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Written by: Alice Le
Updated date:05/11/2025
Hello, I’m Alice. I’m a passionate travel expert with years of experience exploring Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. My journeys through these countries have given me a deep appreciation of their landscapes, traditions, and cultures, which I now share through authentic insights and tailored recommendations. With this expertise, I can design trips that perfectly match your expectations and create truly unforgettable journeys. I’m here to guide you toward unique experiences, crafted just for you.
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Are you planning to travel to Thailand and wondering which airports are most convenient for reaching the country’s iconic destinations from your country? This article will guide you through the major airports in Thailand so you can choose the best one for your trip, depending on where you want to go and what you want to experience.
Thailand has long been one of Asia’s most loved travel destinations with its stunning beaches, golden temples, bustling cities, and world-famous cuisine, the country continues to attract millions of visitors every year. In 2024 the nation welcomed 35 million visitors and the number in 2025 is expected to reach 40 million. With its development, Thailand operates some of the most advanced and busiest airports in Southeast Asia.
Thailand airports
How many international airports are there in Thailand?
With tourists having international flights, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. Some Thailand’s airports such as Suvarnabhumi and Phuket can be quite busy during peak travel seasons so starting early will help you
For domestic flights, tourists should arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure, it’s enough time for them to check-in and security. It’s better to check your airline’s recommendations, especially if you’re flying with low-cost carriers that may have stricter check-in deadlines.
Don Mueang’s location just 24 km from the city center makes it convenient for budget travelers. It’s one of the best Bangkok’s main airports, it serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers and private jets with a lot of airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Batik Air. They operate frequent domestic and international flights, connecting Thailand to destinations across Asia.
Facilities
At this airport, tourists can head to the Observation Deck to watch take-offs, indulge in a Thai massage at a spa, or browse the duty-free area for souvenirs.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) – Bangkok
Located on Thailand’s most famous island, Phuket International Airport serves as the main gateway to the Andaman Sea region. This airport has separate terminals for domestic, international, and charter flights with more than 300 flights per day. The airport connects to Phuket Town and Patong via smart buses, taxis, and private transfers.
Facilities
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
About 21 km from Surat Thani city, serving both civilian and military operations, the Airport handles around 2 million passengers annually. It’s a famous landing point for travelers who visit beautiful islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. There are a lot of airlines at this airport such as AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Smile operating flights to both international and domestic destinations.
Facilities
Surat Thani International Airport (URT)
Located just 10 minutes from downtown, it’s one of Thailand’s most accessible airports.
Chiang Mai International Airport connects the region to major Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur ( Malaysia) , Beijing(China) , Seoul (Korean) , and Hong Kong. It features two terminals – one for domestic and one for international flights, serving both full-service and budget airlines.
Facilities
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
Serving Thailand’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai Airport is smaller but efficient. While international routes are currently limited to Kuala Lumpur, domestic connections cover Bangkok and Phuket. Airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air operate here.
Facilities
Hat Yai International Airport serves as the air gateway to southern Thailand and nearby Malaysia, it welcomes more than 4.5 million passengers annually, connecting to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Medina, along with several domestic destinations.
Facilities
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)
Located in Bo Phut, Koh Samui, this privately owned airport by Bangkok Airways is famous for its tropical open-air design. Samui International Airport handles over 7 million passengers a year, offering direct flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Xi’an, as well as domestic routes to Bangkok and Phuket.
Facilities
Krabi International Airport is the perfect gateway to the southern islands, including Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, and Koh Lipe. The airport handles more than 2 million passengers annually, with plans to expand capacity to 8 million. There are a lot of airlines operating in the airport like Flydubai, Jetstar Asia, Nok Air, and Batik Air Malaysia operate here.
Facilities
Located in the northeast, Udon Thani Airport serves as the primary gateway to the Isan region and the Laos border. With daily flights from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, it’s a busy hub for both business and leisure travelers.
Facilities
Udon Thani Airport (UTH)
A key domestic hub in northeastern Thailand, Khon Kaen Airport connects travelers to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The airport serves as a convenient stop for exploring local culture and temples in the Isan region.
Facilities
Located near the Laos border, Ubon Ratchathani Airport is a well-maintained domestic airport offering flights primarily to Bangkok. It’s also a gateway to Pha Taem National Park and other cultural attractions in eastern Thailand.
Facilities
Though classified as semi-international, U-Tapao Airport is a major domestic hub for travelers heading to Pattaya, Rayong, and the eastern seaboard. It’s increasingly popular due to its proximity to beach resorts and industrial zones.
Facilities
U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) – Pattaya/Rayong
Serving southern Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is the main air gateway for travelers heading to the Gulf of Thailand coast and Khao Luang National Park.
Facilities
Hua Hin Airport, a small domestic airport on the Gulf Coast, is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet seaside retreat just a few hours from Bangkok. The airport operates limited flights but offers a relaxing, uncrowded experience.
Privately owned by Bangkok Airways, Sukhothai Airport is known for its scenic, open-air design surrounded by lush greenery. It primarily connects to Bangkok and serves as a gateway to Sukhothai Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated near the Cambodian border, Trat Airport provides access to Thailand’s eastern islands, such as Koh Chang and Koh Mak. It’s a small but efficient airport owned by Bangkok Airways.
Located in northern Thailand’s misty mountains, Mae Hong Son Airport connects remote villages to Chiang Mai. It’s a picturesque landing spot surrounded by lush hills — a true highlight for adventure travelers.
Mae Hong Son Airport (HGN)
Additional airports supporting regional flights include:
Domestic Airports in Thailand
3.1. Which airport is the largest in Thailand?
It’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) – Bangkok’s main airport and one of the largest in Asia.
3.2.Which is the busiest international airport in Thailand?
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is also the busiest, serving more than 60 million passengers annually.
3.3. Do all international airports in Thailand have direct flights to other countries?
Not all, but most major ones — like Bangkok (BKK and DMK), Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Samui – offer direct international flights to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
3.4.Is there free Wi-Fi at Thailand’s international airports?
A few international airports in Thailand, such as Suvarnabhumi and Phuket, do offer free Wi-Fi for passengers.
3.5. What types of transportation are available at Thai airports?
At most Thailand airports, you can find airport taxis, shuttle buses, ride-hailing apps (Grab), car rentals, and private transfers easily.
3.6. Can I buy a SIM card at Thai airports?
Yes, major telecom providers such as AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove have counters at every major airport. Buying a SIM on arrival is fast and convenient.
3.7. Is there a currency exchange service at Thai airports?
Yes, of course, most international airports in Thailand do have a currency exchange service so you can do it at the airport
Thailand’s airport network plays a vital role in supporting the country’s tourism and economic growth. With nine international airports equipped with modern facilities and around eighteen domestic airports connecting various regions, Thailand ensures convenient travel for both international visitors and local passengers. These well-developed airports not only enhance accessibility to the nation’s main destinations but also strengthen Thailand’s position as a major aviation hub in Southeast Asia.