Want to fly into an airport and step onto the beach or jump in a taxi and head straight to Bangkok?
Thailand is one of the most visited destinations in the world. It has a unique charm that attracts travelers from around the globe.
With a wide variety of activities and adventures, Thailand has something for every traveler. Visit golden-plated temples, relax on beautiful beaches, or shop till you drop at the biggest malls in Asia.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is the best way to fly to Thailand due to its extensive selection of international and domestic routes. Additionally, it offers easy access to Bangkok, the country’s capital city.
I’ve broken down a list of international airports in Thailand, including recommended traveler types, so you can effectively reach your dream destination without the hassle of multiple layovers.
| Airport | Close to | Great for |
|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) | Bangkok Ayutthaya Central World Mall Khao San Road | Cityseeker Backpacker Explorer |
| Koh Samui International Airport (USM) | Koh Samui Koh Phangan Full moon party | Island hopper Beach lover Sunseeker |
| Phuket International Airport (HKT) | Phuket Island Patong Koh Yao Noi Koh Yao Yai Phi Phi Island Khao Lak Mai Khao Beach | Island hopper Beach lover Sunseeker Night owl |
| Krabi International Airport (KBV) | Ao Nang Had Yao Rai Leh Phi Phi Island Koh Lanta | Island hopper Beach lover Sunseeker |
| U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport (UTP) | Pattaya Walking street Koh Samet | Beach lover Sunseeker Night owl |
| Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) or Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) | Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Doi Inthanon National Park | Backpacker Explorer Digital Nomad |
Check flights to these airports by comparing prices on Skyscanner:
South of Thailand – Beaches & Islands
The beaches in Thailand are some of the most beautiful and well-kept in the world. To find the most pristine, I recommend traveling to the southwestern areas of Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi.
There are three main international airports located in the southern region near beaches and islands; these include Phuket International Airport (HKT), Krabi International Airport (KBV), and Koh Samui International Airport (USM).
Koh Samui International Airport (USM)
Koh Samui is ideal if you prefer to fly directly to an island paradise. It’s one of the most beautiful airports in Thailand, with an Island styled theme and an open planned departure lounge for plane spotting.
Flights are limited to Koh Samui, especially for international arrivals, so prepare to pay more than most other airports.
Flying direct, you can bypass a boat journey, but convenience comes at a cost!
Looking for alternative transport options to Koh Samui? Check out my article on ways of getting there.
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
If you prefer more travel options than just relaxing on an island, then flying to Phuket is highly recommended. Phuket airport is within easy reach of luxury resorts, beaches, the old town, and tourist hotspot Patong. The closest beach to Phuket International Airport is Mai Khao.
Services at Phuket Airport
- Limited duty-free
- A small collection of restaurants primarily in departures
- Affordable Domestic flights
Insider tip
Want to avoid the busy tourist hot spots in Phuket? Check out neighboring province Phang Nga with its well-preserved nature reserve beaches such as Khao Lak. Highly recommended!
Krabi International Airport (KBV)
Are you interested in exploring Krabi? Hop on a plane and fly direct to Krabi International. Getting to the local beaches of Ao Nang and Railay Beach takes around 30 minutes by local taxi at about 500 THB ($15 / £20).
Services at Krabi Airport
- Shuttle bus (Per person 100 THB to Krabi town or 150 THB to Ao Nang)
- Car rental
- Domestic transfers
Bangkok
The two main airports of Thailand closest to Bangkok city are Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).
Don Mueang is 22km, and Suvarnabhumi is 28km from Bangkok city center.
Getting into the city from Suvarnabhumi is easier because it has more transport options, including a train, taxi, and bus.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
The main airport in Thailand is Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), conveniently located 30 minutes by taxi to Bangkok central.
Suvarnabhumi has many international and domestic flights per day, so prices are generally more competitive than other local airports.
Airlines traveling to domestic locations within Thailand from BKK include Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Vietjet Air.
Services at Suvarnabhumi Airport
- King Power – lots of duty-free shopping options!
- Wide choice of Thai and western restaurants within arrival and departures
- Airport transfer to downtown Bangkok
- Hotel for long-haul transfers
- Access to the airport link train, which takes you to inner Bangkok – recommend avoiding the train during peak times (8-9 am or 6-8 pm)
- International premium lounges
- Luggage storage
- Tourist SIM
- Transport to Pattaya
- Multiple transport options to downtown Bangkok
Insider tip
BKK airport has an array of public taxi stands waiting for incoming flights. Keep your hotel address handy to show your driver because the majority of them have limited English skills.
Luxury tip
Public taxis can be a hit and miss in terms of comfort. Another option is to use one of the many private companies. I recommend EVSociety which uses fully electric vehicles and the driver provides complementary water bottles. You can find their booth at level 1 arrivals, look out for their blue sign – it’s hard to miss it!
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
The oldest airport in Thailand is Don Mueang, replaced as the primary transit hub in 2006 by its successor Suvarnabhumi. It caters to international arrivals but primarily within the Asian region.
Are you traveling on a budget? If you’re planning to experience more of Thailand, Don Mueang has the cheapest local domestic airlines flying out of Bangkok. Airlines include AirAsia and Thai Lion.
Pattaya
The most convenient airport near Pattaya is U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport (UTP), a 40km drive from Pattaya central.
The taxi ride to Pattaya City will take around 40 minutes and cost up to 1,000 THB ($30 / £25).
Insider tip
Taxi prices in the south of Thailand are generally more expensive than in Bangkok so be aware of possible scams or plan your taxi ahead of time.
Pattaya airport has a limited selection of international flights, so another option is to fly directly into Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and take a 2-hour taxi ride to Pattaya City. The trip will cost around 1,000 THB ($30 / £25.
Insider tip
Ensure the taxi you’re getting has working seatbelts and is of a newer model for more comfort during the long journey.
Alternatively, you can travel to Pattaya from any Bangkok airport by taxi. The journey typically takes about 2 hours.
North of Thailand – Mountainous Regions
The north of Thailand is well known for its mountainous landscape, hill tribes, and tea plantations. Chiang Mai is the capital of the north and lures explorers and digital nomads from around the globe.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) and Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) are the two primary airports in the north.
Most international flights into these airports are from within the Asian region, so travelers outside Asia transfer via Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Domestic airlines operating out of Chiang Mai include AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet Air, and Thai Smile.
The airport is conveniently located next to the city, so a taxi to your central hotel will take around 10 minutes (depending on traffic). A metered taxi will cost about 100-200 THB ($6 / £5).
I recommend hiring a car at the airport to explore the mountainous regions freely.
Although if you only plan to stay in the city for a few nights, there are affordable taxi pickups you can hop on and hop off to get around. Just inform the driver where you want to go, then jump in the back of the pickup.
Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)
The smaller little sister airport in the northeast is Chiang Rai. Travelers go there to explore mountain regions such as Phu Chi Fa or visit the local Oolong plantation for tea tasting.
I highly recommend hiring a car in Chiang Rai because public transport is limited. I would hire a car at the airport instead of a scooter because the roads are notoriously dangerous!
Cheapest airport to fly into Thailand
Generally, If you’re flying directly into Thailand from abroad, the cheapest airport is Suvarnabhumi because of its competitive airline choice.
Although I recommend considering your travel plans and calculating the total costs of additional transport such as taxis, boats, and domestic flights to see which works out cheaper for you.
Summary
The Thai airport you choose for your next holiday depends on your traveler type and itinerary.
Want to enjoy beaches and islands without the hassle of additional flights? Then fly directly into Phuket, Krabi, or Koh Samui.
Are you a city hopper who enjoys nightlife and shopping? Then fly into Suvarnabhumi, only a half-hour drive from Bangkok.
Flying on a budget internationally or planning a domestic adventure? Then consider Bangkok’s two primary airports that offer multiple transfer options.
Whatever airport you choose, Thailand has much to offer you, so pack your bags and enjoy your trip!
Before you go…
Interested to know how long it takes to fly into Bangkok, Thailand, from popular locations around the globe? or the best airlines flying from the US?
Or want to take the hassle away from getting into downtown Bangkok by booking an airport transfer?
Then check my articles for breakdowns.
FAQ
What city is the cheapest to fly into Thailand?
Bangkok is the most economical city to fly into Thailand internationally because it has a wider selection of international budget airlines, making it more competitive in terms of pricing.
Is it better to fly to Bangkok or Phuket?
Which airport to choose depends on your itinerary and budget. Bangkok Airports are a better option if you plan to stay there for a few days and then connect to other parts of Thailand using domestic flights. On the other hand, Phuket Airport is a better option if you plan to stay only in the southern part of Thailand.
Is it better to fly into BKK or DMK?
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main airport with a more comprehensive selection of airlines, airport facilities, and onward transport options. However, Don Mueang (DMK) is a good option for travelers on a budget, flying with low-cost carriers operating within the Asian region.
What is the difference between Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi?
Suvarnabhumi is the primary airport in Thailand, serving a broader range of airlines for both domestic and international flights. On the other hand, Don Muang is a smaller airport that primarily caters to budget carriers for domestic and regional flights within Asia.
Is DMK or BKK closer to the city?
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) are both conveniently located near downtown Bangkok. BKK is situated in the eastern part of the city and is approximately a 30-minute to one-hour drive away, while DMK is located in the northwest of the city and is about a 30-40 minute drive away.
Looking for guides on airports in Bangkok? Take a look at my other articles: