Travel to Thailand

Flying to Thailand

Flights to Thailand are available from several national and international carriers. The national airline is Thai (www.thaiairways.com), which flies from dozens of international locations. Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) offer international flights to and from destinations within Asia.

Flights are cheapest from May to October as parts of the country are hit by the rainy season. November to March are the most expensive times to fly, so it’s best to book your tickets a few months in advance.

Major airports are: Bankok Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Rai International Airport (Mae Fah Luang), Chiang Mai International Airport, Hat Yai International Airport, Ubon Ratchathani Airport, Surat Thani International Airport, Udon Thani International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Khon Kaen Airport and Krabi International Airport.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London to Bangkok: 11 hours 35 minutes
From New York to Bangkok: 20 hours (including stopover)
From Los Angeles to Bangkok: 19 hours 15 minutes (including stopover)
From Sydney to Bangkok: 9 hours 30 minutes

Departure tax

Included in the air fare.

Travelling to Thailand by Rail

The opulent Eastern and Oriental Express (www.belmond.com) runs directly between Bangkok and Singapore, but it's expensive.

Driving to Thailand

Road passage into Thailand is possible through Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. You can find coach operators at major bus stations, but minivan services (such as between Chiang Mai in Thailand and Vientiane in Laos) are often faster. Thailand has multiple border checkpoints to its neighbouring countries. The border crossings are split into international crossings (for foreign nationals in possession of a valid passport and visa) and local crossings (only open to locals). There are over 20 international border crossings.

Getting to Thailand by boat

The main port is Bangkok (www.bkp.port.co.th). Note - there are very limited passenger services available.

Cruise ships

The ports of Laem Chabang (Bangkok) and Phuket are served by international shipping companies and several cruise lines. Cruises from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Europe make regular stops at these ports.

River Routes

There are passenger crossings between Thailand and Laos at several points along the Mekong River. There is a slow boat along the Mekong River, from the Thai town of Chian Saen to Jinghong in China's Yunnan Province.