Travel to Thailand

Flying to Thailand

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's busiest aviation hubs, and most visitors arrive by air. The main international gateway is Bangkok, which is served by two major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi handles the bulk of long-haul flights and full-service carriers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Don Mueang is a key base for low-cost airlines operating regional routes around Asia.

Outside the capital, several airports receive direct international flights, especially from neighbouring countries and regional hubs. Phuket International Airport (HKT) connects the Andaman coast with cities across Asia and the Middle East. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) handles services from nearby countries alongside domestic traffic. Krabi (KBV), Hat Yai (HDY) and Samui (USM) also operate selected international routes, although schedules can be seasonal.

Thailand is well connected to regional aviation networks. Major carriers such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific operate frequent services linking Thailand with Europe, the Gulf, East Asia and Australasia. Direct flights from North America are limited, so travellers from the United States or Canada usually connect through cities such as Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore or Doha.

Airport Guides

Flight times

From London to Bangkok: 11 hours 35 minutes.

Travelling to Thailand by Rail

Thailand has international railway links with Malaysia and Laos, offering a comfortable and scenic alternative to air or road travel. Cross-border rail options are limited but well established, and they connect smoothly with Thailand's wider rail network.

The most developed route is from Malaysia, where the ETS (Electric Train Service) and other services run north to Padang Besar, the main rail gateway on the border. From here, passengers can transfer directly to Thai trains operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), including services to Hat Yai, Surat Thani and Bangkok. Connections are generally reliable, and customs and immigration procedures are completed at Padang Besar station.

Thailand's second international rail link is with Laos. Trains run between Nong Khai in northeastern Thailand and Thanaleng station just outside Vientiane. This connection uses the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge and offers an easy link between the two countries.

Driving to Thailand

Thailand shares land borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia, and several overland routes link the country with its neighbours. Crossings range from busy, well-developed checkpoints to small border posts that mainly serve local travellers. Regulations and opening hours can vary, so it is sensible to check current requirements before travelling.

From Malaysia, the main entry points are at Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam, Padang Besar and Betong. These crossings are well used and have good road connections to major towns in southern Thailand, including Hat Yai and Songkhla.

From Cambodia, travellers commonly enter at Poipet–Aranyaprathet, which links Siem Reap and Phnom Penh with eastern Thailand. This is one of the busiest crossings in the region. Other checkpoints, such as Hat Lek–Koh Kong near the coast, offer alternative routes depending on one's itinerary.

From Laos, important crossings include the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai, and the Second Friendship Bridge linking Savannakhet with Mukdahan. Northern routes, such as the crossing near Huai Xai–Chiang Khong, provide access to the Thai highlands and the Mekong region.

Road travel from Myanmar is more limited due to varying local conditions and restrictions. The most commonly used crossing is at Mae Sot–Myawaddy, which connects western Thailand with central Myanmar. Other checkpoints may open or close depending on regional situations.

Getting to Thailand by boat

International sea links to Thailand are limited, and most visitors do not arrive by water. Having said that, you can find seasonal passenger ferries operating between Malaysia and Thailand across the Andaman Sea. Services run between Langkawi and Satun in southern Thailand. Schedules vary by season, and weather conditions may affect operations, particularly during the monsoon months. Immigration procedures are handled at the respective ferry terminals.

Cruise ships

Cruise ships call at several Thai ports, mainly at Laem Chabang, which serves Bangkok and Pattaya, and Phuket, which is a popular stop on Southeast Asian cruise routes. Some smaller vessels also anchor off Koh Samui, with passengers brought ashore by tender. Cruise arrivals usually include immigration clearance on board or at the port.