Travels in Asia

The most convenient way to get to Thailand is by air. Thailand is served by airlines from all over the world. By land, you can come to Thailand from Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia. Boats can be used to arrive in Thailand from Malaysia.

How to get to Thailand by air, land or by the sea

Contents:

What is the best airport in Thailand to fly to

The cheapest way of getting to most regional Thai airports is usually to buy a flight to Bangkok and then a separate domestic flight.

So it's a great idea to compare the cost of flying to regional airports with flying to Bangkok before buying air tickets to Thailand.

International airports in Thailand:

  • Bangkok has two international airport:
    • Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main Thailand gateway,
    • Don Muang International Airport is budget and domestic hub,
  • U-Tapao Airport is is located 45km from Pattaya,
  • Phuket International Airport,
  • Chiang May International Airport,
  • Krabi International Airport,
  • Hat Yai International Airport,
  • Ko Samui International Airport is operated by Bangkok Airways.
Phuket International Airport
Phuket International Airport

Flights connections in Bangkok

Bangkok has two airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). The most not-budget airlines arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, budget airlines to regional Thai airports are based on Don Mueang International Airport. Don't be surprised by connecting flights in Bangkok with self-transfer from one airport to another.

The distance between the two Bangkok airports is about 50 km. It will take you at least 50 minutes to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Don Muang Airport or vice versa.

The fastest way to get from one airport to another is with a private transfer.

Transfers from Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers from Don Muang Airports Things to Do in Bangkok

How to get to Thailand by the sea

Speed ferry from Koh Lipe (Thailand) to Langkawi (Malaysia)
Speed ferry Koh Lipe (Thailand) - Langkawi (Malaysia)

The most popular route to Thailand by sea is from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe (Thailand). High-speed ferries on this route run from October until May.

During the high tourist season, it is better to buy tickets for these ferries in advance.

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Ferries operate all year round between the pier Satun Tammalang (Thailand) and Kuala Perlis on the island of Langkawi (Malaysia).

This route is rarely used by tourists due to difficult transport connections to Tammalang Pier.

Ferry to Langkawi (Malaysia) near pier Satun Tammalang (Thailand)
Ferry to Langkawi (Malaysia) near pier Satun Tammalang (Thailand)

How to get to Thailand by land

Thailand has land borders with Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia and Myanmar.

12Go.Asia helps you compare tickets prices and buy bus, transfer, train tickets or flights.

The most popular border crossing from Cambodia:

  • Aranya Prathet to Poipet,
  • Hat Lek to Krong Koh Kong,
  • Ban Pakard to Psar Prugm.

The most popular border crossing from Laos:

  • Nong Krai to Vientiane,
  • Chiang Khong to Huay Xai,
  • Mukdahan to Savannakhet,
  • Nakhon Phanom to Tha Khaek,
  • Chong Mek to Vangtao.

The most popular border crossing from Malaysia to Thailand is in Padang Besar.

Be aware that train connection between Thailand and Malaysia doesn't exist any more.

All train stop on the border in Padang Besar. You have to buy separate tickets for the Malaysian train to Padang Besar and the Thai train from Padand Besar. 12Go.Asia website can help you to buy all tickets.

About the author

The author of AsiaPositive Iryna Rasko

I am a passionate traveller and photography is my greatest love. Asia is a constant source of inspiration for me.

The information I share in my articles is based on personal experience and extensive research. It is my sincere hope that my articles will assist you in planning your travels in Asia and beyond.

Please note that English is not my first language and I apologise for any errors or awkward phrasing.

© Iryna Rasko