How to Take a Thai Domestic Flight: Bangkok to Chiang Mai/Phuket/Krabi

Taking a domestic flight in Thailand is an efficient and often affordable way to travel long distances. The route from Bangkok to popular destinations like Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Krabi is like a well-oiled machine.

Here is your step-by-step guide to taking a Thai domestic flight.

The Big Picture: Bangkok's Two Airports

First, know which airport you're flying from. Bangkok has two international airports that also handle domestic flights:

1. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): The main, larger, and newer airport.

   • Airlines that primarily use BKK: Thai Airways (THAI), Bangkok Airways.

   • How to get there: Airport Rail Link (from Phaya Thai BTS station).

2. Don Mueang Airport (DMK): The older, budget-airline hub.

   • Airlines that primarily use DMK: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air.

   • How to get there: Public bus, taxi, or from Mo Chit BTS/Chatuchak Park MRT stations via taxi.

🔥 CRITICAL: Double-check your ticket and booking confirmation to see which airport you are flying from (BKK or DMK). They are on opposite sides of the city, and confusing them is a traveler's nightmare!

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Booking Your Ticket

• When to Book: For the best prices, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak season (Nov-Feb, Thai holidays).

• Airlines to Consider:

  • Full-Service: Thai Airways (BKK), Bangkok Airways (BKK). Includes checked baggage and a snack.

  • Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs): AirAsia (DMK), Nok Air (DMK), Thai Lion Air (DMK). Pay close attention to baggage allowances.

• Baggage Allowance: This is the most important part when booking with a low-cost carrier.

  • Carry-on (Cabin Bag): Usually limited to 7kg with size restrictions.

  • Checked Baggage: Often not included in the base fare. You must add it during the booking process. It is significantly more expensive to pay for baggage at the airport than online.

Step 2: Before You Go to the Airport

1. Online Check-in: Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours to 1 hour before the flight.

   • If you have no bags to check, you can get your boarding pass on your phone or print it at a kiosk at the airport and go straight to security.

   • If you have bags to check, you still need to do online check-in, but you must go to the "Bag Drop" counter at the airport.

2. Weigh Your Bags: Use a portable scale to ensure your luggage is within the limits to avoid surprise fees at the airport.

3. Have Documents Ready: Your passport (for foreigners) or Thai ID card (for locals). The name on the ticket must match your passport exactly.

Step 3: At the Airport - The Process

Allow plenty of time. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight is safe and stress-free.

1. Find the Correct Departure Terminal: Both BKK and DMK are well-signed in English. Check the flight information displays for your airline to find the correct check-in row.

2. Check-in & Bag Drop (If needed):

   • If you didn't check in online, join the queue for your airline's check-in counter.

   • If you checked in online but have a bag to check, look for the faster "Web Check-in / Bag Drop" counters.

   • Present your passport and (if applicable) pay for any overweight baggage.

3. Security Check: After check-in, proceed to the domestic security screening.

   • Liquids: The 100ml liquid rule generally applies, but enforcement can be less strict than in Europe/US. It's best to follow international standards.

   • Laptops & Electronics: You will need to place them in a separate bin.

   • Pro Tip: Wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.

4. Find Your Gate: After security, you'll be in the domestic departure lounge. Check the screens again to confirm your gate number. Enjoy the duty-free shops and restaurants while you wait.

5. Boarding: Listen for announcements and board when your row or group is called. Have your boarding pass (phone or paper) ready to scan.

Step 4: On the Flight

• Duration: Bangkok to Chiang Mai (~1hr 10min), Bangkok to Phuket (~1hr 20min), Bangkok to Krabi (~1hr 15min).

• Service: Even on low-cost carriers, a small bottle of water is often provided. Full-service airlines will offer a snack or light meal.

• Disembarking: You'll either walk directly into the terminal or take a bus from the tarmac to the terminal.

Step 5: Arrival at Your Destination (e.g., Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi)

1. Baggage Claim: If you checked a bag, follow the signs to the baggage claim area. Check the screens for your flight number and assigned carousel.

2. Exit: These are relatively small airports. Once you have your bag, you'll exit directly to the ground transportation area.

Ground Transportation from Destination Airports

• Chiang Mai (CNX): The airport is very close to the city (10-15 min). Metered taxis, Grab, and red songtaews (shared taxis) are available.

• Phuket (HKT): The airport is on the north end of the island. It's a 30-60 minute drive to popular areas like Patong, Karon, or Kata. Pre-paid taxi counters are inside the terminal, or you can use Grab.

• Krabi (KBV): The airport is about 20-30 minutes from Krabi Town and 40-60 minutes from Ao Nang Beach. Pre-paid taxis and minivan shuttles are readily available.

Key Tips for a Smooth Flight

• Dress in Layers: Thai airports and planes are notoriously cold from air conditioning. Wear a sweater or jacket.

• Low-Cost Carrier Baggage Rules are Strict: They will weigh your carry-on at the gate. If it's over, you'll pay a premium fee. Pack smart.

• Download Your Airline's App: It's the easiest way to manage your booking, check in, and receive flight status updates.

• Keep Your Boarding Pass Accessible: You'll need to show it a few times before you board.