Best Airlines to Fly in Thailand Domestically

Given all the airline options for flights in Thailand, it can be hard to know which carrier to choose. Whether you’re seeking affordable flights, need information on baggage allowances, or want to know which airlines offer the best services, this guide on the best airlines to fly in Thailand has got you covered. Here’s an honest assessment and ranking of each domestic airline within the country.

Note: All information is for economy class tickets.

Top Domestic Destinations in Thailand

Flying within Thailand is a quick and easy way to reach many popular spots, particularly from Bangkok. Some popular destinations include:

• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Krabi
• Phuket
• Koh Samui

(For destinations like Pai from Chiang Mai or Ayutthaya from Bangkok, traveling by train, van, or car may be more practical.)

Best Airlines to Fly Domestically in Thailand

1. Bangkok Airways

• Cost: High
• Carry-on Baggage: 5 kg included
• Checked Baggage: 20 kg included
• Features: Known as “Asia’s Boutique Airline,” they are a full-service airline with complimentary lounge access, meals, and high-quality customer service. They also have a near-monopoly on flights to destinations like Koh Samui and Sukhothai.
• Experience: Comfortable and punctual.
• Our Opinion: If cost was not a factor, then Bangkok Airways would be our first choice for flying domestically in Thailand.

2. Thai Airways

• Cost: Moderate to High
• Carry-on Baggage: 7 kg included
• Checked Baggage: 20–35 kg (depending on the specific fare classes)
• Features: Full-service airline with meals, drinks, seat selection, and generous baggage allowance. Covers major domestic routes, but does not go everywhere. They are also one of the only airlines that offers in-flight entertainment domestically.
• Experience: Comfortable and punctual.
• Our Opinion: If cost were not a factor, Thai Airways would be our second choice for flying domestically. Though flights within Thailand are short, the in-flight entertainment is a big plus.

3. Thai AirAsia

• Cost: Low
• Carry-on Baggage: 7 kg included
• Checked Baggage: Not included; available for an additional fee
• Features: Low-cost carrier with frequent flights. Budget airline, so checked baggage, meals, and drinks cost extra. Covers many domestic routes.
• Experience: Crammed but punctual.
• Our Opinion: For people who want low-cost flights, Thai AirAsia is the best carrier in Thailand. Overall, we think it offers the most value compared to its competitors.

4. Nok Air

• Cost: Low
• Carry-on Baggage: 7 kg included
• Checked Baggage: Not included; available for an additional fee
• Features: Another low-cost airline. Has colorful planes with beak designs. Offers basic free WiFi on all flights, and their seats are a bit wider than other low-cost carriers.
• Experience: Fun but may be late.
• Our Opinion: It may be a good airline if you have kids or if you don’t need to arrive on a strict schedule. Nok Air has a reputation for delayed flights.

5. Thai Lion Air

• Cost: Low to Moderate
• Carry-on Baggage: 7 kg included
• Checked Baggage: 10kg included
• Features: Budget airline. The only low-cost airline that offers free checked baggage with a basic ticket. Has many domestic flights, but usually not to very small provinces.
• Experience: Low cost with benefits.
• Our Opinion: Thai Lion Air offers great value for money, especially if you’re trying to save but also need to check baggage in.

6. Thai Vietjet Air

• Cost: Low
• Carry-on Baggage: 7 kg included
• Checked Baggage: Not included; available for an additional fee
• Features: Newer low-cost carrier. Flights to major destinations within Thailand.
• Experience: Cheap but may be delayed.
• Our Opinion: Thai Vietjet Air is often the cheapest flight available, so it’s great if you’re really looking to save every penny. However, they may be strict on enforcing the 7 kg of checked baggage, so you may have to pay extra fees if you don’t weigh your baggage beforehand.

Domestic Flight Routes in Thailand

Bangkok is the main hub for domestic flights in Thailand, with two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Most domestic flights start from these airports.

• Direct Flights from Bangkok: You can fly directly from Bangkok to major destinations such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui.
• Indirect Routes: For some routes, like Chiang Rai to Surat Thani, for example, you’ll need to transfer through Bangkok because direct flights are rare or non-existent. Routes to smaller destinations also often require a stopover in Bangkok.

Alternatives to Flying in Thailand

Sometimes, flying isn’t the best option. If you’re living in Bangkok, destinations like Pattaya or Kanchanaburi, for example, are often better reached by train or car. Some places do not have airports, or else the short distance by car does not justify flying.

If you’re traveling between islands, sometimes the only way to travel is by boat or ferry.

Trains are another option. However, in my experience, it’s not very comfortable, and the ride is not as romantic in practice.

How Early to Arrive at the Airport

For domestic flights within Thailand, it’s generally recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your scheduled departure time. This is probably too early, but it allows plenty of time for check-in, security checks, and any potential delays.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) vs. Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Which is Better?

Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is located in the eastern part of Bangkok at the end of the Airport Link and serves as the primary international gateway. This is where most tourists fly into the country. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Vietjet Air operate domestic flights from here.

Don Mueang Airport (DMK), situated in the northern part of Bangkok, is closer to the old city area. It is smaller than Suvarnabhumi, which is why I prefer to fly out of here if I can. It’s usually much less crowded. Carriers such as Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air operate domestic flights from here.

Choosing between the two depends on your convenience (where you are staying, essentially) as well as your airline preference. If you are staying in central or southern Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi might be more convenient. For those in the northern parts, Don Mueang will be easier to reach.

What are the Best Airlines to Fly in Thailand? The Bottom Line

Flying domestically within Thailand can save you a lot of time and hassle, especially when compared to long bus, van, or train journeys. With several airlines to choose from, and each one with its different levels of service and cost, it’s important to pick the one that best fits your needs. In our opinion, Thai AirAsia provides the best value for money spent, but everyone’s needs are different. Consider your priorities—whether it’s cost, comfort, or punctuality—before making your final decision.