How to get to Thailand?

Thailand, a major destination in Southeast Asia, shares its borders with several countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Entry is facilitated by straightforward visa-on-arrival procedures, and it's easy to access the country through various land, air, or maritime routes. Below, you will find our information on how to go to Thailand.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 13-03-2025

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Table of contents

1. By Air
2. By Land
3. Seaway

1. By Air

Thailand has several international airports, of which Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok is the main one, serving as a hub for domestic and international flights. Don Mueang Airport (DMK), also in Bangkok, is mainly used by low-cost airlines.

Phuket airport (HKT) is the second busiest, welcoming many travellers to the islands. Other major airports include Chiang Mai (CNX), Krabi (KBV) and Samui (USM), providing easy access to the country's key tourist destinations.

thailand airports

Flights from USA

Direct Flights: As of early 2025, United Airlines offers direct flights from San Francisco (SFO) and Newark Liberty (EWR) to Bangkok Don Mueang Airport. These flights are part of United's expansion into the Asia-Pacific region and provide a non-stop link between the U.S. and Thailand3.

Flights with Stopovers: For travelers who cannot access direct flights, several airlines offer flights with stopovers. Popular stopover cities include Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), and Singapore (Singapore Airlines). The total travel duration for these flights varies between 18 and 24 hours, depending on the stopover duration and route.

>>>> Good to know: Thailand is also working towards resuming direct flights from Bangkok to the U.S., contingent on regaining a Category 1 safety rating from the FAA. This could lead to additional direct routes in the future

Flights from UK

Direct Flights: The main departure city in the UK offering direct flights to Bangkok is London. Airlines such as Thai Airways and British Airways provide these services from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) airports. Direct flights typically take around 11 to 12 hours.

Flights with Stopovers: For a more budget-friendly option, several airlines offer flights with stopovers. Popular stopover cities include Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). The total travel duration for these flights varies between 14 and 20 hours, depending on the stopover duration and route.

Traveling to Thailand by Air

From Australia

Direct Flights: Several airlines offer direct flights from Australia to Thailand:skyscanner.com+1booking.com+1

Thai Airways: Provides direct flights from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Perth (PER) to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Thai Airways
Jetstar Airways: Operates direct flights from Melbourne (MEL), Sydney (SYD), and Perth (PER) to both Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT). travelmath.com
Qantas Airways: Offers direct flights from Sydney (SYD) to Bangkok (BKK).

Flights with Stopovers: Many flights from Australia to Thailand include one or more stopovers. Common layover cities are Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), and Hong Kong (HKG). Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Cathay Pacific provide these services. For example, flights from Brisbane (BNE) to Bangkok (BKK) often have layovers in cities like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

tourists in thailand

2. By Land

You can enter Thailand through the land border crossings with its neighboring countries, including Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia:

Thailand–Cambodia Border Crossings

Poipet & Aranyaprathet: This is the most frequently used border crossing, connecting Siem Reap and Bangkok. From Bangkok, you can find buses or trains to Aranyaprathet. After crossing the Poipet border, shared buses are available to Siem Reap. The rail link between Ban Klong Luk (Aranyaprathet) and Poipet resumed operations in 2023.
O Smach & Chong Chom: A lesser-used crossing, but gaining attention due to the casinos catering primarily to Thai nationals, who can legally gamble in Cambodia.
Krong Koh Kong & Hat Lek: These crossings provide access to Koh Trang or Ko Kut from Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville.
Phsa Prum & Ban Pakard and Kamrieng & Daun Lem: These borders link the Chanthaburi region of Thailand and Battambang in Cambodia but are seldom used by tourists.

>>> Read more: Best Places to Visit in Cambodia

Thailand–Laos Border Crossings

Nong Khai & Thanaleng: One of the most frequently used entry points, connecting Thailand to Laos. A major development occurred in July 2024, as passenger services shifted from Thanaleng to Khamsavath station in Vientiane. Thailand's high-speed rail link to Laos is set to launch by 2030, enhancing regional connectivity.
Huay Xai & Chiang Khong: Connecting Chiang Rai in Thailand and Bokeo in Laos, this remains a primary gateway to access the highlands in northwest Laos or northern Thailand. Options include buses, slow boats from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng, and shuttle services to cross the Friendship Bridge.
Vientiane (Khamsavath) & Bangkok: Direct cross-border sleeper train services from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Vientiane's Khamsavath station began in July 2024, making travel between the two countries even more convenient.
Fifth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge: The construction of this bridge linking Bueng Kan Province in Thailand with Pakxan in Laos began in 2021 and is expected to open in 2025, providing a new route over the Mekong River.
Muang Ngeun & Ban Huay Kon: Connecting Nan province in Thailand with Paksé in Laos, this crossing allows minivans from Ban Huay Kon to Nan or Phrae, or you can take a train to Den Chai in Phrae.

Huay Xai Border - Laos and Thailand

Thailand-Malaysia border crossings

There are several border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia, stretching from the northwest to the northeast. Travelers often prefer those in the northwest for their convenience.

Koh Lipe and Pulau Langkawi: Ferries connect these islands daily during the high season (mid-October to mid-April), with a 1-hour 15-minute journey.
Satun and Pulau Langkawi: Another entry point to Langkawi, with year-round ferry services taking 1 hour 15 minutes, popular during peak season.
Padang Besar: A major crossing with trains and buses from Hat Yai to Malaysian cities like Kangar, Butterworth, and Kuala Lumpur.
Bukit Kayu Hitam and Sadao: Key land crossings, with Bukit Kayu Hitam open 24 hours for cargo and Sadao linking to Malaysia.
Pengkalan Kubor and Tak Bai: Ferries operate daily between Kelantan (Malaysia) and Narathiwat (Thailand).
Kuala Perlis and Satun: Daily ferries from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM providing an alternative crossing.

3. Seaway

Thailand is also accessible by sea, providing a scenic alternative for travelers. Major seaports include Bangkok, which is a key hub for ferries and cruises, and Krabi and Phuket, both popular for connecting to nearby islands. Si Racha and Sattahip mainly handle the transport of goods, while Map Ta Phut serves as a major industrial port. Songkhla, on the other hand, connects Thailand to Malaysia and acts as a strategic access point.

Currently, there is only one ferry service connecting Langkawi to Thailand, operated by Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club. The crossing between Langkawi (Telaga Harbour Marina) and Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) operates once a week, with a sailing time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. These ferry services offer travelers the opportunity to explore the stunning coastline and islands of Thailand.

mumbai to bangkok

In conclusion,

Traveling to Thailand offers a multitude of transportation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Travelers can choose between air, road, or sea, each bringing you closer to the wonders of this fascinating country. With its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm welcome, Thailand promises an unforgettable experience. Planning this trip paves the way for an adventure rich in discovery and excitement.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

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