Domestic Flights
Thailand's domestic flights are cheap, fast, and reliable. For routes like Bangkok → Chiang Mai or Bangkok → Phuket, flying is almost always worth it compared to 10+ hours by bus.
The Main Airlines
| Airline | Hub | Luggage | Prices from | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirAsia | DMK | 7 kg hand luggage, checked luggage extra | 800 ฿ (21 €) | Cheapest provider, reliable |
| Nok Air | DMK | 15 kg included | 1,000 ฿ (26 €) | Good value for money |
| Thai Lion Air | DMK | 10 kg hand luggage | 900 ฿ (23 €) | Affordable, minimal service |
| Bangkok Airways | BKK | 20 kg included | 2,000 ฿ (52 €) | Premium, own lounges, exclusive routes (Samui!) |
| Thai Smile | BKK | 20 kg included | 1,500 ฿ (39 €) | Thai Airways subsidiary, good service |
Important Domestic Routes
| Route | Duration | Price from | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai | 1h 15 | 800 ฿ (21 €) | 20+ daily |
| Bangkok → Phuket | 1h 25 | 900 ฿ (23 €) | 20+ daily |
| Bangkok → Krabi | 1h 20 | 900 ฿ (23 €) | 8–10 daily |
| Bangkok → Koh Samui | 1h 10 | 2,500 ฿ (65 €) | 10+ daily (only Bangkok Airways!) |
| Bangkok → Chiang Rai | 1h 30 | 1,000 ฿ (26 €) | 6–8 daily |
| Bangkok → Surat Thani | 1h 10 | 800 ฿ (21 €) | 6–8 daily |
| Chiang Mai → Phuket | 2h | 1,200 ฿ (31 €) | 2–4 daily |
💡 Tipp
Bangkok Airways has a monopoly on Koh Samui — that's why flights there are twice as expensive. Cheaper: Fly to Surat Thani (from 800 ฿) and take a ferry from there to Koh Samui (joint ticket "Flight + Ferry" from 1,200 ฿ total).