Thailand is roughly 10-12 hours' flight from Europe, with or without a stopover depending on the carrier. Several direct flights operate from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and London Heathrow to Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Thai Airways operates non-stops from Paris in around 11 hours, and British Airways runs daily non-stops from London. Many travellers route through the Gulf or Singapore: Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Emirates and Qatar Airways (via Dubai or Doha), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong). Return fares generally run between €500 and €900 from Europe with a two-to-three-month booking lead; expect over €1,200 at peak (December-January) and as low as €400 during low-cost promotions.
The main international airport is Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi (BKK), with a second international hub at Don Mueang (DMK), used primarily by Asian low-cost carriers. From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link reaches central Bangkok in 30 minutes for 15-45 THB — the fastest and cheapest option. Official metered taxis are available at level B1; expect 300-400 THB to downtown (Sukhumvit, Silom) depending on traffic.
Once in Thailand, the network of domestic flights is dense and remarkably cheap: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Bangkok Airways serve some fifty regional airports. Bangkok connects to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hat Yai and Udon Thani in 1h to 1h30, often for under €30-50 one-way booked in advance. The overnight sleeper train Bangkok-Chiang Mai (around 12 hours) remains an authentic and economical experience, with air-conditioned second-class berths for 600-900 THB. Long-distance buses (Nakhonchai Air, Sombat Tour) also cover the main routes at competitive prices.
Read also
- Bangkok and the North — temples, markets and Thai culture — From the boiling capital to Chiang Mai's misty summits, the cultural heart of Thailand.
- Southern Thailand — beaches, islands and the Andaman Sea — Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi: the kingdom's most iconic beaches and islands.
- Bangkok, the gilded megacity — Buddhist temples, street food and nightlife in the Thai capital.
- Phuket, the great southern island — Andaman beaches, nightlife and excursions to the Phi Phi Islands.