Domestic flights in Thailand are incredibly useful (and extremely plentiful), but flying in the Kingdom is not straightforward, at least not immediately.
Whether you’re searching flights from Bangkok to elsewhere in the country, need to know about the best airlines in Thailand or want to fly from Krabi or Phuket to Chiang Mai without transferring through the capital, this post is for you. I’ll also given an honest assessment of each Thailand domestic airline.
Then, after addressing some other issues (namely, the best Bangkok airport for each type of traveler) I’ll talk through other options for getting around Thailand. Are you ready for departure?
Top Domestic Thailand Destinations
Taking domestic flights in Thailand isn’t always the best way to get around, but it is if you’re headed to any of these destinations (especially from Bangkok):
- Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai
- Krabi
- Phuket
- Koh Samui
For other places to visit in Thailand (namely destinations near major cities—Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, Lampang from Chiang Mai), it may be better to travel by road or rail.
The Best Domestic Airlines in Thailand
Thai Airways and Thai Smile
Is Thai Airways a good airline? Well, after coronavirus finishes ravaging the Thai economy, it might not even exist anymore. I’m being facetious—I hope—of course. Thai (and its quasi-low-cost subsidiary Thai Smile) fly to most every destination in Thailand, with full service onboard including meals, drinks, seat selection and baggage allowance included with the (sometimes high) fare.
Bangkok Airways
Another popular carrier for domestic flights in Thailand is Bangkok Airways which, as its name suggests, is hubbed at Suvarnabhumi Airport. There’s a lot of overlap between the destinations of “Asia’s Boutique Airline” and those of many others on this list, but a couple of notable exceptions. Namely, Bangkok Airways is the only carrier that flies to the airports on Kok Samui island and nearby Sukhothai Historical Park.
Thai AirAsia
Both of the carriers I’ve mentioned thus far fly exclusively (in Bangkok) for Suvarnabhumi, Thailand’s largest and newest international airport—not Thai AirAsia, or at least not anymore. I’ll leave the BKK vs DMK debate for another article, but suffice it to say: If you aren’t staying north of Sukhumvit Road, the traffic-filled journey to Don Mueang Airport can this no-frills carrier a no-go.
Thai Lion Air
When it comes to domestic flights in Thailand, there’s not a lot of daylight between Thai Lion Air and other low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia and Nok Air, neither in terms of price nor in terms of onboard service and amenities. Likewise, Thai Lion Air’s Bangkok flights depart exclusively from Don Mueang, which might influence your decision. On a minor note, I’ve found that Thai Lion’s website and mobile app are rather buggy indeed.
Nok Air
Round up the trio of low-cost airlines in Thailand is Nok Air, whose planes are noteworthy for having beaks (painted on, of course—these are not physical structures). Once again, there’s very little difference between Nok and AirAsia or Thai Lion, as all fly from Don Mueang and offer basic (if not completely spartan) onboard experiences. Decide by price and schedule, assuming all else is equal.
Alternatives to Flying in Thailand
In certain situations, it might not be ideal or even possible to fly to your destination. For example, while trains in Thailand run from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, a lush province west of the capital, no airport exists there. Likewise, land transport is the only reliable to travel between Bangkok and Pattaya; if you want to travel from Chumphon or Surat Thani to Koh Samui or Koh Tao, a boat is your only option.
In general, I use what I call the “five hour rule”—if you’d have to drive or take a train more than five hours, but flying is possible, domestic flights in Thailand are your best option. (Even this, however, is not hard and fast. There’s something to be said about certain train journeys in Thailand, such as traveling overnight between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, or Nong Khai at the border with Laos.)
Plan Your Trip to Thailand
Whether because of confusion about domestic flights, or because just can’t decide on destinations, hammering out a Thailand itinerary can be tedious, to say the least. For some travelers, even knowing how long to spend in the Kingdom can be confusing—while many can cover an adequate amount of ground with two weeks in Thailand, this only scratches the surface for others.
Other FAQ About Domestic Flights in Thailand
Can you get domestic flights in Thailand?
It’s easy and cheap to take domestic flights in Thailand, whether you’re flying from Bangkok’s two airports to virtually anywhere in the Kingdom, or on routes between Chiang Mai and Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and beyond. In fact, I’d say that in most cases, domestic flights will be the primary way you get around during your trip to Thailand.
Do you need a passport to fly domestically in Thailand?
While you don’t necessarily need to a passport to fly domestically in Thailand, you do need to show ID at the security checkpoint and also, at the gate before boarding the aircraft. If you want to avoid staff getting confused by your home country ID, carrying your passport is a great way to prevent issues.
Which domestic airline is best in Thailand?
I personally prefer “full service” airlines like Thai Smile and Bangkok Airways when flying domestically in Thailand. In addition to more transparent fare structures and better onboard service, these airlines operate exclusively from Suvarnabhumi, the better and more convenient of Bangkok’s two airports. On the other hand, if you absolutely have to fly low-cost Thai airlines like Thai AirAsia or Nok Air, they are perfectly tolerable.
The Bottom Line
Do you have a deeper understanding of domestic flights in Thailand now? From differences (and similarities) between the best airlines in Thailand, to understanding which Bangkok airport makes more sense for your situation, minding the details of flying domestically within Thailand can greatly improve (or, if you neglect them, worsen) your trip. Of course, you don’t have to worry about that (neglecting the details of Thailand domestic flights, this is), now, do you? TIP: Whether you need deciding the best airline in Thailand, or any other assistance putting your trip together, I encourage you to consider hiring me to plan your Thailand adventure.
