Domestic flights in Thailand are incredibly convenient (and extremely numerous), but flying within the Kingdom is not straightforward, at least not immediately.

Whether you're looking for flights from Bangkok to other parts of Thailand, want to learn about the best airlines, or are planning a direct flight from Krabi or Phuket to Chiang Mai, this post is for you. I'll also give you an honest review of each Thai domestic airline.

Having touched on a few other points (especially the best airport in Bangkok for each type of traveler), I will now present other travel options in Thailand. Are you ready to depart?

Popular travel destinations within Thailand

Domestic flights in Thailand are not always the best way to travel, unless you are flying to one of these destinations (especially from Bangkok):

For other destinations in Thailand (especially destinations near major cities – Kanchanaburi from Bangkok, Lampang from Chiang Mai), traveling by car or train is recommended.

The best domestic airlines in Thailand

Thai Airways and Thai Smile

Is Thai Airways a good airline? Well, after Covid-19 hit the economy hard, it's a shadow of its former self. I'm being a bit sarcastic—well, sort of. Thai still flies to almost all destinations in Thailand and offers full onboard service, including meals, drinks, seat reservations, and free baggage allowance—all included in the (sometimes high) fare. But it's more like the now-defunct Thai Smile than the Thai Airways of yesteryear.

Bangkok Airways

Another popular airline for domestic flights in Thailand is Bangkok Airways, whose hub, as the name suggests, is at Suvarnabhumi Airport. There is much overlap between the destinations served by this "boutique airline of Asia" and those of many other airlines on this list, but with a few notable exceptions. Bangkok Airways is the only airline that flies to the airports on the island of Koh Samui and in the Sukhothai Historical Park.

Thai AirAsia

The two airlines mentioned so far fly (in Bangkok) exclusively to Suvarnabhumi, Thailand's largest and most modern international airport – not Thai AirAsia, at least not anymore. I'll save the discussion about BKK vs. DMK for another article, but let me just say this: unless you live north of Sukhumvit Road, the busy drive to Don Mueang Airport isn't an option for this low-cost carrier.

Thai Lion Air

For domestic flights in Thailand, there are hardly any differences between Thai Lion Air and other low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia and Nok Air – neither in terms of price nor in terms of service and onboard amenities. Thai Lion Air flights to Bangkok depart exclusively from Don Mueang Airport, which might influence your decision. As an aside: In my experience, the Thai Lion website and mobile app are quite buggy.

Nok Air

Nok Air completes the trio of Thai low-cost carriers. Their aircraft are known for their painted beaks (which, of course, are not physically present). There's little difference between Nok Air and AirAsia or Thai Lion, as all three fly from Don Mueang and offer a simple (if not spartan) travel experience. Choose based on price and flight schedule, assuming all other factors are equal.

Alternatives to flying in Thailand

In some situations, flying to your destination is not ideal or even possible. For example, while there are train connections from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, a lush province west of the capital, Thailand has no airport. Similarly, land transport is the only reliable way to travel between Bangkok and Pattaya; anyone wanting to travel from Chumphon or Surat Thani to Koh Samui or Koh Tao has to rely on a boat.

Generally, I apply the so-called "five-hour rule": If the journey by car or train would take longer than five hours, but a flight is possible, domestic flights in Thailand are the best option. (However, this rule isn't set in stone. Certain train journeys in Thailand definitely have their charm, for example, the overnight train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai or to Nong Khai on the border with Laos.)

Plan your trip to Thailand

Whether it's due to confusion surrounding domestic flights or simply the inability to decide on specific destinations, planning a trip to Thailand can be, to say the least, tedious. Some travelers even struggle to determine the right length of stay in the kingdom. While many find two weeks sufficient to see enough of Thailand, for others that's only enough to see a fraction of the sights.

Other frequently asked questions about domestic flights in Thailand

Are there domestic flights in Thailand?

In Thailand, domestic flights are easy and affordable, whether you're flying from Bangkok's two airports to almost anywhere in the kingdom or traveling between Chiang Mai and Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, and beyond. In fact, I would say that domestic flights will be your primary mode of transportation during most of your trips to Thailand.

Do you need a passport for domestic flights in Thailand?

While a passport is not strictly required for domestic flights in Thailand, you must present your ID at security and at the gate before boarding. To avoid any misunderstandings with staff regarding your national ID, it is recommended that you carry your passport.

Which domestic airline is the best in Thailand?

Personally, for domestic flights in Thailand, I prefer airlines with comprehensive service, such as Thai Smile and Bangkok Airways. Besides more transparent fare structures and better in-flight service, these airlines operate exclusively from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the better and more convenient of Bangkok's two airports. However, if you absolutely must fly with Thai low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia or Nok Air, they are perfectly acceptable.

Conclusion

Do you now have a better understanding of domestic flights in Thailand? From the differences (and similarities) between Thailand's top airlines to which Bangkok airport best suits your needs, paying attention to the details of domestic flights in Thailand can significantly improve (or, if you neglect them, worsen) your trip. Of course, you don't need to worry about any of this (the details of domestic flights in Thailand) now, right? TIP: Whether you need help choosing the best airline in Thailand or planning your trip, I recommend hiring me to plan your Thailand adventure.