Getting to Thailand (International Flights)

✈️ 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.

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
  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.

✅ 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.
- Generate your dream Thailand trip with my custom itinerary builder.
- Book a call with me before your first trip to in Thailand.