Thailand Airport 2024 - Complete Guide for Travelers

Excluding beaches, the scenery, culture, food, and hospitality are the complementary elements that attract tourists each year. To get to Thailand, one usually has to take an airplane, which involves understanding the country's airports.

What are the main airports in Thailand? How does travel between the two cities occur? What services and amenities are available at these airports? Which airlines are recommended?

Below, we have compiled all the crucial information you will need concerning Thai airports to plan your journey effectively.

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 14-10-2024

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Thailand Airport Map

In general, Thailand has an extensive network of airports that enable comfortable and easy transportation within the country and to the rest of the world. By international and regional standards, the country boasts quite modern and well-maintained airports.

The capital, Bangkok, is home to the famous Suvarnabhumi Airport, located not far from the city center. In addition to this major airport, Bangkok also has Don Mueang Airport, which was previously the main international airport in the country.

Chiang Mai, an iconic city located in northern Thailand, has an international airport that connects it to several destinations in Asia. The equally famous resorts of Phuket and Koh Samui are situated away from the hustle and bustle of urban centers and also feature international airports.

In discussions regarding the primary airports in Thailand, it is essential to emphasize the existence of regional airports throughout the nation. Some of these airports provide seamless internal services, enabling travel to locations that are harder to access by land transport. These airports are very important for promoting domestic tourism in such areas.

Thailand features a comprehensive network of airports that is strategically developed. This arrangement facilitates movement and encourages travelers to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the country.

Which Thailand Airports Should You Land At?

If you are considering a direct flight from America, Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom to Thailand, which airport should you choose as your arrival point?

Arriving in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK)?

In November 2006, Suvarnabhumi Airport was inaugurated, and it is the most important airport in Thailand, serving as the main point for all long-haul flights arriving in Bangkok. It is safe to say that, as a general rule, travelers must go through this airport before heading to Thailand, regardless of whether they are coming from Europe, the USA, or any other part of the world.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport offers many amenities and services for passenger comfort. Numerous restaurants and takeaway counters feature delectable Thai food. Additionally, a food court serving local dishes is available all day at very affordable prices.

Traveling to the capital city of Bangkok, which is 30 km away from the airport, can be done by taxi. Taxi tickets must be purchased in advance, and fares are charged by meter based on the distance covered. The journey typically lasts approximately one hour and costs between 250 and 350 baht (about $8.13 to $9.72).

An economical alternative is the Airport Rail Link, a train that provides access to central Bangkok for a mere 45 baht (around $1.36) from the airport. The train ride terminates at Phaya Thai in about 30 minutes, where transfers to the BTS or MRT are possible. This train ride offers beautiful views of the city and eliminates the hassle of being stuck in traffic.

>>> Read also this article: Metro in Bangkok Thailand: Complete Guide to BTS and MRT

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Don Mueang is a rather obvious alternative to BKK, given that this was Bangkok's original international airport until BKK opened in 2006. DMK nowadays serves as the key operating platform for low-cost airlines.

Don Mueang International Airport is situated 21 kilometers away from the city center. One can reach it easily by taking the Red Line train from Bang Sue Grand Station to the airport.

This electric railway line extends over a distance of 26 km. The train is specially designed to make your journey comfortable and with ample space to carry your luggage. Tickets are available at rates ranging from 12 to 42 baht, which is about $1.

Trains run every 15 minutes from 06.00 to midnight. Bang Sue Grand Station is the largest in Southeast Asia and is connected to the MRT Blue Line, ensuring easy access both to the city center and the BTS network.

Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): The Northern Gateway

Chiang Mai Airport is a significant starting point for discovering northern Thailand, its temples and markets, and the captivating culture. It is the second largest airport in Thailand after Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

From the US, it is not possible to fly directly to Chiang Mai. The flights require consideration of those that have stopovers.

Planning a Trip to Chiang Mai: Check options for booking a flight with stopovers in some major Asian cities like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Seoul when you can afford to. You may also fly directly from certain Asian countries. This opens more options when making choices of itineraries.

Chiang Mai Airport is about 4 kilometers away from the heart of Chiang Mai. By car, it would take about 15 minutes to get to the heart of the city.

There are a few transport options from and to Chiang Mai airport: by taxi (200 THB), songthaew (red truck), or tuk-tuk. The last two options will not be that expensive as taking up a taxi service.

>>>What to bring back from Thailand? Read this article: What to bring back from Thailand? Complete Guide to Must-Have Souvenirs

Phuket Airport (HKT) - Beach Getaways Await

Phuket is an island in the south of Thailand, famous for its numerous beaches. Its international airport is the second busiest in the country, following Suvarnabhumi. It serves as a crucial gateway for touring the islands in the Andaman Sea.

There are no direct flights from the US to Phuket; however, several alternatives with stopover services are available. Travelers can choose to make a layover in Bangkok by using Don Mueang Airport.

Taxis operate on a meter system and transfer passengers to the city center, which is 35 km from Phuket Airport. They are convenient and relatively inexpensive, dropping you right in the heart of the city. However, you must add 100 baht to the fare for the ride from the airport. You can expect to be seated comfortably during your journey to your accommodation.

Alternatively, you can use an airport taxi (Airport Limousine) for a ride to the city center. These taxis can be found inside the terminals and are usually tidier and more comfortable than regular taxis. There is a set price for this service, and drivers, who are typically English-speaking, are provided for the clients.

If you don’t mind spending a little more time, you can take a minibus, which is cheaper than a taxi but will be shared with other passengers. However, you may have to wait until the minibus is full, which can sometimes take up to 10 passengers. It sets off once all the seats are occupied.

The Smart Bus is another affordable alternative, and it also offers a good travel time. It runs along the beaches on the west coast, starting from the airport.

Key Airports in Northern Thailand

Chiang Rai (CEI)

Chiang Rai International Airport is the major entry point to the northern province of Chiang Rai in Thailand. On the plus side, the international airport has already equipped facilities for international flights and offers a few international connections to destinations like Macau, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and some cities in China.

Major domestic airlines within Thailand fly into Chiang Rai, most of which originate from Don Muang Airport in Bangkok. The Chiang Rai airport is 8 kilometers from the center of Chiang Rai. For travelers, several taxis are available at the exit of the terminal. You can book your taxi at the taxi counter, located near the offices offering car rentals.

Key Airports in Southern Thailand

Samui Airport (USM) - Hub for the Gulf of Thailand

Koh Samui is located in the heart of a tropical paradise. It also has an airport which serves international flights. Flights to this island are mostly provided by Bangkok Airways, making the air traffic to this destination almost exclusive.

Several Thai cities, such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi have non-stop flights to the destination. Furthermore, many other places such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and China offer international direct flights.

Located near the Big Buddha Pier, which offers boat services to Ko Pha Ngan, Samui Airport is approximately 20 kilometers away from the center of Samui city.

In order to reach Ko Tao or Chumphon by high-speed boat, one must travel to Maenam Beach Pier located 6 km to the northwest of the airport. There are two ways to get from the airport to the city center; by taxi or shared minibus.

>>> Are you hesitating between Koh Samui and Phuket? This article will help you: Koh Samui or Phuket? 8 Answers to Find Your Ideal Island Getaway

Hat Yai Airport (HDY)

Hat Yai has an important airport in Thailand, with several airlines connecting to countries such as Malaysia, China, and Singapore, in addition to other cities in Thailand. It is located 15 km from Hat Yai City, which is significant for tourists.

To get from the terminal to the city center, you can take a blue Songthaew. This small bus will drop you off at the bus station near the large shopping center. Additionally, minibuses operate on hourly routes, connecting to the bus terminals.

Taxis are available at the arrivals terminal and can be hired for a flat fare of 250 baht. Alternatively, you can use the Grab app if you want to go somewhere that taxis are reluctant to take you. You might also consider renting a car if you prefer to travel freely. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals terminal.

Number of Airlines in Thailand

Thai Airways - The Only Local Airline from Thailand to the US

Thai Airways is the flag carrier of Thailand and is one of the oldest and most renowned airlines in Asia. Its base is in Bangkok, and it operates flights to many countries around the world.

Many passengers have positively commented on the punctuality of Thai Airways, with the majority of flights taking off and landing on time without major issues.

Meals onboard are very tasty and plentiful, while the seats are comfortable and well-maintained, making the flight quite pleasant. The airline personnel are impressive as well; the crew is friendly and ready to assist.

Nevertheless, some aspects remain that need more focus. Certain jets of the enterprise have outdated interiors equipped with old facilities, and the passengers' video system is out of date as well. Another disadvantage is that passengers do not have comfort kits.

Also, the on-board service has come under some criticism for being slow and badly organized at times, especially when it comes to serving food and drinks. Lastly, problems with refunds and contact with clients were raised as well, and they also need to be addressed.

Thai AirAsia - Affordable Travel in Thailand

Thai AirAsia is one of the low-cost carriers operating in Thailand. The airline is part of the major AirAsia Group, which operates across Asia. Thai AirAsia launched its operations in 2003 and is based at Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport.

The airline serves approximately forty destinations, with eighteen being domestic. International destinations include Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Vietnam.

Several travelers have expressed satisfaction through reviews about flying with Thai AirAsia. They appreciated the timely departures and arrivals at reasonable prices, along with attractive baggage options.

The airline's employees are not only effective in their duties but also very pleasant and friendly. Passengers enjoyed short and well-organized flights, which received positive feedback. Additionally, Thai AirAsia operates in the most user-friendly and well-designed airports.

Although Thai AirAsia offers numerous benefits to its clients, there are still a few shortcomings that need to be addressed. For example, passengers are required to collect and check in their luggage on some layover flights, and there are other unwarranted fees. Some customers have also cited unfriendly support and ticketing issues related to changes or cancellations. If these concerns are resolved, it would benefit Thai AirAsia in terms of growth and enhance the overall experience for passengers.

Bangkok Airway 

Bangkok Airways is a Thai airline known for providing top-of-the-range service and quality regional flights. Founded in 1968 in Bangkok, it primarily operates from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Bangkok Airways flies directly to more than 20 countries in Asia, including the Maldives. Most notably, it is the only airline operating from Samui Airport (USM), located on Koh Samui Island. Therefore, any other airline must collaborate with Bangkok Airways to operate flights to this destination.

Travelers love Bangkok Airways, as evidenced by its friendly and helpful personnel, who provide excellent onboard service. The carrier offers snacks on domestic flights, while hot meals are served on short international flights. Additionally, the lounges at Bangkok Airport are highly rated by economy class passengers.

However, there are some drawbacks, including uncomfortable seats, sometimes poorly organized boarding, and a lack of USB ports onboard. Despite these issues, Bangkok Airways offers good service at a reasonable price for flights around Thailand and the region, satisfying many passengers.

Thai Vietjet Air

Thai Vietjet Air is a Thailand-licensed low-cost carrier. Founded in 2014, it resulted from cooperation between Thai partners and Vietjet Air in Vietnam, primarily operating from its Bangkok hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Thai Vietjet Air offers domestic and international flights to various destinations in Thailand and the Asian region. Its business model allows it to provide an economical option for travelers exploring Thailand and its neighbors.

According to passenger testimonials, Thai Vietjet Air receives multiple accolades: some passengers were pleasantly surprised by the space on board and found the flights comfortable, even for journeys of an hour. The competitive rates also appeal to people on a tight budget, and many customers have praised the quality of the airline's customer service.

However, some drawbacks have been noted. Several passengers expressed dissatisfaction with excessive flight delays, causing inconvenience for many. Additionally, the strict enforcement of the carry-on baggage weight limit has been criticized, resulting in extra charges for some customers.

It is worth mentioning that several airlines from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada fly directly to Thailand, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and Air Canada.

Practical tips for travellers

Here are some practical tips to make your airport experience in Thailand more efficient before you leave and upon your arrival:

• Book flights with stopovers, paying close attention to baggage policies and options. Understand the requirements for re-checking baggage when on a connecting flight.
• When searching for cheap flights, take the time to carefully consider your options. Remember that with a low-cost flight, there is often a sacrifice in services and facilities. Ensure that the offer meets your needs and that the overall cost does not exceed your budget.
• Arrive at the airport early to avoid unnecessary stress. For international flights, every airline recommends arriving at least 3 hours before your flight. This will give you enough time to complete all the necessary formalities, making the check-in and document verification processes smoother and hassle-free.

• Examine the visa and immigration policies at your destination. Ensure you have the required documents, such as a valid visa for entering Thailand. Keep all your travel documents, ID cards, and boarding passes organized and well protected.
• At regional airports in Thailand, use the currency exchange desks and ATMs to convert your money to Thai baht. This will ensure you have local currency for your expenses during your visit.
• Learn how to greet people and understand appropriate behaviors within Thai society to navigate cultural differences respectfully. It can also be helpful to learn some basic phrases in Thai, as this will enhance your chances of having wonderful experiences during your stay.

Our last words,

An enchanting surprise awaits you in Thailand, as the country is ready for your discovery. Just picture yourself on heavenly beaches, immersing yourself in the histories of ancient structures that dot the landscape while savoring food in its finest forms.

From the details mentioned in this article, it is clear that you are more than capable of embarking on this trip. Pay attention to useful recommendations and make the best use of the feedback you receive during your journey. Thailand is waiting for you, so don’t hesitate to fulfill your dream of visiting this beautiful country.

>>> Also read:

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• Tattoo Thailand: Sak Yant Secrets And Sacred Traditional Designs
• Thailand Tourist Map: Must-Visit Places From North To South!
• Bangkok's authentic side: Top 10 non-touristy things to do