17 Cheap Flights from Thailand: Best Nearby Countries, Airlines, and Smart Open-Jaw Hacks

If you want cheap flights from Thailand, you are in one of the best places in Asia to do it. Thailand sits in the middle of major Southeast Asian and East Asian flight corridors, which creates heavy airline competition. The result is simple: short flight times, frequent schedules, and fares that can be shockingly low if you book with the right approach.

This guide is not a random list of destinations. It is a practical playbook: which airlines to search first for each country, realistic flight time ranges, and the routing hack most travelers ignore: open-jaw flights (arrive in one city, depart from another) to reduce backtracking and cut costs.

Before you book anything, check entry rules first so you do not lose money to last-minute changes: FlyFono Visa Requirements Checker.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Comparison Table
2. How to Find Cheap Flights from Thailand
3. Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi)
4. Singapore
5. Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh)
6. Laos (Vientiane, Luang Prabang)
7. Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang)
8. Myanmar (Important Reality Check)
9. Hong Kong
10. Philippines (Manila, Cebu)
11. More Quick Flights from Thailand (Extra Ideas)
12. The Open-Jaw Hack Explained
13. Booking Checklist
14. FAQs

Quick Comparison Table: Destination + Airlines + Flight Time

Use this table as your fast shortlist for cheap flights from Thailand. Times are typical direct-flight ranges from Bangkok (BKK/DMK) and can vary by route and airport.

If your goal is maximum savings, also read: How to Find the Cheapest Flexible Flights.

How to Find Cheap Flights from Thailand (Rules That Actually Work)

Most people fail at finding cheap flights from Thailand because they search one route, one date, one city, and then assume that price is “the price.” That is lazy searching, and airlines profit from it.

Rule 1: Search DMK and BKK separately

Bangkok has two main airports (DMK and BKK). Budget carriers often focus on one. A “cheap” fare can disappear if you only search one airport.

Rule 2: Start with the airline that dominates the route

Do not treat all airlines equally. Some routes are “owned” by a carrier’s schedule and pricing strategy. For example, AirAsia dominates many Malaysia routes, while VietJet often leads on Vietnam routes.

Rule 3: Use open-jaw routing when you visit more than one city

If you plan to travel across a country (or across multiple countries), round-trip flights force you to waste time and money returning to the same airport. Open-jaw flights reduce backtracking and can unlock cheaper fare combinations. Jump to the full explanation: The Open-Jaw Hack.

Rule 4: Book mid-week when possible

Friday and Sunday flights cost more because most people travel on those days. If you can shift by even one day, you often cut the fare significantly.

Rule 5: Check baggage and change fees before you celebrate

Low-cost fares can be fake-cheap if your trip requires checked baggage or flexibility. Always compare the “real total” price, not the headline fare.

Want to plan the route smarter, not harder? Use: FlyFono AI Trip Planner.

Malaysia: The Best Value “Quick International Trip” from Thailand

Malaysia is consistently one of the easiest wins for cheap flights from Thailand. The flight time is short, airline competition is strong, and Malaysia is perfect for 3–7 day trips.

Best Malaysian entry cities from Thailand

• Kuala Lumpur (KUL): best for flights, shopping, city stays, and connections.
• Penang (PEN): often cheaper inbound fares, great food culture, easy pace.
• Langkawi (LGK): beach-focused, seasonal deals, good for relaxed trips.

Airlines to search first (Malaysia)

• AirAsia (often the lowest fare and highest frequency)
• Thai Lion Air
• Batik Air Malaysia

Official airline sources (useful for direct promos and baggage rules): AirAsia | Thai Lion Air.

Malaysia money-saving routing hacks

If you do Malaysia as more than one stop, do not book a round trip by default. This is where the open-jaw approach pays off:

• Arrive: Penang → Depart: Kuala Lumpur (common best-value combo).
• Arrive: Kuala Lumpur → Depart: Penang (works if your food focus is Penang).
• Arrive: Kuala Lumpur → Depart: Langkawi (city + beach without backtracking).

If you want a practical tourist plan for a combined trip, read: FlyFono AI Trip Planner.

Singapore: Short Flight, High Efficiency, Prices Depend on Timing

Singapore is a fast win if you time it right. Flights can be cheap, but accommodation and daily spending can be high. The key is controlling your entry cost and then planning intelligently.

Airlines to search first (Singapore)

• Scoot
• AirAsia
• Jetstar Asia (route coverage depends on season)
• Thai VietJet Air

Official sources: Scoot | Changi Airport.

Singapore fare hacks

• Target Tuesday to Thursday. Avoid Friday and Sunday if you want cheap flights from Thailand.
• Consider Singapore in / Kuala Lumpur out if you are doing a combined Malaysia–Singapore loop.
• Track sales and book fast. Singapore routes can swing quickly.

If you want a family-friendly angle, start here: Free Family Activities in Singapore.

Cambodia: The Shortest “Leave Thailand” Flight That Still Feels Like a Big Trip

Cambodia is one of the most straightforward options for cheap flights from Thailand. Flight time is around an hour, and you can build a trip around Siem Reap or Phnom Penh depending on your vibe.

Airlines to search first (Cambodia)

• AirAsia
• Bangkok Airways (often higher price, but smooth service and schedules)

Official sources: Bangkok Airways.

Cambodia routing hacks

• Arrive Siem Reap if you want Angkor-focused travel.
• Depart Phnom Penh if you plan to continue overland or fly onward to Vietnam.
• If fares spike, compare flying versus overland depending on your time budget.

Laos: Quiet, Close, and Often Underrated

Laos is close, calm, and ideal for travelers who want a slower pace without long flights. It is also a strong option for cheap flights from Thailand because routes are short and simple.

Airlines to search first (Laos)

• Thai AirAsia
• Lao Airlines

Routing advantage: if you are already in Northern Thailand, check Chiang Mai routes as well as Bangkok routes. Sometimes the cheaper deal is not from Bangkok.

Laos route ideas

• Weekend: Bangkok → Vientiane → Bangkok.
• Longer: Arrive Vientiane, depart Luang Prabang (or reverse) if you plan internal movement.

Vietnam: Best All-Round Value for Short International Flights

Vietnam is one of the best answers to the question: “Where can I find cheap flights from Thailand and also keep the trip value high?” You get great cities, strong food culture, and a wide range of flight options across the country.

Best Vietnam entry cities from Thailand

• Hanoi: culture, street food, north Vietnam access.
• Ho Chi Minh City: energy, shopping, easy connections.
• Da Nang: beaches, sometimes cheaper fares, easy central Vietnam access.

Airlines to search first (Vietnam)

• VietJet Air (often cheapest)
• AirAsia
• Vietnam Airlines (watch for sales)

Related FlyFono internal guides: Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City | Vietnam Travel Hub.

Vietnam routing hack that saves time and money

Vietnam is long north-to-south. A round trip forces backtracking. A better approach is: Arrive Hanoi and depart Ho Chi Minh City (or the reverse). This is one of the easiest open-jaw wins in Asia.

Myanmar: Short Flight, but Do Not Book on Autopilot

Myanmar routes can be short and sometimes cheap, but tourism planning here depends on conditions that can change quickly. You should not treat Myanmar like a standard quick-hop destination.

If you are considering Myanmar, check visas and advisories first: FlyFono Visa Requirements Checker.

Hong Kong: Slightly Further, Still a Quick Flight from Thailand

Hong Kong is often overlooked when people think of cheap flights from Thailand, but it can be a value win during sales. The flight is still short enough to feel like a weekend-plus trip.

Airlines to search first (Hong Kong)

• HK Express (budget-focused)
• Cathay Pacific (sales can be competitive)
• Thai Airways

Official sources: HK Express | Cathay Pacific.

Philippines: Manila Is Quick, Cebu Makes the Trip Better

The Philippines looks “far” on a map, but Manila is still reachable on a relatively quick flight from Thailand. For many travelers, the smarter move is not stopping at Manila alone. The better trip is using Manila as a gateway and then exiting from Cebu.

Airlines to search first (Philippines)

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippine Airlines
• AirAsia (route availability varies)

Official sources: Cebu Pacific.

Philippines open-jaw routing idea

• Arrive Manila, travel internally, depart Cebu.
• This reduces backtracking and often produces better pricing combinations.

More Quick Flights from Thailand (Extra Ideas That Can Still Be Cheap)

If you already did Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, you still have options that can remain “quick”:

• Taipei: sometimes priced competitively vs Hong Kong, depending on season.
• Macau: can pair with Hong Kong depending on route deals.
• Southern China gateways: route pricing can be attractive during shoulder seasons.

If you plan to book hotels after landing, do not overpay: Cheapest Branded Hotels (What to Book and Why).

Taipei (Taiwan): Quick City Break with Sale-Friendly Airlines

Taipei is an underrated option for travelers looking for cheap flights from Thailand beyond Southeast Asia. Flight time from Bangkok is still manageable at around 3–4 hours, and fares drop sharply during airline sales. The first airlines to check for this route are EVA Air, China Airlines, and Thai Airways (especially during promotional periods). Taipei works well as a food-focused city break or culture trip, and it is often cheaper than Hong Kong during the same travel dates. If Hong Kong prices spike, Taipei frequently becomes the smarter alternative with similar city appeal.

Macau: A Smart Alternative When Hong Kong Flights Get Expensive

Macau can deliver surprising value for travelers hunting cheap flights from Thailand, particularly when Hong Kong fares surge. Air Macau is the primary airline to check, while it is also worth comparing HK Express flights into Hong Kong and using an open-jaw route between the two cities. Macau is ideal for short resort-style stays, food trips, and shows, and it works well as a secondary entry or exit point when planning a Hong Kong–Macau combination. Choosing the cheaper city to fly into and departing from the other often reduces overall flight costs.

Best Months to Find Cheap Flights from Thailand

The best time to book cheap flights from Thailand is during the shoulder seasons, especially May to June and September to early November, when demand drops across Asia. Prices typically rise during late December to early January, major holidays, and long weekends, so flying mid-week becomes even more important during peak periods. If you are flexible by just one or two days, you can often avoid peak pricing without changing your destination.

The Open-Jaw Hack: Arrive in One City, Depart from Another

This is the most important concept in this entire guide, and it is the reason experienced travelers consistently get cheap flights from Thailand. Most people book round trips because it feels “safe.” In reality, it is often the most inefficient option when you plan to move around.

What open-jaw means (simple definition)

You book two one-way flights that connect logically:

• Bangkok → City A
• City B → Bangkok

Why it saves money

• No forced backtracking: You do not waste time and transport money returning to City A.
• More fare combinations: Sometimes City B has cheaper return pricing than City A.
• Better itinerary flow: Your trip becomes a straight line, not a loop.

Open-jaw examples that work extremely well from Thailand

• Malaysia: Arrive Penang, depart Kuala Lumpur.
• Vietnam: Arrive Hanoi, depart Ho Chi Minh City.
• Philippines: Arrive Manila, depart Cebu.

For more flight tactics, read: Cheapest Flexible Flights.

Booking Checklist (Do This Before You Pay)

Use this checklist to avoid common mistakes people make when hunting cheap flights from Thailand.

1. Check visas first: Visa Requirements Checker.
2. Search both Bangkok airports: DMK and BKK routes can price differently.
3. Check 3 date ranges: mid-week, weekend, and one flexible alternative day.
4. Compare direct airline sites: especially for low-cost carriers and baggage bundles.
5. Use open-jaw if traveling across a country: do not force a round trip.
6. Confirm total cost: baggage, seat selection, card fees, and change rules.

If you want an itinerary built around your exact dates and constraints: FlyFono AI Trip Planner.

FAQs

Which countries have the cheapest flights from Thailand?

Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam are usually the cheapest for short trips. Singapore can also be cheap if you travel mid-week and avoid peak weekends.

What is an open-jaw flight and why does it save money?

Open-jaw means arriving in one city and departing from another. It saves money by reducing backtracking and creating more pricing combinations. It also saves time, which matters if you only have a few days.

Which airlines should I search first for cheap flights from Thailand?

Start with AirAsia, VietJet Air, Thai Lion Air, Scoot, and Cebu Pacific for low-cost routes. Then compare with full-service carriers during sales.

Is it better to book direct with airlines or on OTAs?

Direct booking is usually cleaner for low-cost carriers because baggage and changes are clearer. OTAs are useful for comparison, but always confirm baggage and change fees before paying.

What days are usually cheapest to fly from Thailand?

Tuesday to Thursday is often cheapest. Friday and Sunday are usually expensive. Early morning and late-night flights can also be cheaper.

Do I need a visa for these trips?

Visa rules vary. Check before booking: FlyFono Visa Requirements Checker.

Disclosure: This content is written to help travelers make smarter decisions. Always confirm current visa rules and airline policies directly with official sources before travel.

Continue reading on FlyFono: Cheapest Flexible Flights | Cheapest Branded Hotels | AI Trip Planner.

If you look at Asia on a map, it becomes clear why finding cheap flights from Thailand is easier than almost anywhere else in the region. Thailand sits at the center of multiple short-haul aviation corridors, which means airlines are constantly competing for the same passengers. This competition is exactly why travelers who understand routing, timing, and airline behavior can consistently book cheap flights from Thailand without relying on luck or last-minute desperation.

Whether you are flying to Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Hong Kong, or the Philippines, the logic remains the same: short distances plus high flight frequency equal better pricing opportunities. The mistake most travelers make is treating flight prices as fixed, when in reality cheap flights from Thailand are dynamic and highly sensitive to small changes in dates, airports, and routes.

Shifting your trip by one day, choosing DMK instead of BKK, or flying into one city and out of another can instantly unlock cheap flights from Thailand that never appear in basic searches. This is why open-jaw routing is such a powerful tool when booking cheap flights from Thailand, especially in countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines where moving between cities is easy once you land. Another key advantage is airline specialization: certain carriers dominate specific routes, and knowing which airline to search first dramatically improves your odds of finding cheap flights from Thailand.

AirAsia, VietJet, Scoot, Cebu Pacific, and similar low-cost carriers exist precisely because short regional travel demand is strong, and they price aggressively to fill seats. However, experienced travelers also know that full-service airlines periodically undercut budget carriers during sales, creating unexpected windows for cheap flights from Thailand with better baggage allowances and comfort.

Timing plays an equally important role. Shoulder seasons, mid-week departures, and off-peak travel windows are consistently the best way to secure cheap flights from Thailand, especially when demand softens across Asia. While peak periods like December holidays and long weekends push prices up, travelers who plan slightly ahead can still find cheap flights from Thailand by booking earlier and avoiding the most popular travel days.

It is also important to understand that cheap flights alone do not define value. The real advantage of booking cheap flights from Thailand is flexibility: lower airfare gives you more room to choose better hotels, extend your trip, or add an extra destination without blowing your budget.

This is why Thailand-based travelers often explore multiple countries on a single trip, using cheap flights from Thailand as building blocks rather than isolated journeys. Over time, this approach turns flight booking into a skill rather than a gamble. Once you stop searching randomly and start applying consistent rules—checking multiple airports, comparing dominant airlines, using open-jaw routes, and targeting shoulder seasons—you will notice that cheap flights from Thailand appear far more often than expected.

In practical terms, this means international travel becomes less intimidating and more routine. Weekend trips, short breaks, and spontaneous travel all become possible because cheap flights from Thailand reduce both financial and psychological barriers. The key takeaway is simple:

Thailand is not just a destination, it is a launchpad. Travelers who recognize this can treat the country as a regional hub and repeatedly take advantage of cheap flights from Thailand to explore Asia efficiently. Once you adopt this mindset, you stop asking whether cheap flights exist and start asking which route, airline, or timing will produce the next opportunity. That shift in thinking is what separates travelers who occasionally find deals from those who consistently book cheap flights from Thailand as part of their normal travel planning.