting therapeutic outcomes is based on protocols using hard shell chambers at 1.5 to 2.4 ATA. For a comprehensive review of the pressure science, see our detailed article on HBOT at 2 ATA: why pressure matters.

Our Chamber in Chiang Mai: Thai FDA-Approved Clinical-Grade HBOT

At Longevity Thailand in Chiang Mai, HBOT is delivered in a hard shell hyperbaric chamber that meets the clinical standard for therapeutic oxygen therapy. Key specifications include:

2 ATA operating pressure. The chamber is rated to deliver treatment at 2 atmospheres absolute, the pressure level supported by the majority of clinical HBOT research.

Built-in breathing system (BIBS). Patients breathe near-pure oxygen through a dedicated BIBS mask or hood, ensuring oxygen purity of 90% or greater throughout the session. This is a critical distinction from soft shell chambers, which use ambient air or low-concentration oxygen.

Hard shell construction. The chamber is a rigid, medical-grade device engineered to maintain precise pressure control. Unlike inflatable soft shell units, it provides consistent, regulated pressurisation with full safety instrumentation.

Dual-occupancy capacity. The chamber accommodates two users simultaneously, allowing patients to share a session with a companion if preferred. This also enables efficient treatment scheduling for patients on intensive protocols.

Thai FDA approval. The chamber and all HBOT protocols operate under full Thai Food and Drug Administration regulatory compliance. All sessions are supervised by trained hyperbaric technicians with physician oversight.

Safety systems. The chamber includes emergency depressurisation capability, continuous pressure monitoring, communication systems between patient and operator, and fire suppression measures consistent with international hyperbaric safety standards.

Travel from Hong Kong to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is one of the most accessible international medical destinations for Hong Kong patients, with remarkably short travel times and no visa requirements.

Flight time. Direct flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to Chiang Mai International Airport take approximately two hours and forty-five minutes to three hours. This is comparable to a flight to Bali or Phuket, making even short assessment trips practical.

Airlines and frequency. Several carriers operate direct services on this route, with daily or near-daily departures. Flight options are available at various price points, from budget carriers to full-service airlines.

Visa-free entry. Hong Kong passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand for stays of up to 30 days. BN(O) passport holders also receive visa-free entry. No advance application or documentation is required beyond a valid passport.

Airport experience. Chiang Mai International Airport is compact, efficient, and easy to navigate. From landing to departing the airport typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, including immigration and baggage collection. Private transfers to the clinic or accommodation can be arranged in advance through our patient coordination team.

Time zone. Thailand is one hour behind Hong Kong (GMT+7 versus GMT+8), meaning there is negligible jet lag. Patients can arrive in the morning and begin their clinical assessment on the same day if required.

The Proximity Advantage

Hong Kong’s geographic proximity to Chiang Mai creates practical advantages that no other target market enjoys to the same degree:

Shortest travel time. At under three hours by direct flight, Chiang Mai is closer to Hong Kong than many domestic Chinese cities are by air. This brevity makes the journey minimally disruptive, even for busy professionals.

Weekend assessment trips. The short flight time makes it feasible to visit Chiang Mai for a weekend assessment before committing to a full treatment course. Patients can meet the medical team, view the facility, and complete initial consultations without requiring extended time away from work or family.

Practical for extended courses. For patients undertaking longer HBOT courses of 30 to 40 sessions, the proximity means that friends and family can visit easily. Some patients also choose to return to Hong Kong briefly mid-course if needed, resuming treatment without significant travel burden.

Frequent flight availability. The popularity of the Hong Kong to Chiang Mai route ensures competitive pricing and flexible scheduling. Last-minute bookings are often available, providing additional flexibility in treatment planning.

Combining HBOT with Regenerative Treatments

HBOT at 2 ATA can serve as a standalone treatment, but emerging evidence suggests that its benefits may be enhanced when combined with complementary regenerative therapies. At Longevity Thailand, many patients integrate HBOT into a broader treatment protocol:

Stem cell therapy. Research indicates that HBOT creates an oxygen-rich tissue environment that supports stem cell survival and engraftment following injection. Pre-conditioning with HBOT may improve outcomes from cell-based therapies.

Exosome therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen may enhance tissue receptivity to exosome-mediated signalling, potentially amplifying the regenerative effects of exosome protocols.

NAD+ infusions. Combining HBOT with NAD+ therapy addresses multiple hallmarks of ageing simultaneously, targeting both tissue oxygenation and cellular energy metabolism.

Peptide protocols. Specific peptides, including BPC-157 and thymosin beta-4, may complement HBOT through their effects on tissue repair and anti-inflammatory signalling.

Many Hong Kong patients choose to combine HBOT with one or more of these modalities during a single visit to Chiang Mai, maximising the benefit of their time abroad. Your physician will assess whether a combination approach is appropriate and design an integrated protocol tailored to your clinical goals.

Cantonese and Mandarin-Speaking Support

Clear communication is essential in a clinical setting, and language support is a priority for Hong Kong patients. Our team provides comprehensive linguistic and cultural support:

Cantonese and Mandarin fluency. Our clinical and patient coordination team includes fluent Cantonese and Mandarin speakers who support Hong Kong patients throughout their experience, from initial enquiry and pre-arrival planning through treatment and follow-up.

Clinical documentation. All treatment records, consent forms, and post-treatment reports can be provided in English or Chinese, ensuring that both patients and their Hong Kong-based physicians can review documentation without language barriers.

Cultural understanding. Our team has extensive experience supporting Hong Kong patients and understands the expectations, communication preferences, and clinical standards that patients from the territory expect. This familiarity helps ensure a smooth and comfortable treatment experience.

Coordination with Hong Kong physicians. We provide comprehensive treatment summaries suitable for sharing with your Hong Kong-based doctor. Our medical team can also communicate directly with your physician to ensure continuity of care after you return home.

What Hong Kong Patients Should Know Before Travelling

Medical records. Compile your relevant medical history, including any imaging, blood work, specialist reports, and medication lists. These can be submitted digitally to our medical team before your arrival for pre-assessment.

Medications. Continue your regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by our medical team. Certain medications may require adjustment during HBOT, and your physician will discuss this during your pre-arrival consultation.

Ear, sinus, and respiratory health. HBOT involves pressurisation similar to air travel. Patients with active upper respiratory infections, severe sinus congestion, or certain ear conditions may need to delay treatment until these resolve. Our medical team screens for these contraindications before commencing treatment.

Insurance. HBOT for wellness and longevity applications is generally not covered by Hong Kong health insurance plans. Patients should budget for treatment as an out-of-pocket expense. Travel insurance covering medical treatment abroad is recommended.

Accommodation. Chiang Mai offers accommodation that rivals Hong Kong in quality at a fraction of the cost, from luxury resorts and serviced apartments to boutique hotels near the clinic. Our coordination team provides personalised recommendations based on your treatment schedule and preferences.