How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2024/2025. Learn more.

Domestic Flights in Thailand

By Chris QuanUpdated Apr. 18, 2021

When we travel, we don't want to spend too much time actually "travelling", i.e. moving from one place to the other. Fortunately, Thailand has a wonderful flight network, and it will be really easy to reach distant destinations.

There are many Thai airlines, dozens of daily flights, and affordable tickets. Flying within the country, for example between Chiang Mai and Phuket, or Bangkok and Chiang Rai, is becoming more and more popular. No other means of transportation gives you the same mix of comfort and convenience.

Check the following article to learn more about domestic flights in Thailand.

Quick Facts

  • The two busiest airports of the country are in Bangkok and Phuket.
  • There are dozens of flights, connecting popular destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui every day.
  • Flying within the country is the most popular option for many travelers.
  • Because flights are quick, efficient, and inexpensive.
  • The first step to ensure a relaxing trip is to plan your movements within the country carefully.

7-Day Central Thailand Exploration:

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Airlines and Flying Schedules

Flying within the country is very popular. It allows you to save time (a domestic flight is maximum 2hrs), and to avoid those tiring journeys on over-night buses.

Here we gathered some basic information for you about the principal Thai airlines.  You can choose the flagship carrier (Thai Airways), or a boutique airline like Bangkok Airways; or some budget airlines like Thai Lion Air and Thai Air Asia, whose major strength is the vast offer of flights.

Thai Airways

The flagship carrier of Thailand, Thai Airways, is mostly operated from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. It is considered a four-star airline, offering high-quality service, such as entertainment and snacks, even on short flights. 

Thai Lion Air

Partnered with the Indonesian Lion Air, Thai Lion Air serves many domestic destinations and connects Don Mueang in Bangkok with numerous international destinations.

Thai Air Asia

Thai Air Asia is the biggest budget carrier in Asia, and it is based at Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. It is a low-cost airline offering extremely good deals, especially when travelling within the country. You can take a domestic flight even for just USD 20. Thai Air Asia also flies to Japan, China, and South Korea.

Bangkok Airways

The "boutique airline" of Thailand, Bangkok Airways, is a small airline with limited flights that offers a higher service than the competition (tickets are also often more expensive). It has its own lounges at many airports in Thailand where passengers can relax, have a snack, or go shopping while waiting for their next flight.

Learn more about the best 8 domestic airlines in Thailand for tourists.

Air Fares and Booking

As many other popular touristic destinations, Thailand has a low and a high season. During low season, from April to October, prices are lower than during high season, there are not as many people, and the country is very lush because of the abundant rainfalls.

The high season, from November to March, is when most tourists decide to visit Thailand, and so you can expect high prices and big crowds. However, during this season the weather is extremely nice, with moderate temperatures and few to no rainfalls.

Flying within the country is always a good option, but it is good to keep in mind what was said above. Ticket prices will be higher during the high season (about 30% higher). There are many airlines flying at the same time on the same route, and the prices between different operators are much the same.

The prices shown below are for full service (one way); 15-30kg checked luggage and a 7kg hand luggage (every airline has a different baggage policy). There are additional fees for ticket changes.

From To Price Nonstop flying time
Bangkok Chiang Mai USD 45 1h 10m
Bangkok Chiang Rai USD 38 1h 25m
Bangkok Koh Samui USD 145 1h 05m
Bangkok Phuket USD 30 1h 25m
Chiang Mai Phuket USD 120 2h

To get the most out of Thailand, we strongly recommend booking your tickets through a travel agency. This way, an expert will help you choose the best routes and get ideal deals. A travel agent will also be able to give you an overview of Thai domestic flights, doing the best they can to satisfy your needs.

6-Day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Highlights Tour:

Flights Connecting the Main Destinations

Flying between the most popular destinations in Thailand is really easy. There are multiple daily flights, every day of the week, allowing you to choose the best flying time and get the best out of your vacation.

The route Bangkok - Chiang Rai is served by numerous airlines, and there are more than 70 daily flights you can choose from. Chiang Mai - Phuket, on the other hand, has only 5 daily flights, but they are well distributed during the day. Bangkok - Koh Samui is served almost only by Bangkok Airways, and every day there are more than 20 flights.

Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Every day of the week, there are flights departing from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok to  Chiang Rai International Airport.

Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Air Asia, and other Thai airlines all serve this route; and there are more than 71 daily flights between the two destinations (the earliest one is at 5 a.m., the latest one at 10 p.m.).

It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach Chiang Rai, and prices range from USD 45 to USD 120. We always recommend booking the tickets as early as possible.

Chiang Mai to Phuket

There are 5 flights connecting Chiang Mai International Airport with Phuket International Airport. The airlines serving this route are Thai Smile, Thai AirAsia, and Bangkok Airways.

A direct flight will take about 2 hours to reach Phuket. The earliest flight of the day is around 9:40 a.m., and the last one departs at 9:40 p.m. Prices range from USD 80 to USD 140.

Bangkok to Koh Samui

You can reach Koh Samui International Airport from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Every day, there are more than 21 flights connecting the two destinations.

The route is almost exclusively served by Bangkok Airways. The flight takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the earliest one is at 6 a.m., while the last one is at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost about US 135-150.

Major Airports in Thailand

There are many airports in Thailand, connecting numerous destinations inside and outside the country. The biggest Thai airport is Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, and one of the busiest one is the International Airport in Phuket. The airports in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Koh Samui, even though they are smaller, still offer a good service and many travelling options.

Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang in Bangkok

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. The first one, about 30km from the city, is one of the major hubs of air travel of all Southeast Asia. Don Mueang was once the biggest airport of Thailand, but nowadays it serves a more limited number of flights.

Chiang Mai International Airport

Chiang Mai Airport is the gateway to Northern Thailand. It serves 10 airlines and it receives flights from all over Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Singapore, China, Laos, etc. It is located less than 10 minutes from the city center, and the terminal is full of shops, ATMs, and exchange bureaus.

Chiang Rai International Airport

The airport in Chiang Rai is about 10km from the city center. It has only one passenger terminal, with a Dairy Queen and a Black Canyon Coffee outlet. It doesn't serve any international routes, so it can be used only for domestic flights.

Phuket International Airport

The second busiest airport of the country is the one in Phuket. It is in the north of the island, about 32km from Phuket town. It has 3 terminals, with Terminal 2 used for international flights, connecting the island with many major destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.

Koh Samui International Airport

In Koh Samui, the airport was built by Bangkok Airways. You will find the airport in the north of the island, near Bo Put Beach. It has highest safety-standard equipment, and it is a place where passengers can relax and unwind at its many facilities.

Explore Thailand with Asia Highlights

With so many beautiful destinations to choose from, flying within Thailand can be essential. We strongly believe that the aid of a professional travel agent will guarantee you a hassle-free vacation. Our knowledgeable staff will help you plan your trip, choose the best routes and the best flights for you; in short, they will tailor the trip around your needs!

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

  • Save Your Time:
  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning
  • Maximize Your Flexibility:
  • Personal local guide and ride
  • Explore at your own pace
  • Celebrate Your Journeys:
  • Specially-crafted family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!

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.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create My Trip
4.9 ExcellentTrustPilot rating TrustPilot Logo

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to sign up

Why Asia Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

  • Travel Advisors Rooted in Asia
  • Instant Response, No More Waits!
  • Direct Connections, Supreme Values
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfactory

Ensure Your Satisfactory

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Celebrate Your Journey

Celebrate Your Journey

  • Family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!
  • Photographer service for special moments

Where Can We Take You Today?

Rated 4.9 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China