Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, tropical beaches, and incredible street food. With millions of visitors arriving every year, Thailand’s international airports provide essential connectivity to various regions. Whether you’re heading to Bangkok, the beautiful islands of Phuket, or the cultural hub of Chiang Mai, Thailand’s airport infrastructure is designed to handle both domestic and international traffic efficiently.
Here’s an in-depth guide to Thailand’s major airports, their IATA codes, and essential information for travelers.
1. Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
- IATA Code: BKK
- Location: About 30 km east of Bangkok, in the Samut Prakan province
- Terminals: One large terminal handling both domestic and international flights
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, medical services, children’s play areas, and prayer rooms.
- Transportation:
- Airport Rail Link connects to Phaya Thai in central Bangkok (30 minutes).
- Buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services (Grab) are also available.
- Airlines: Suvarnabhumi is the main hub for Thai Airways and a major hub for Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, and several other international airlines.
Suvarnabhumi is Thailand’s largest and busiest airport, handling millions of passengers annually. It offers excellent facilities and is a gateway for long-haul international flights as well as domestic connections across the country.
2. Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok)
- IATA Code: DMK
- Location: About 24 km north of Bangkok
- Terminals: Two terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and car rental services.
- Transportation: Buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services (Grab) are available. Train services connect to Hua Lamphong station.
- Airlines: Major hub for AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air.
Don Mueang is one of the world’s oldest airports and primarily serves low-cost carriers, making it a hub for budget travelers flying both domestically and internationally.
3. Phuket International Airport
- IATA Code: HKT
- Location: About 32 km north of Phuket town
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, free Wi-Fi, and car rentals.
- Transportation: Taxis, buses, and ride-hailing services are available to various locations in Phuket.
- Airlines: Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and many international airlines serve routes to major Asian cities and European destinations.
Phuket International Airport is the gateway to Phuket, Thailand’s most popular island destination, known for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife.
4. Chiang Mai International Airport
- IATA Code: CNX
- Location: About 3 km from Chiang Mai city center
Key Information:
- Facilities: Restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and lounges.
- Transportation: Taxis, buses, and Grab services are available.
- Airlines: Domestic and international carriers such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, and Nok Air.
Chiang Mai International Airport is the main gateway to northern Thailand, serving travelers visiting the region’s temples, mountains, and cultural attractions.
5. Krabi International Airport
- IATA Code: KBV
- Location: About 15 km from Krabi town
Key Information:
- Facilities: Duty-free shopping, restaurants, free Wi-Fi, and car rentals.
- Transportation: Taxis and buses provide services to Krabi town, Ao Nang, and other destinations.
- Airlines: Serves Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and low-cost airlines like AirAsia and Thai Lion Air.
Krabi International Airport is the primary gateway to Krabi province, offering access to popular tourist spots like Railay Beach, Koh Phi Phi, and Ao Nang.
6. Hat Yai International Airport
- IATA Code: HDY
- Location: About 9 km from Hat Yai city in southern Thailand
Key Information:
- Facilities: Basic dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and car rentals.
- Transportation: Taxis and buses are available to Hat Yai and other nearby destinations.
- Airlines: Serves domestic and regional international routes with Thai Airways, Nok Air, and AirAsia.
Hat Yai International Airport is an important travel hub for southern Thailand and is also a gateway to Malaysia.
7. U-Tapao International Airport (Pattaya)
- IATA Code: UTP
- Location: About 45 km from Pattaya and 30 km from Rayong
Key Information:
- Facilities: Restaurants, shops, free Wi-Fi, and car rentals.
- Transportation: Buses, taxis, and Grab services to Pattaya and surrounding areas.
- Airlines: AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Lion Air offer domestic and international flights.
U-Tapao serves as a convenient airport for travelers heading to Pattaya and nearby islands, and it is growing as a hub for low-cost carriers.
8. Samui International Airport
- IATA Code: USM
- Location: About 2 km north of Chaweng Beach, on Koh Samui
Key Information:
- Facilities: Unique open-air design, shopping, dining options, and free Wi-Fi.
- Transportation: Taxis and private transfers are available to resorts and beaches across Koh Samui.
- Airlines: Bangkok Airways operates most flights, with connections to Bangkok, Phuket, and other regional destinations.
Samui International Airport is the main gateway to Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s most popular resort islands, known for its beaches, nightlife, and luxury hotels.
9. Surat Thani International Airport
- IATA Code: URT
- Location: About 21 km west of Surat Thani city
Key Information:
- Facilities: Basic services including dining, free Wi-Fi, and car rentals.
- Transportation: Buses and taxis are available to Surat Thani city and ferry terminals for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
- Airlines: Domestic carriers like AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air serve routes to Bangkok and other cities.
Surat Thani International Airport is commonly used by travelers heading to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao via ferry.
Conclusion
Thailand’s international airports are modern, well-connected, and tourist-friendly, offering seamless travel experiences for millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re flying into the bustling capital of Bangkok, the resort haven of Phuket, or the serene beauty of Chiang Mai, these airports are equipped with the facilities and services to ensure a comfortable journey. Always check flight schedules and transportation options in advance to make your travel as smooth as possible.
