> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thailandtripos.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Getting to Thailand (International Flights)
- URL: https://www.thailandtripos.com/getting-to-thailand-international-flights/
- Published: 2026-02-15T17:35:33.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-03T17:48:39.000Z
- Author: Tim Thorer
- Tags: Getting There

### ✈️ Main Airports:

**1\. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) - Bangkok**

- Main international hub
- Modern, efficient
- 30 km from city center
- Most international flights arrive here

*Check out my* [*Bangkok Airport Arrival Guide.*](https://www.thailandtripos.com/bangkok-airport-arrival-guide/)

**2\. Don Mueang Airport (DMK) - Bangkok**

- Budget airlines hub (AirAsia, Nok Air, …)
- Older but functional
- 25 km from city center
- Mostly domestic + some regional flights

**3\. Phuket International Airport (HKT)**

- Direct international flights
- Good if focusing on southern beaches
- 30 km from Patong

**4\. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)**

- Some international flights (mainly regional Asia)
- Most visitors fly Bangkok → Chiang Mai domestically

**5\. Krabi International Airport (KBV)**

- Some international flights (mainly regional Asia)
- Only 6–7 hours from Dubai
- Most visitors fly Bangkok → Krabi domestically

### 🎫 RECOMMENDED AIRLINES

- **Full Service (includes baggage, meals):**
  - ⭐ Thai Airways: National carrier, good service
  - ⭐ Singapore Airlines: Via Singapore, luxury
  - ⭐ Swiss: Fantastic Service like in the 90s
  - ⭐ Austrian: Same level as Swiss
  - ⭐ EVA Air: Via Taipei, excellent service
  - ⭐ Emirates: Via Dubai, comfortable
  - Qatar Airways - Via Doha, good value
  - Cathay Pacific - Via Hong Kong
- **Budget (no frills, cheap):**
  - AirAsia: Regional hub, cheap but basic
  - Scoot: Singapore-based budget
  - Thai Lion Air: Thai budget carrier

### **⚠️ Budget Airline Warning:**

- Add costs: Baggage (฿800-1,500), seat selection (฿200+), meals (฿150+)
- Often ends up similar price to full-service
- Worth it if you're only bringing carry-on

### **Average Costs (Round Trip):**

**From USA:** $800-1,400 **From Europe:** $600-1,200 **From Australia:** $400-800 **From Middle East:** $300-600

### **📱 TDAC - THAILAND DIGITAL ARRIVAL CARD**

Mandatory for EVERY foreigner!

- **Option A: Fill out BEFORE your flight (RECOMMENDED)**
  1. Go to: [](https://tdac.immigration.go.th/?ref=thailandtripos.com)[**https://tdac.immigration.go.th**](https://tdac.immigration.go.th/?ref=thailandtripos.com)
  2. Fill out form (5 minutes):
    - Personal details
    - Passport information
    - Flight details
    - Thailand address (first hotel)
    - Contact information
  3. Submit
  4. **Save QR code** (screenshot or print)
  5. Show QR code at immigration
- **Option B: Fill out on arrival**
  - Kiosks available at airport
  - Can take longer due to queues

*Check out my complete* [*TDAC Guide.*](https://www.thailandtripos.com/tdac/)

### **✅ What you need at immigration:**

- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- TDAC QR code (digital or printed)
- Return/onward ticket (sometimes checked)
- Proof of accommodation (rarely asked but have hotel booking screenshot)
- $500 cash (rarely checked)

**VISA POLICY:**

- **60 days visa-free** for most Western countries (USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, etc.)
- Can extend 30 more days at immigration office (฿1,900)
- **Total possible: 90 days**

**P.S. How I can help you:** 
*\- Access my ready-to-book* [*Thailand itineraries and maps.*](https://www.thailandtripos.com/#/portal/signup/69911f50870ccc00082cec2a/monthly)  
\- *Generate your dream Thailand trip with my* [*custom itinerary builder.*](https://www.timtraveltaste.com/custom-itinerary?ref=thailandtripos.com)  
\- *Book a* [*call with me*](https://calendar.app.google/b9WZexZyfsjksTXD7?ref=thailandtripos.com) *before your first trip to in Thailand.*