How long does it take to fly to Thailand?
Thailand has been a favourite destination for Australian travellers for many years. Most Thailand flights from Australia arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the main international airport in Bangkok, or at Phuket International Airport (HKT) on the island of Phuket in the south. Thai Airways offers direct flights from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Bangkok in less than 10h. There are also plenty of flights with one stopover along the way. From Melbourne Airport (MEL), flights to Bangkok on Singapore Airlines can take under 15h, while travellers departing from Sydney can fly to Bangkok in under 20h. There are also flights from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Phuket in less than 15h, flying Singapore Airlines. If you are travelling on a budget and looking for cheap flights to Thailand, flights with more than one stopover tend to be less expensive.
Can you get direct flights to Thailand from Australia?
If you are looking for direct flights to Thailand from Australia, Thai Airways offers non-stop flights from Sydney to Bangkok in less than 10h. However, it is also easy to find flights to Thailand with just one stopover through momondo. Scoot offers flights from Sydney to Bangkok with a stopover at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). Singapore Airlines and Qantas operate along the route from Melbourne to Bangkok via Singapore as well. Passengers departing from Brisbane can also travel to Phuket with a stopover at Changi Airport. Singapore is a great place for a stopover, where travellers can enjoy exceptional dining and shopping in transit. There are also art installations, a butterfly garden and luxury hotels within the airport where passengers can rest or work before their connecting flight. Qantas flights to Bangkok from Melbourne stop over in Sydney or Dubai (DXB), while Cathay Pacific has flights to Bangkok that transit through Hong Kong (HKG).
What is the best way to travel around Thailand?
Whether you are travelling between cities or island hopping, there are many ways to get around Thailand. Thailand has an excellent rail network with a wide choice of comfortable seating, including first-class night trains and inexpensive third-class tickets. The night train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes 12h, while day trains tend to stop more frequently. Book train tickets in advance during the high season. Travelling by bus is an economical way to get around. Air-conditioned tourist buses connect the major cities, and while they are more expensive, they are more direct than local buses. Tuk-tuk, rideshare, open vans with bench seats, mopeds and local buses are the best way to travel around larger cities. If you’re short on time, flying is the fastest way to get around Thailand. Both major airlines and budget airlines offer flights to large cities as well as the islands. Renting a motorbike and riding across the country is also a popular way to see the country. Travelling by ferry is the best way to get around if you’re island-hopping in Thailand.
Does an Australian citizen need a passport or visa to fly to Thailand?
Australians must always carry a valid passport when travelling overseas. However, Australian citizens travelling to Thailand for tourism purposes are not required to obtain a visa. Under the Visa Exemption Scheme, Australian tourists can stay in Thailand for up to 45 days. If you are planning a longer stay, you can apply online for a Special Tourist Visa, which is valid for 90 days. Processing times can take up to 15 days. If you are travelling to Thailand for business, education or retirement, you will need to submit an application to the Royal Thai Embassy in Canberra.