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Where should I fly to in Thailand for adventure travel?
Landed here because you’re wondering where to fly to in Thailand for the adventure of a lifetime? It’s a good question, and you’re in the right place.
Thailand is an absolute dream destination for adventure seekers, with its lush jungles, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant cities. But when planning your trip, the question inevitably arises: where to fly to in Thailand for the ultimate adventure? The short answer: start in Bangkok and use internal flights to maximise your experience.
Talking of maximising your experience – have you seen our Best of Thailand itinerary?
Why fly into Bangkok?
Bangkok is the most definitely the best starting point for any adventure in Thailand. As the country’s main international hub, it offers the widest choice of flights, both domestic and international, making it easy to connect to other adventure destinations.
The city’s two main airports, Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), provide affordable and frequent flights to places like Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Surat Thani too. Of course, the cost of your flights will depend on when you go (check out this handy guide for a month-by-month rundown of the best time to visit Thailand).
Spending a day or two in Bangkok lets you dive into the city’s vibrant street food scene, visit iconic temples too, and get a feel for Thailand’s energy before heading into the wild…
Find out more about the best things to do in Bangkok and Thailand in our article HERE.
Why fly internally instead of taking the bus?
Thailand has an extensive network of affordable buses and trains, but if you want to pack in as much adventure as possible, flying is the way to go.
Domestic flights are more affordable than you might imagine, save hours of travel time (or even days – Thailand is pretty big, you know!), and allow you to see more of this incredible country. For example:
- A bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can take 10+ hours, while a flight takes just 1 hour 15 minutes.
- The journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani (a gateway to Khao Sok) by bus takes around 9 hours, while a flight takes just 1 hour.
- Getting from Chiang Mai to Krabi by bus can take over 24 hours — a flight takes just 2 hours!
Thailand has many airports beyond Bangkok, including Chiang Mai (CNX), Krabi (KBV), Surat Thani (URT), and Phuket (HKT), so you can seamlessly hop between adventure hotspots.
Want all the travel admin taken care of for you? Book a Bucket List Company adventure in Thailand! Check out the itinerary here.
Where to go for adventure in Thailand
Once you’ve landed in Bangkok, you’ve got endless options for adventure. Here are the must-visit destinations:
Chiang Mai – Jungle trekking & bamboo rafting
Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the perfect starting point for adventure lovers.
Trek through remote hill tribe villages, explore dense rainforests, and take on thrilling bamboo rafting excursions down the Mae Taeng River. With its laid-back vibe and stunning scenery, Chiang Mai is lush.
Khao Sok – Hidden caves & wildlife spotting
For a true off-the-grid adventure, head from Bangkok to Surat Thani and head to Khao Sok National Park.
The ancient rainforest there is home to towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and Cheow Lan Lake, where you can kayak, hike, and spot wildlife like gibbons and hornbills. A spooky night safari there is an experience you won’t forget…!
Koh Lanta – And relax…
After trekking and jungle adventures, it’s time to hit the coast and relax… You could fly into Krabi Airport and take a short ferry ride to Koh Lanta, an island paradise with pristine beaches, epic diving spots, and opportunities for snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and exploring hidden caves.
Bangkok – City thrills & street food delights
Before (or after) your adventure-packed itinerary, you’ve got to spend some time in Bangkok, Thailand’s buzzing capital. And not just because that’s where the airport to get you home is…
Explore the city’s somewhat chaotic streets by tuk-tuk, visit ancient temples, and indulge in the world’s best street food. A boat tour along the Chao Phraya River or a rooftop bar experience is the perfect way to round off your trip.
Want more trips for travelling in Thailand? Click HERE.
The best way to travel to Thailand? Let us handle everything for you…
If you’ve been wondering where to fly to in Thailand and how to organise the trip of a lifetime, why not take the stress and pressure out of planning?
At The Bucket List Company, we offer fully curated affordable adventure trips that include accommodation, activities, and expert guidance — so all you have to do is book your international flights, turn up and enjoy.
The warm fuzzy feels of travelling with a small group of like-minded adventurers doesn’t hurt either (nor does knowing that you’re taking advantage of our professional travel discounts! Find out more about how much it costs to visit Thailand HERE).
We’ve done the hard work researching Thailand and discovering all the best bits to make our Best of Thailand pretty damn life changing. And as with all our trips, adventurers can pay for the Best of Thailand on manageable monthly payment plans, so by the trip rolls around, it’s already paid for.
Ready for your Thailand adventure?
Check out our Best of Thailand itinerary here and start planning your ultimate adventure…
Whether you want to trek, raft, dive, or explore, Thailand has it all — and we’ll take care of the finer details (you can take care of the packing).
If you don’t book it now… will you ever?
