Getting a SIM Card & eSIM at Thailand Airports/Border Gates by Province

First-time travelers to Thailand can find all they need to know about getting a SIM card and eSIM at Thailand airports / border gates by province here. BONUS: you also find Thailand airport tips for travelers at the last sections. 

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, one of the first things you will want to do is to get a Thailand SIM card or eSIM for your phone. Luckily, getting a SIM card at Thailand airports/border gates is quick and easy, no matter which province you arrive in. Here is what you need to know about getting a SIM card at Thailand airports / border gates by province.

First, you should acknowledge the Thailand airport map and Thai border gates, which help you navigate this guide easily.

I. Thailand Airport Map

There are a total of 38 airports throughout Thailand, but only some of which are utilized for civil transport because there are many with unpaved runways.

We categorize Thailand airports list into 3 groups:

1. 6 major international airports (the red color)

These are major airports of Thailand, which supply large networks of airlines covering both international and domestic services

• Suvarnabhumi (BKK) (Bangkok Airport)
• Don Mueang (DMK)
• Phuket (HKT)
• Chiang Mai (CNX)
• Chiang Rai (CEI)
• Hat Yai (HDY)

2. 8 semi-international airports and main domestic airport hub (the green color)

• Krabi (KBV)
• Samui (USM)
• Udon Thani (UTH)
• Khon Kaen (KKC)
• Ubon Ratchathani (UBP)
• U-Tapao (UTP) (Pattaya/Rayong)
• Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST)
• Surat Thani (URT)

3. 19 small domestic airports (the grey color)

These airports are located in small provinces or have low volume of passengers for domestic travels.

• Pai (PYY)
• Mae Hong Son (HGN)
• Nan (NNT)
• Phrae (PRH)
• Loei (LOE)
• Lampang (LPT)
• Sukhothai (THS)
• Phitsanulok (PHS)
• Mae Sot (MAQ)
• Nakhon Phanom (KOP)
• Sakon Nakhon (SNO)
• Roi Et (ROI)
• Buriram (BFV)
• Trat (TDX)
• Hua Hin (HHQ)
• Chumphon (CJM)
• Ranong (UNN)
• Trang (TST)
• Narathiwat (NAW)

This Thailand airport map hopefully has helped you see a big picture about the airports in Thailand, so you can start planning a trip to the Land of Smiles.

II. List of Major Airports in Thailand & Codes (IATA/ICAO)

Among a total number of 38 airports, only 6 of them are the major international airports in Thailand. Most of the airports are under the supervision of the Airports of Thailand PCL. These 6 commercial airports connect Thailand to other regions. 

Here is the list of airports in Thailand by province:

Province / City	Name of Airport	Airport Code (IATA/ICAO)
Bangkok	Suvarnabhumi International Airport	BKK / VTBD
Bangkok	Don Mueang International Airport	DMK / VTBD
Phuket	Phuket International Airport	HKT / VTSP
Chiang Mai	Chiang Mai International Airport	CNX / VTCC
Hat Yai	Hat Yai International Airport	HDY / VTSS
Koh Samui Island	Koh Samui Airport	USM / VTSM
Chiang Rai	Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport	CEI / VTCT
Hua Hin	Hua Hin Airport	HHQ / VTPH
Krabi	Krabi Airport	KBV / VTSG
Pattaya	Pattaya Airport	PYX
Phi Phi Island	Phi Phi Island Airport	PHZ

III. Thailand Border Gates

Thailand has many border gates that are open to tourists for crossing into and out of the country. Here are some of the major border gates for tourists:

1. Mae Sai (Chiang Rai Province) – This border gate is located in the northernmost part of Thailand and connects to Tachileik in Myanmar. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
2. Chiang Khong (Chiang Rai Province) – This border gate is located on the Mekong River and connects to Houayxay in Laos. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
3. Nong Khai (Nong Khai Province) – This border gate is located on the banks of the Mekong River and connects to Vientiane in Laos. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
4. Aranyaprathet (Sa Kaeo Province) – This border gate is located on the east side of Thailand and connects to Poipet in Cambodia. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
5. Sadao (Songkhla Province) – This border gate is located in the south of Thailand and connects to Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia. It is open 24 hours daily.

It is important to note that the operating hours of each border gate may vary and can be subject to change due to various reasons such as national holidays, political situations, and public health concerns. It is recommended that tourists check with the relevant authorities and obtain the necessary documents and visas before crossing any border gate.

Now, we go into the main point of the topic: getting a sim card and eSIM at Thailand airports by province:

IV. Getting a SIM card at Thailand Airports and Border Gates by Province

Now, depending on which province you are planning to visit in Thailand, you will choose the corresponding airport/border gate of that province (if any) and look up instructions on how to get a SIM card at that airport/border gate for travelers.

1. Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) (Bangkok)

2. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) (Bangkok)

3. Phuket International Airport (HKT) (Phuket)

4. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) (Chiang Mai)

5. Krabi International Airport (KBV) (Krabi)

6. Koh Samui International Airport (USM) (Koh Samui)

7. Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) (Hat Yai)

8. Mae Sai border gate (Chiang Rai)

9. Chiang Khong border gate (Chiang Rai)

10. Nong Khai border gate (Nong Khai Province)

11. Aranyaprathet border gate (Sa Kaeo Province)

12. Sadao border gate (Songkhla Province)

Note: In addition to traditional physical SIM cards, tourists now have the option to use eSIMs for stay connected during their trips to Thailand. The travel eSIM for Thailand is the latest technological solution that helps tourists access the internet, stay in touch with family and friends throughout their trip without having to remove the SIM card or wait in line at the airport. Everything can be done 100% online very easily and proactively. 

► See a complete guide about Thailand SIM cards and eSIM for travelers. 

The following sections are some bonus but useful information about Thailand airport guide that help every first-time traveler to Thailand have an proactive start at the airport, preparing themselves for a great trip in Thailand. 

Can I Get eSIM before Arriving at Thailand Airport?

Yes, you can definitely get an eSIM before arriving at Thailand Airport. All mobile operators offer eSIM plans for tourists that you can refer to. Check out Thailand mobile operators guide to get more information!

Additionally, you can buy Thailand eSIM online via eSIM provider like thailandesim.com. Buying from them will bring you more convenience like:

• More data and validity options
• Reasonable prices
• More accessible customer support
• Online buying with easier payment with PayPal or credit card

V. Thailand Airport to Airport Distance

The distances between airports in Thailand can vary greatly depending on their location. 

Here is an overview of the distance between some of the major airports in Thailand:

Airport to airport	Distance	Travel time
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)	49 km	30 minutes – 1 hour
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Phuket International Airport (HKT)	862 km	1 hour and 30 minutes
Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)	1330 km	2 hours and 15 minutes
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Krabi International Airport (KBV)	800 km	1 hour and 30 minutes
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)	1050 km	2 hours

It is important to note that travel times between airports can vary depending on factors such as traffic, weather conditions, and airline schedules. When planning travel within Thailand, it is important to consider the distance between airports and the time needed to travel between them, as well as any potential delays or disruptions that may occur.

VI. Thailand Airport to City Distance

Thailand has several airports that serve domestic and international flights, and the distance between each airport and the nearest city can vary. Here is an overview of the distance between some of the major airports in Thailand and their nearest cities:

Airport to city	Distance	Travel time
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) to Bangkok city center	30 km	30 – 60 minutes
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to Bangkok city center	24 km	30 – 60 minutes
Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Phuket town center	32 km	30 – 45 minutes
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Chiang mai city center	3 km	10 – 15 minutes
Krabi International Airport (KBV) to Krabi town center	15 km	20 – 30 minutes
Hat Yai International Airport (HDY)	13 km	15 – 20 minutes

It is important to note that travel times between airports and cities can vary depending on traffic and other factors. When planning travel within Thailand, it is important to consider the distance between the airport and your destination, as well as the time needed to travel between them.

VII. Thailand Airport Rules

Thailand has certain airport rules that apply to all travelers, both domestic and international. These rules are in place to ensure the safety and security of all passengers, as well as to maintain order and efficiency at the airports.

Some of the main airport rules in Thailand include:

• Passengers are required to have a valid passport and visa (if applicable) in order to enter Thailand.
• All passengers must go through security screenings and baggage checks before boarding their flight. This includes removing shoes, liquids, and electronics from carry-on bags and passing through metal detectors or body scanners.
• The use of electronic devices is not allowed during takeoff and landing, and only permitted in airplane mode during the flight.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the airport terminals.
• The possession of firearms, explosives, and other dangerous items is strictly prohibited at all times.
• The consumption of alcohol is not allowed in public areas of the airport.
• Passengers are not allowed to bring certain items on board the plane, such as sharp objects, flammable materials, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml.
• Passengers must follow the instructions of airport staff and airline personnel at all times, including during emergency situations.
• Violations of airport rules can result in fines, confiscation of items, and even legal consequences.

In addition to these general rules, each airport in Thailand may have its own specific regulations and policies. It is important for travelers to review the rules and regulations of the specific airport they will be using before arriving. This can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience while in Thailand.

VIII. FAQs about Airports in Thailand