Millions of travelers fly to Thailand each year to visit the pristine beaches in the south and the delightful ancient temples in the north. Travelers often need to fly from the south to the north or vice versa at least once to uncover the exotic beauty of Thailand, so it's worth finding out what the best domestic airlines are.

There are many airlines in Thailand that will get you to various destinations. Domestic airlines in Thailand are very convenient and affordable. Most flight routes around Thailand are reasonably priced and short. To go from the southern island of Koh Samui to Chiang Mai in the north, it takes less than 2 hours on a non-stop flight. It is the best way to travel in this country, especially for those with a family or wanting a faster getaway.
In this article, we will introduce you to the eight best Thai airlines ranging from boutique high-end ones to no-frills airlines and from family-friendly choices to the best budget airline options, to suit different travelers' preferences and needs.
- Important note: Bangkok has 2 airports
- Bangkok Airways - Asia's Boutique Airline, Best Luxury Airline
- Thai Airways - World's Best Economy Airline, Full-Service Airline
- Thai Smile - Most Reliable Low-Cost Airline
- AirAsia - Best Low-Cost Airline, Good for Those Traveling Light
- Nok Air - Best Airline for Traveling with Kids
- Thai Lion Air - Best for Low Airfares with Perks
- Thai Vietjet Air - Best New Airline, Budget Flight Out of Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Kan Air - Best and Only Option to Get to Mae Hong Son
- Is It Safe to Take Any Thai or Asian Airline?
- Insider Travel Tips about Flying in Thailand
Important note: Bangkok has 2 airports!

Suvarnabhumi Airport: Your international flight out of Bangkok will most often be from Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is the new airport. The higher-end domestic airlines fly in and out of this airport.
Don Mueang International Airport is the old airport, which is now used for budget airlines. It is harder to catch a taxi leaving from Don Mueang International Airport and it costs more to get to a central Bangkok location.
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


![]() ![]() |
Thailand -insights, no stress and amazing team
My husband and my Thailand trip was fantastic, stress-free and educational thanks to the amazing team coordinated by Albee at Asia Highlights. The whole team was incredibly accessible, responsive, sensitive to our needs and lovely to work with. End-to-end, the trip was truly remarkable and the knowledgeable and dynamic tour guides and drivers made it especially memorable! More
AndrewsFamily,
Oct 2023
|
Informative & Thorough / Thanks Sharon!
Sharon the advisor that helped me was so thorough & informative and explained the details of the tour including questions about visas and what is included vs what is not included in the tour packages. I would recommend them to explain tour packages that would fit the schedule of your pending travels. More
Chris,
Sep 2023
|
Easy, fast responses
I worked directly with Monica in Asia Highlights. She was incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions quickly. Working with her made the whole process easy and we are so excited for our trip! More
Diana B,
Sep 2023
|
Stress free Thailand
Alisa has organised our 14 day Thailand holiday for 2024 for my family & I. She has been very accommodating & super quick with all of our requests & we cannot wait for a stress free holiday! Thank you Alisa! More
Alana Mitchell,
Sep 2023
|
Family Trip to Thailand-Cambodia
All of our guides were very nice and knowledgeable, but we have a special mention to our guide in Cambodia, Chan, he was very kind with us and it was very amusing. He went the extra mile for us. We really enjoyed our holidays! More
José Antonio Carrillo de la Pl,
Sep 2023
|
Asia Highlights and Sharon
Asia Highlights, specifically Sharon, has been wonderfully helpful as we get ready for a 2024 excursion to Thailand. We are beyond excited, and much of that has to do with the personalized attention that we have experienced with Sharon. She has been extremely responsive, obliging, and focused as she helped us design a tailor made itinerary. All of our questions have been addressed, our needs have been met, and the path has now been set for a very exciting trip.... thanks to Sharon. More
Marcy Hoenig,
Sep 2023
|
I was planning a trip to Thailand to…
I was planning a trip to Thailand to especially see the Lantern Festival this year for our birthdays!! It’s been on our bucket list, but we were completely lost on how to go about planning for our trip. We’ve never really booked tours before but Alisa was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and efficient in providing all the information we needed to make our decision on the best tours and tickets to purchase. Thank you so much!! More
https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/64d9a5a4657e4b39f768a21e,
Aug 2023
|
I would definitely recommend Asia…
All of our guides were wonderful (Mr. Bank - Bangkok and Ms. Kai in Phuket & Khao Sok plus antoher guide who assisted in Koh Samui). Sharon took care of tours, private drivers, flights and hotels within Thailand and our trip went off without a hitch. The hotels were great and the transportation always arrived on time and with a clean, More
Guinevere Provance,
Aug 2023
|
Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
|
Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
|
Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
|
Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
|
Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
|
My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
|
A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
|
Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
|
I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
|
Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
|
We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
|
Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
|
1. Bangkok Airways - Asia's Boutique Airline, Best Luxury Airline

Bangkok Airways is known as Asia's Boutique Airline. It offers private lounges at many of the airports in Thailand. You have the chance to relax before your flight and enjoy free food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. The service is impeccable and you'll enjoy all the small details offered. The airline really goes out of its way to offer you a pleasant flight experience.
You will feel that the airline puts you first with its VIP service. There is a big luggage allowance as well, with many nice little extras. Bangkok Airways is a small airline that really focuses on offering an unforgettable experience for you. It costs more than other airlines but you can get deals if you book ahead of time to certain locations. For example, you can fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Krabi one-way for 1,350 TBH. The airline's service covers Southeast Asia, India, China, and the Maldives.
- Carry-on allowance: 5 kilograms
- Luggage allowance: 30 kilograms (FlyerBonus)
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 80 THB
- Meal included: yes
- Seat reservation included: yes
- Credit card fee: no
- Departs from: Suvarnabhumi Airport
2. Thai Airways - World's Best Economy Airline, Full-Service Airline
Thai Airways might be considered economy class but it offers things that make it feel more like a luxury option. Within Thailand, its prices are similar to Bangkok Airways but it offers a lot. No other domestic airline in Thailand offers in-flight entertainment. If you're traveling with a family, this is a great option. It's not just the free luggage or the free food and drinks you'll enjoy, there's also plenty of legroom.

If you're accustomed to business or first class, Thai Airways offers both and really takes care of you. Even if you're flying economy, the staff are helpful, friendly, and go out of their way to make you feel special. The airline has amazing food on its flights too. The flights can be pricey but if you book in advance, you'll pay about 20% less. Also, the Royal Orchid Plus program offers flight and hotel packages to popular destinations, such as Krabi and Phuket. You can stay in affiliated high-end hotels and get discounted prices on your accommodation and flight.
- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Luggage allowance: 30 kilograms
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 55-125 THB
- Meal included: yes
- Seat reservation included: yes
- Credit card fee: no
- Departs from: Suvarnabhumi Airport
3. Thai Smile - Most Reliable Low-Cost Airline

Thai Smile is a low-cost subsidiary of Thai Airways. Its service is mid-range so even though you're paying less, you will get some good perks. There might not be an airport lounge but you do get a free allowance of 20 kilograms of checked luggage plus free snacks and drinks. If you are particular about where you sit on a flight, you'll be pleased to know that you can choose your seat up to 90 days ahead of time.
Most importantly, if reliability matters to you, you'll like Thai Smile because it has a good reputation for taking off on time. While it's not a luxury airline, you'll get a comfortable short distance flight experience.
- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Luggage allowance: 20 kilograms
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 55-125 THB
- Meal included: yes
- Seat reservation included: yes
- Credit card fee: no
- Departs from: Suvarnabhumi Airport
4. AirAsia - Best Low-Cost Airline, Good for Those Traveling Light
AirAsia is one of the cheapest options when flying around Thailand but it's also a great airline. If you're traveling light with just a 7 kilogram carry-on, AirAsia is a good option. With AirAsia, the base price is cheap, especially when booking online. You can sometimes fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for as little as 20 USD. Add-ons may add up if you want an in-flight meal or a particular seat. The airline has varying prices for its seating if you don't choose Premium Flex. The extras can add up but let's talk about the service offered to you.
As well as such reasonable pricing, the airline is very helpful. It has machines you can use to check yourself in at the airports. There is always an attendant there to help you through the process. The machines mean you don't have to wait around for very long. AirAsia almost always takes off on time unless there's something out of its control.
- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Luggage allowance: 15 kilograms is 300 THB
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 400 THB
- Meal included: no
- Seat reservation included: no
- Credit card fee: 96.5 TBH
- Departs from: Don Mueang International Airport
5. Nok Air - Best Airline for Traveling with Kids
Nok Air has a bird theme and everything, including the airplanes and the flight attendants, maintains the theme. The airline gives you free snacks, water, and Wi-Fi, and its service is exceptional. The staff members are all smiles and your kids will love their bright yellow uniforms that mimic colorful birds. The airplanes have a beak painted at the front of them, which again is really fascinating for children.

The airline has a lot of options for flying around Thailand. You can fly from Bangkok in the morning, afternoon, or night to the most popular destinations. The upgrades don't cost much more if you want some extra comforts and services for your family. The airline's service is fantastic for the price, which matters when you're flying with a family and paying for multiple seats.

- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Luggage allowance: 15 kilograms
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 300 THB
- Meal included: snack box
- Seat reservation included: yes
- Credit card fee: 90.95 TBH
- Departs from: Don Mueang International Airport
6. Thai Lion Air - Best for Low Airfares with Perks
Thai Lion Air offers you prices much like those for flying with AirAsia but it gives you more. You can check up to 15 kilograms of luggage for free. If you catch one of its online promotions, you'll pay very little. For example, a Bangkok to Chiang Mai flight can be on sale for 800 TBH.
- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Luggage allowance: 10 kilograms
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 400 THB
- Meal included: no
- Seat reservation included: yes
- Credit card fee: no
- Departs from: Don Mueang International Airport
7. Thai Vietjet Air - Best New Airline, Budget Flight Out of Suvarnabhumi Airport
There's not too much to say about Thai Vietjet Air as it's still quite new, having opened in 2014. The airline doesn't go to many destinations within Thailand. The one thing that could be highlighted is that it's a budget airline flying out of the main airport. If you're flying into or out of Suvarnabhumi Airport on the same day, this airline makes it easy for you.
- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Excess luggage fee (per kg): 400 THB
- Meal included: no
- Credit card fee: no
- Departs from: Suvarnabhumi Airport
8. Kan Air - Best and Only Option to Get to Mae Hong Son
Kan Air is a small airline based in Chiang Mai. It services the north and northeast of Thailand as well as Bangkok. However, if you want to get to Mae Hong Son and avoid the curvy roads you'd need to travel on by land, this is the best option. This flight route is in partnership with Bangkok Airways. Kan Air offers you free checked baggage on its flights.
- Carry-on allowance: 7 kilograms
- Excess luggage fee (per kilogram): 100 THB
- Meal included: no
- Online reservation: credit card only
- Departs from: Chiang Mai International Airport
Is It Safe to Take Any Thai or Asian Airline?

There was a time recently when Thailand had questionable safety standards. This caused the ICAO to downgrade Thailand's airlines. In turn, this caused airlines like Bangkok Airways to have reduced flights to certain places. However, the airline has worked hard and the ICAO has now said it'll be upgrading the airline back to a Category 1 rating.
AirlineRatings.com is an independent site for gauging the safety of airlines. There are up to seven stars available for safety. The company gave two stars to Nok Air, AirAsia (Thailand) and Bangkok Airways were given three stars, and Thai Airways received four stars. These airlines carry out compulsory safety audits, which continually improve the safety standards.
Insider Travel Tips about Flying in Thailand
Leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport in Bangkok, whether it's Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport. The traffic can be horrendous, and queues can be long at the check-in counters.
1. When you're taking AirAsia, it's well worth the extra money to pay for Premium Flex. You get 20 kilograms of free luggage, the best seats are available to you, and meals are included.
2. Take a taxi from one of the taxi stands when you leave the airport. There will likely be people ready to confront you but they'll charge a high flat rate.
3. Take your own items of comfort on the airplane, such as a pillow or blanket. It might be hot in Thailand but the airplanes usually have the air-conditioning on high.
4. On the first floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport, there's a food court with excellent food.
Tour Thailand Your Way with Us
We can tailor-make your Thailand trip. We have lots of experience with creating the perfect trip for any traveler. Our travel consultants will handpick the best domestic flights in Thailand to suit your needs and tastes. We understand what makes traveling special and are dedicated to providing a unique and special experience.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
- 9-Day Thailand Family Tour
- 10-Day Best of Thailand Tour
- 11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour
- 12-Day Thailand Family Holiday
- 12-Day Essential Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 12-Day Thailand Wonders Tour
- 13-Day Essence of Thailand Tour
- 14-Day Classic Vietnam and Thailand Tour
- 15-Day Best of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Tour
- 19-Day Highlights of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam
- 19-Day Singapore, Thailand, India and Nepal Tour
- 20-Day Siem Reap, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Phillippine and Taiwan Tour
- How to Plan Your First Trip to Thailand — 7 Easy Steps
- How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam Couple’s/Family Tour
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand and Cambodia (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a Thailand and Vietnam Trip (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Thailand 2024/2025
- How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand
- Best & Worst Time to Visit Thailand 2024, Rainy Season? (Not when you think!)
- How Long to Spend in Thailand: Itinerary Ideas from 1-3 Weeks
- 2 Weeks in Thailand: 3 Top Itineraries for First-Timers, Couples, and Families
- 2-Week Itineraries in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a 2-Week Thailand-and-Cambodia Itinerary (2024/2025)
- How to Plan a 3-Week Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary (2024/2025)
- Thailand Weather in January: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in February: Which Island/Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in March: Temperature, Places to Visit, Travel Tips
- Thailand Weather in April: Temperatures, Places to Visit, Songkran Festival
- Thailand Weather in May: Too Hot & Rainy? Best Places to Go and Travel Tips
- What's the Weather Like in Thailand in June?
- Thailand Weather in July: Temperatures, Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in August: Temperature and Best Places to Go
- Thailand Weather in September: Temperature, Best Places to Visit
- Thailand Weather in October: Still Rain? Where to Visit?
- Thailand Weather in November 2023, Travel Tips for First-Timers
- Thailand Weather in December 2023: Travel Tips & Places to Go
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.