Cheap Flights from the UK to Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the busiest long-haul routes from the UK, and you can reach it nonstop from London Heathrow or with one stop from almost every UK airport. The nonstop flight takes about eleven and a half hours, and one-stop options take 14 to 20 hours, depending on the airline and the connection.

The trade-off is simple: nonstops are faster and easier, while one-stop flights are often cheaper, particularly from regional airports. For a broader look at the country, see our guide to cheap flights to Thailand from the UK.

Thai Airways and British Airways operate nonstop flights from Heathrow to Bangkok, with the flight leaving in the evening or the middle of the day and arriving the next morning or afternoon. It is the easiest way to travel, particularly with children or older passengers.

Fares are higher than on one-stop flights in most weeks, but sales appear, particularly outside the cool season. Check the cabin options, since premium economy and business class are both well regarded on this route. Our page on British Airways explains its long-haul cabins.

If you live outside London, a one-stop flight from your local airport often costs less than a train to London plus a nonstop, and it saves a day of travel. Manchester has the most long-haul options, followed by Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Check the total journey time, and consider the quality of the layover airport. Doha, Dubai, Singapore and Istanbul have excellent facilities, while others are less comfortable. Compare prices from several UK airports, since a short train ride can save hundreds of pounds.

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is Bangkok's main international airport, about 30 km east of the centre. The Airport Rail Link takes around 30 minutes to Phaya Thai, and taxis cost around 400 to 500 baht plus tolls. Don Mueang (DMK) is mainly for low-cost and domestic flights.

Most UK flights land at Suvarnabhumi. If you plan to take a low-cost flight to a Thai island, check which airport it uses, since changing between them takes time and money. Allow plenty of time between flights.

November to February is the cool, dry season, with the best weather and the highest fares, particularly over Christmas and New Year. March to May is very hot, and June to October is the rainy season, with the lowest fares and green landscapes.

The cheapest times are usually May to October, apart from August, when UK school holidays raise fares. Songkran, the water festival in mid-April, and Loy Krathong in November are fun but busy. If you want to avoid crowds, aim for the shoulder months of November and March.

For the cool season, book four to six months ahead, and earlier for Christmas and New Year. For the rainy season, two to three months is usually enough, and sales appear regularly.

Set a price alert and look at it every few days. Our guides to tracking fare drops and how far in advance to book international flights explain how.

Packages that include flights and hotels, from companies such as Kuoni, Trailfinders and TUI, are ATOL protected and often include transfers. They can be good value, particularly for beach holidays in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui.

Compare a package with the cost of booking separately. Our vacation packages service and honeymoon travel service can help compare options.

A good first visit covers the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Wat Arun across the river, the floating markets, Chinatown for food, and the Jim Thompson House. Take the BTS Skytrain and river boats rather than taxis in the daytime, and try a longtail boat trip through the canals.

Evenings are for night markets, rooftop bars and street food. Bangkok is hot, so plan indoor time in the middle of the day, and carry water. Book a good hotel near a Skytrain station, since traffic is heavy.

Land, clear immigration and change a small amount of money at the airport or withdraw from an ATM. Take the Airport Rail Link or a metered taxi to your hotel, drop your bags, and have a shower. Resist the urge to sleep until the evening, and go for a walk instead.

Eat something simple, such as rice with chicken or a noodle soup, drink plenty of water and have an early night. By the next morning, you will be ready to start sightseeing, and the jet lag will be easier to manage.

Check the NHS Fit for Travel website for vaccinations, and take out insurance with medical cover, since the GHIC does not cover Thailand. Drink bottled or filtered water, take insect repellent and be careful with food at first.

If you plan to hire a scooter, check that your insurance covers it and that you hold the right licence, since accidents are the most common cause of claims in Thailand.

Thailand has strict laws on drugs, with severe penalties, and on insulting the monarchy, which is a criminal offence. Dress modestly in temples, remove shoes before entering and do not touch monks if you are a woman.

Vaping is illegal in Thailand, and fines apply. Respect local customs and be polite, and you will be welcomed. A calm and respectful approach is appreciated in any dispute.

Thailand suits all kinds of travellers. Families enjoy the beaches, elephant sanctuaries and relaxed pace, couples enjoy island resorts and spas, and solo travellers find a friendly hostel scene.

Our family vacations service, solo travel service and honeymoon travel service can help with the arrangements around the flights.

Tell us your home airport, your dates and whether you want a nonstop or the cheapest fare, and a specialist can compare airlines, airports and packages, and find the best price. We can also arrange hotels, transfers and domestic flights.

Try the live search below with two or three alternative dates and see which is cheapest. Before you pay for anything, ring us and we will go through the baggage allowance and the fare rules with you.