If you’re planning your travel route around Thailand, don’t assume that the bus or train is always going to be the cheapest option. When it comes to long distance travel in Thailand, a flight can often be the best option in terms of convenience and price. On long-distance routes such as Bangkok-Phuket or Bangkok-Chiang Mai, fares on the low-cost airlines often compare favourably to the price of a bus or train ticket. And if you know well in advance the dates you want to travel, there are sometimes promotional fares available which actually make flying cheaper than taking the bus or train.
Some of the low-cost airlines in Thailand, such as Air Asia and Nok Air, operate domestic services from Bangkok’s Don Muang airport. Full-service airlines, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, currently have flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. There are also some direct flights that link Chiang Mai with southern Thailand without the need to go via Bangkok. For instance, Air Asia have direct flights between Chiang Mai and Phuket while Bangkok Airways run direct services between Ko Samui and Chiang Mai.
Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways are often thought to be the most expensive domestic airlines in Thailand. Although that may be true on some routes, it isn’t always the case so it pays to shop around and check each airlines website yourself for prices.
Air Asia
Well established in Thailand, Air Asia operate services from Bangkok’s Don Muang airport to various destinations throughout Thailand including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Hat Yai, Khon Kaen and Udon Thani. Also run some international services.
Air Asia website
Bangkok Airways
Services from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to destinations including Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Krabi, Ko Samui, Trat (for Ko Chang) and Udon Thani.
Bangkok Airways website
Nok Air
No Air service various destinations throughout Thailand including Chiang Mai, Phuket, Sukhothai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani out of Bangkok Don Muang. Nok Air also offer connecting boat services to a number of the Thai islands.
Nok Air website
Thai Airways
Thailand’s national airline operate flights mainly from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to destinations including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ko Samui, Hat Yai, Phuket, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.
Thai Airways website
