How to Get to Bangkok? Cheap Flights from Istanbul to Bangkok

In Bangkok Travel Guide, we had already detailed our 3-day itinerary, starting with the best time to visit Bangkok and covering everything from where to stay. However, since one of the biggest expenses of the trip is the cost of a flight ticket to Bangkok, we wanted to take a closer look at the question, “How to Get to Bangkok?” by thoroughly evaluating all the airline options.

Without further ado, let’s dive into how to get to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and what the flight ticket prices from Istanbul are.

How to Get from Istanbul to Bangkok?

To travel from Istanbul to Bangkok, you can opt for either direct or connecting flights. Turkish Airlines offers non-stop flights from Istanbul Airport (IST) to Bangkok Airport (BKK). These direct flights take approximately 10 hours. Additionally, you can reach Bangkok via a connecting flight through Phuket Airport (HKK) with Turkish Airlines. If you’re planning to head to Phuket after Bangkok, feel free to check out my guide on “How to Get from Bangkok to Phuket” right here.

If you’re considering starting your Thailand tour in Phuket first, you can also consider these flights offered by Turkish Airlines.

Here are the flight details from other airlines to Bangkok:

• Qatar Airways: Offers flights from Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport with a layover in Doha, Qatar. You can check the Qatar Airways Flights

• Etihad Airways: Operates flights from both Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Istanbul Airport with a layover in Abu Dhabi.
• Thai Airways: Provides direct flights only from Istanbul Airport.
• Emirates: Has flights from Sabiha Gökçen and Istanbul Airport with a layover in Dubai.
• Air Arabia: Offers flights from both Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST) with a layover in Sharjah.
• Air Astana: Operates flights to Bangkok with a layover in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Where Did We Buy Flight Ticket?

We purchased our Istanbul-Bangkok flight ticket from Qatar Airways. We boarded at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and reached Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport with a layover in Doha.

Note: Qatar does not require a transit visa for flights with a layover in Doha.

Bangkok Flight Ticket Prices

The price for a round-trip flight from Istanbul to Bangkok varies between 25,000 TL and 60,000 TL per person.

These prices can fluctuate depending on several factors such as the time of travel, how early you book the ticket, and which airline you choose. Catching promotional periods and traveling off-season can significantly reduce the cost of your ticket.

How Much Did We Pay for Bangkok Flight Ticket?

For a one-way flight from Istanbul to Bangkok, we paid 10,000 TL for two people.

Since our return flight is from Bali, we can’t provide the exact price for the Bangkok to Istanbul leg, but you can expect it to be similar to the price of the outbound flight.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Bangkok

To snag a cheap flight to Bangkok, it’s important to consider some details specific to Thailand and the city itself, such as festivals and public holidays. Here’s what you should keep in mind to get the best deal on your Bangkok flight ticket:

• Sonkran Festival (April): The Thai New Year celebrations in Bangkok during April (Sonkran Festival) can cause ticket prices to spike. If you plan to travel during this time, make sure to book your ticket well in advance or avoid this busy period altogether.
• Loy Krathong Festival (November): This light festival in November also draws many tourists to Bangkok, leading to higher ticket prices. Early booking is crucial if you’re traveling during this time.
• Look Out for the Low Season: The periods between March-April and September-October are considered the low season for travel to Bangkok. The weather can be hot and rainy during these times, but flight and hotel prices are generally more affordable.
• Sunday Night Flights: Since many tourists fly to Bangkok over the weekend, flights on Sundays are typically more expensive. Flying on a Monday or Tuesday could be more economical.
• Don’t Forget Bangkok’s Climate: The period between November and February is the coolest and driest in Bangkok, making it popular among tourists and driving up ticket prices. To avoid the crowds and higher costs, consider traveling outside of this peak period.
• Bangkok’s Holiday Periods: School holidays in Thailand and Buddhist festivals can also impact ticket prices. Plan your travel around these periods to find better deals.
• Check Airline Websites Directly: Some airlines that are specific to Thailand offer better prices on their own websites. So, don’t just rely on global search engines—check the airlines’ websites directly as well.
• Compare Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airports: Bangkok has two main airports. Suvarnabhumi is typically used for international flights, while Don Mueang caters to more budget airlines. Comparing flights to both airports can help you find the best deal.
• Keep an Eye on Local Holidays: Flights can fill up and prices can increase during royal family holidays and other national events in Thailand. Planning your trip outside of these special days can be advantageous.