These are The 8 Cheapest Airports to Fly into Thailand (2025)

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Dreaming of Thailand’s bustling markets, stunning temples, and breathtaking islands? Thailand has so much to offer, and getting there doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you know the best airports to fly into.

I’ve flown to Thailand twice and have explored countless ways to save on travel to this incredible country. For this guide, I analyzed flights from 150 airports worldwide, with a particular focus on routes from the US, to identify the 8 cheapest airports to fly into Thailand in 2025. Whether you’re heading to vibrant Bangkok, the beaches of Phuket, or Chiang Mai’s mountainous landscapes, these airports make it easy and affordable to start your adventure. Here’s how to reach Thailand’s must-visit spots without breaking the bank!

#1 tip to find cheap flights to Thailand

Looking for cheap flights to Thailand? Before diving into all the top cities and airports to fly to Thailand, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

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Now without further ado, here are the best Thailand flights in 2025.

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

• 🏠 Location: 19 miles east of downtown Bangkok
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Thailand’s biggest hub with tons of flight volume and airline competition
• ✈️ Best Airlines: EVA Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly in May or early October to beat the crowds and save $150+ on fares.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, others call it Bangkok Airport, is usually the cheapest gateway to Thailand if you’re flying from the US. Flights from NYC or LAX often range from $650–$950 roundtrip, especially during shoulder season. Thanks to BKK’s status as a major Southeast Asia hub, international carriers offer competitive pricing and frequent deals.

Once you land, you’re about 45 minutes from central Bangkok. You can hit spots like the Grand Palace, Chatuchak Market, or hop on a canal boat for a unique city view. BKK also makes it easy to connect to Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Cambodia with dozens of daily domestic and regional flights.

Best time to fly in? Late spring and early fall bring price drops and slightly cooler weather. If you’re traveling beyond the capital, it’s a smart, flexible base with plenty of onward options.

Fun fact: Suvarnabhumi has the tallest control tower in the world. Seriously, 434 feet of sky-high views.

• Read next: Amazing Airlines to Bangkok
• You may also like: Magical Places in Southeast Asia

2. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

• 🏠 Location: About 14 miles north of central Bangko
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Primary hub for low-cost carriers and regional airlines
• ✈️ Best Airlines: AirAsia, Scoot, Nok Air
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book midweek flights in February or September to score fares under $600 roundtrip.

Don Mueang Airport is a top pick for budget travelers heading to Thailand, especially if you’re piecing together multi-stop routes. Roundtrip fares from major cities like LA or Chicago usually fall between $550 and $750. Booking a long-haul into Asia and catching a cheap regional flight into DMK can shave a few hundred off your total.

The airport sits about 30 minutes from Bangkok’s best attractions, including the Grand Palace and weekend markets. Because it’s a hub for budget airlines, DMK makes it easy to explore more of Thailand without splurging on domestic flights.

If you’re up for adventure, consider landing at DMK and taking overnight trains to places like Chiang Mai or Surat Thani. You’ll save money on transport and skip the cost of one night’s accommodation.

Fun fact: Don Mueang is one of the oldest airports in Asia and once had a golf course right between its two runways.

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3. Phuket International Airport (HKT)

• 🏠 Location: About 20 miles north of Patong Beach
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Popular beach destination with lots of seasonal charter and discount flights
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Thai AirAsia, Emirates, Qatar Airways
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book an international flight into Phuket and fly out of Bangkok to avoid backtracking and save on domestic airfare.

Phuket International Airport is a solid pick if you want a beach vacation without flying into the chaos of Bangkok. Roundtrip fares from New York, Dallas, or San Diego usually fall between $680 and $900 depending on the season. Booking during shoulder months like May or October often means fewer tourists and lower airfare.

From the airport, you can reach Patong, Karon, or Kata Beach in under an hour. If you’re planning to see Phi Phi Islands or Phang Nga Bay, this airport sets you up perfectly without needing an extra flight. The region also has cheap shared vans and airport buses that make transit even more affordable.

A smart way to save money is to fly into Phuket and take local ferries to nearby islands instead of booking separate regional flights. These boats are scenic and budget-friendly.

Fun fact: Phuket’s runway is so close to Mai Khao Beach that it’s one of the only places where you can snap selfies with planes right overhead.

• Read next: Things to Do in Phuket
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Thailand

4. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

• 🏠 Location: About 3 miles southwest of Chiang Mai Old City
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller airport with strong regional competition and seasonal fare drops
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Thai AirAsia, EVA Air, Scoot
• 🧠 Pro Tip: If your schedule’s flexible, check local festivals first. Flying just before or after Yi Peng or Songkran often means lower prices and better hotel availability.

Chiang Mai Airport is the go-to airport for travelers chasing mountain views, temples, and a slower pace. Roundtrip fares from US cities like San Francisco, Boston, or Dallas usually fall between $650 and $850 depending on the season. Booking outside of Thai holidays or flying midweek can help cut down on the price.

The airport is super close to the city center, so you’ll be checking into your guesthouse or sipping Thai iced tea within 20 minutes. It’s also a solid base for reaching places like Pai, Doi Inthanon, or Chiang Rai. Grab a scooter or hop on a van and start exploring northern Thailand without spending a ton.

A smart way to save is by skipping flights entirely once you land. Trains, buses, and songthaews are cheap and reliable here, especially if you’re planning to bounce between towns.

Fun fact: Chiang Mai Airport sees millions of lanterns released into the sky during Yi Peng Festival each year, and if you fly in during November, you might catch this magical event just minutes from the airport. It’s one of Thailand’s most iconic festivals and an unforgettable cultural experience.

5. Krabi International Airport (KBV)

• 🏠 Location: About 9 miles from Krabi Town and 25 miles from Ao Nang Beach
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Less crowded than Phuket and a favorite for budget airlines
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Thai AirAsia, Scoot, Qatar Airways
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Skip the cab line and pre-book a shared airport van online. You’ll pay a fraction of what private transfers charge and still reach the beach comfortably.

Krabi International Airport is perfect if you want tropical views without the chaos of the larger resort areas. Flights from US cities like Miami, Denver, or Seattle usually land in the $680 to $880 range depending on the season. Traveling in May or October can unlock better prices while avoiding the peak-season crowds.

From the airport, you’re less than an hour from limestone cliffs, clear beaches, and laid-back islands like Koh Lanta. Places like Railay Beach and Phang Nga Bay are easy day trips, and you won’t have to deal with Phuket’s traffic or higher prices.

For extra savings, consider using shared vans or local buses instead of private transfers. They’re way cheaper and still get you to most beach towns with no stress.

Fun fact: Krabi’s airport has direct ferry transfers available from the terminal, making island-hopping super convenient.

6. Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)

• 🏠 Location: Around 9 miles southwest of Hat Yai city center
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Regional gateway with strong low-cost airline competition
• ✈️ Best Airlines: AirAsia, Scoot, Thai Lion Air
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Arrive early and exchange currency at the airport’s regional banks as rates here are often better than in Bangkok

Hat Yai Airport is an underrated entry point into Thailand, especially if you’re coming from Malaysia or booking a multi-stop trip through Southeast Asia. Flights from US cities often fall in the $580 to $750 range when paired with regional layovers in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Prices usually dip even lower during August and early October when demand is lighter.

The airport is about a 20-minute ride to the city, which is packed with local markets, food stalls, and temples with barely any crowds. From here, you can head to Songkhla Lake, visit Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, or continue south toward the Malaysian border. It’s a great base if you want a more local vibe than the tourist-heavy cities.

If you’re flying regionally, Hat Yai tends to have lower airport taxes and fees, which makes flights in and out noticeably cheaper. Combine it with ground transport and you’ll save a lot.

Fun fact: Hat Yai’s train station is one of the main links between Thailand and Malaysia, making cross-border adventures super accessible.

• Read next: Beautiful Places in Malaysia
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Singapore

7. Samui International Airport (USM)

• 🏠 Location: About 3 miles north of Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Often affordable in off-season when flights are bundled with resort stays
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Download Bangkok Airways’ app before flying. It offers free lounge access, flight perks, and better rates for some routes

Samui Airport gives you direct access to one of Thailand’s dreamiest islands without needing to transfer through Bangkok or Surat Thani. Flights from places like New York, Seattle, or Atlanta usually cost between $780 and $950 roundtrip, but deals are much easier to find in June or October when crowds dip and package discounts kick in.

Instead of wasting hours in transit, you can land and hit the beach within 20 minutes. Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut are all nearby and packed with everything from peaceful yoga spots to upscale resorts. Koh Samui also connects easily by ferry to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, so you’re in a prime position to explore multiple islands in one trip.

Samui is a solid choice for travelers who want smooth airport transfers, beach time on arrival, and fewer hassles getting around.

Fun fact: Samui Airport has thatched roofs, open-air terminals, and palm trees everywhere. It’s basically one of the most tropical airports in the world.

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly in Asia

8. U-Tapao International Airport (UTP)

• 🏠 Location: About 25 miles from Pattaya and 90 miles southeast of Bangkok
• 💰 Why It’s Cheap: Smaller airport with budget routes serving Eastern Thailand
• ✈️ Best Airlines: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Scoot
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Travel in late May or early September for roundtrip flights under $700

U-Tapao is a lesser-known but surprisingly convenient airport if your plans include Pattaya or the eastern gulf coast. Flights from US cities like Houston or LA usually range from $650 to $800 when you route through major Asian hubs like Singapore or Tokyo.

The airport is about an hour from Pattaya’s beaches, nightlife, and waterparks. You can also access Rayong and the laid-back island of Koh Samet within a couple of hours. Since UTP doesn’t get as much traffic as Bangkok’s airports, immigration lines are shorter and arrival feels smoother.

A clever way to save money is to fly into U-Tapao and use local minibuses or shared taxis to reach beach towns instead of booking private transfers or flights from Bangkok.

Fun fact: U-Tapao was originally a military airbase during the Vietnam War and now doubles as both a commercial and air force airport.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Thailand Airports to Fly Into

Choosing the cheapest airports to fly into Thailand can raise several questions. Our FAQ section aims to address these common queries for travelers. Here’s more content on the cheapest places to fly into Thailand:

Which airport is cheapest to fly into in Thailand?

The cost-effectiveness of flying into Thailand can vary based on several factors. This includes your departure location, the season, and airline promotions. Generally, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) in Bangkok has garnered a reputation as one of the cheapest airports to fly into Thailand. This is primarily because DMK serves as a hub for numerous low-cost carriers, such as Air Asia, Scoot, and Nok Air. These airlines often offer competitive rates, especially for regional flights. However, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and consider other factors like convenience and the final destination in Thailand before booking.

Which airport is cheapest to fly into Bangkok?

Bangkok is the bustling capital of Thailand. It is serviced by two primary international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). When it comes to affordability, DMK often emerges as the more budget-friendly option. This airport has long been associated with budget travel, primarily because it’s a major hub for several low-cost airlines.

These airlines, focusing on cost-saving, often provide more competitive airfares than their full-service counterparts. However, it’s worth noting that while DMK might offer cheaper flights, BKK provides a broader range of international connections.

Where is the best place to fly into Thailand?

The ideal entry point into experiencing the stunning sites and destinations of Thailand largely depends on the nature of your trip. If you’re looking for a mix of urban exploration, shopping, and cultural immersion, Bangkok’s airports (BKK or DMK) are perfect. For beach enthusiasts and island hoppers, Phuket International Airport (HKT) or Krabi International Airport (KBV) provide direct access to some of Thailand’s most stunning coastlines.

Adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts might find Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in the north more to their liking, given its proximity to mountainous terrains and historical sites. Ultimately, the “best” place is subjective and hinges on your travel preferences.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Thailand?

Thailand’s low season, which spans from May to October, is often the most affordable time to fly. This period coincides with the monsoon season, resulting in fewer tourists and, consequently, lower airfares and accommodation prices.

While rain is more frequent during these months, it’s usually short-lived, and there’s still ample opportunity to explore and enjoy the country. Plus, the lush landscapes post-rain are a sight to behold. However, it’s always wise to monitor flight prices and deals, as airlines occasionally offer promotions outside of these months.

Are there direct flights from the USA to Thailand?

Yes, there are direct flights from the USA to Thailand, with the primary destination being Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. The availability and frequency of these direct flights often hinge on the departure city in the US and the specific airline offering the route. Major cities like Los Angeles and New York typically have more direct flight options.

While the convenience of a direct flight is undeniable, bypassing layovers and potentially shortening travel time, they might come with a heftier price tag. For budget-conscious travelers, it could be worthwhile to explore flights with a stopover. This is because they can sometimes offer significant savings, even if they extend the travel duration.

What is the best way to get to Thailand?

The best way to get to Thailand, especially if you’re traveling from a distant country, is by air. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your journey to the “Land of Smiles”:

1. Major Airports: Thailand’s primary international gateway is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. Another major international airport is Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which mainly serves low-cost carriers.
2. Airlines: Numerous airlines fly to Thailand from all over the world. Thai Airways is the country’s flagship carrier. But other major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines also offer routes to Thailand. Many budget airlines, such as AirAsia, are a cost-effective way to reach Thailand from nearby countries.
3. Flight Duration: The duration of your flight will depend on your departure city. A direct flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok takes around 17-18 hours, while a flight from London takes about 11-12 hours.
4. Stopovers: Depending on your departure city and the airline you choose, you might have a stopover. Common stopover cities when traveling to Thailand include Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, and Singapore. These can be brief layovers or longer ones, allowing you a glimpse of another city.
5. Entry Requirements: Most tourists from Western countries receive a 30-day visa exemption upon arrival if entering by air (or 15 days if entering by land). However, requirements can change, so it’s essential to check the latest visa regulations for your nationality before traveling.
6. Best Time to Book: I recommend monitoring prices several months ahead of your intended travel dates. Consider traveling during Thailand’s shoulder season for potentially lower airfares and accommodation prices.
7. Arrival in Thailand: Once you arrive, Thailand boasts an extensive transportation network. This includes domestic flights, buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to explore the country.

How early should I book my flight to Thailand for the best deal?

It’s generally recommended to book your flight to Thailand approximately two to three months in advance for the best deals. However, if you’re planning to visit during peak tourist seasons, like the December holidays or Thai festivals, it might be wise to book even earlier to secure good rates.

Is it safe to travel to Thailand?

Thailand, with its warm hospitality and diverse attractions, is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any international travel, it’s paramount to stay vigilant and exercise standard safety precautions. While violent crimes against tourists are relatively rare, petty thefts like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. It’s advisable to keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Additionally, respecting local customs, traditions, and laws will ensure a harmonious experience. For instance, when visiting temples, dressing modestly is expected. It’s also beneficial to stay informed about any political developments or protests. This is to avoid areas where gatherings are taking place. Regularly checking travel advisories from official sources can provide up-to-date information on any potential risks.

Which airlines frequently fly to Thailand?

Several international airlines fly to Thailand, including Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines, among others. Additionally, numerous regional and low-cost carriers like Air Asia, Scoot, and Nok Air offer flights to and within Thailand.

Final Thoughts on Thailand’s Cheapest Airports

Thailand, with its captivating blend of cultures, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks, remains a top destination for travelers worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the serene beaches of Phuket, or the cultural heart of Chiang Mai, there’s something in Thailand for every type of traveler. As the demand for travel to this Southeast Asian gem continues to grow, so does the importance of understanding the best and most affordable entry points.

While each airport offers its unique advantages, being informed about the cheapest airports to fly into Thailand can significantly impact your travel budget and overall experience. By choosing the right airport based on your destination and preferences, you not only save on costs but also ensure a smooth start to your Thai adventure. As always, it’s essential to stay updated on flight deals, seasonal promotions, and travel advisories to make the most of your journey to the Land of Smiles.