Compare Bangkok flights

While Bangkok isn't exactly a city break destination, it's also more than just a gateway to Thailand. Speak to anyone who has travelled in the country and they'll tell you they hung out here for a while, and (in most cases) loved it.

There's plenty of demand for Bangkok flights, which means it’s possible to get to the Thai capital from all major UK airports – albeit indirectly in most cases – and to shop around for the cheapest flights. You’re unlikely to find really cheap flights to Bangkok outside of flash sales, but it’s still possible to get some good deals.

If you're flying out of London, you'll usually be better off avoiding the direct services from London Heathrow. Booking an indirect flight can be hundreds of pounds cheaper, and there are masses of options if you factor in alternative London airports too. Outside London, all flights are indirect – the trick is to avoid those that connect at Heathrow. Indirect flights via Middle East and Asian cities offer some of the best deals, but as always, shop around before you buy.

As with all long-haul travel, your Bangkok flight is likely to be cheaper if you book well in advance. Avoiding the high season, which roughly covers the period from November to February, can also help you find cheaper flights.

Direct flights from Heathrow take between 11 hours 25 minutes and 11 hours 30 minutes. The quickest indirect journeys take around 13 hours, but some can stretch to a day or more – which can be fine if you're able to turn it into an enjoyable overnight stay. Stopover locations vary widely, from nearby hubs such as Paris and Amsterdam to Middle Eastern and Asian ones such as Doha, Dubai and Beijing.

It is very much worth stopping over, and indeed, you may not have much choice; direct flights are only available from London Heathrow. However, even if you’re near London, there are still huge savings to be made by booking an indirect flight.

Popular stopover locations for Bangkok include:

• Beijing: Stopping in the Chinese capital will mean you get most of your journey out of the way early on, with the first leg lasting around 10 hours and the second around 5 hours. If you’ve got some time here, try to see the Imperial Palace and Forbidden City.
• Doha: Doha splits the flight roughly down the middle, giving you a leg of around 7 hours each side. Planning a longer stopover will give you time to get out of the airport and go shopping in the city's upscale malls.

The cheapest time to fly to Bangkok is during the low season, from May to October, when tourist numbers are at their lowest and temperatures are at their highest; from July onwards there are heavy rains.

November to March is the high season, and flights are correspondingly at their peak, especially over the period between Christmas and New Year, so make sure to book ahead for the best fares. Package holidays, which include flights and accommodation, are one good way of saving money.

Bangkok is huge, and its atmosphere varies enormously from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. If – like many visitors to Bangkok – you’re backpacking or just passing through, you may want to look for accommodation around Khao San Road, where cheap hostels (and cheap bars) are everywhere you turn. Or if money’s no object, one of the luxury hotels dotted along the picturesque riverside area might be for you. Take a look at our Bangkok holiday page to search for flight and hotel packages.

Wherever you’re based, hitting the big sights, such as the Grand Palace, the Bangkok National Museum, and Chatuchak Market, will be easy, as taxis are cheap and plentiful. Having access to a vehicle of your own is not necessary for journeys made within the city itself, and the hectic traffic on the main roads means you might actually feel more comfortable in the back than in the driver’s seat. But if you’re planning trips further afield, hiring a car can be useful.

Looking to visit Bangkok? Make sure to check out our Tips and Advice first.