โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
50
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
110
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is one of the world's oldest operating airports and serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers in Southeast Asia. The airport is organized into two primary active terminals: Terminal 1, which handles all international flights, and Terminal 2, which is dedicated to domestic operations. The two terminals are connected by an air-conditioned elevated walkway, making it easy for passengers to transfer between domestic and international segments on foot in about five to ten minutes.
Terminal facilities are extensive and cater specifically to the high-volume budget travel market. Terminal 2, in particular, has seen significant recent renovations and features a wide array of dining options, including a popular food court on the fourth level that serves affordable Thai street food. Travelers can find numerous currency exchange booths, ATMs, and 24-hour convenience stores like 7-Eleven throughout both buildings. For those needing rest, 'Sleep Box by Miracle' offers short-stay rooms directly within Terminal 2, while the Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel is connected via a dedicated bridge.
A major recent improvement in airport accessibility is the connection to the SRT Red Line suburban railway. The SRT Don Mueang station is accessible via a direct skywalk from the terminal, providing a reliable and inexpensive link to the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station). From there, passengers can easily transfer to the MRT Blue Line to reach central Bangkok districts like Sukhumvit and Silom. This rail link offers a significant advantage in avoiding Bangkok's notorious road traffic, complementing the existing bus and taxi services.
๐ Connection Tips
Use the SRT Red Line from the connected skywalk to reach central Bangkok and avoid heavy traffic.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chumphon Airport (CJM), also known by its ICAO code VTSE, is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Chumphon and the surrounding province in Southern Thailand. Located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center in the Pathio District, the airport acts as the definitive gateway for travelers heading to the world-famous diving destination of Koh Tao and the neighboring islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The facility is managed by the Department of Airports and has seen steady growth as an efficient alternative to the more congested hubs in Surat Thani or Samui.
The airport features a modern and functional single passenger terminal building that was specifically designed to handle high-volume domestic tourist traffic. The terminal is organized on a single level, ensuring that check-in counters, security screening, and the departure lounge are all within close proximity. The architectural design emphasizes natural ventilation and a bright, airy atmosphere characteristic of Thai regional airfields. The facility has undergone recent modernization to improve passenger flow and accommodate the larger turboprop and narrow-body aircraft that connect the mainland with the national capital.
Amenities at Chumphon Airport are well-appointed for its size, catering primarily to adventure travelers and island-bound tourists. The terminal houses several cafes and snack bars serving both local Thai refreshments and international coffee. For the convenience of travelers, the main hall features dedicated transport desks for 'Lomprayah' and 'Boonsiri' high-speed ferries, where passengers can purchase combined bus and boat tickets directly upon arrival. Other facilities include several retail shops selling beach gear and regional souvenirs, multiple ATMs, and an information booth. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the airport provides ample car rental options for those looking to explore the scenic Chumphon coastline.
CJM provides robust connectivity to Bangkok, serving as a key operational point for carriers like Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Frequent daily flights connect Chumphon with Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), providing a rapid link for both international tourists and local residents. Ground transportation is well-coordinated with flight arrivals, with dedicated shuttle buses waiting to take passengers to the various ferry piers, such as Thung Makham Noi, for their onward journey to Koh Tao. Its role as a strategic transport node is fundamental to the tourism economy of the Gulf of Thailand, offering one of the fastest ways to reach the islands from the mainland.
๐ Connection Tips
Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a strategic transit point for travelers heading from Bangkok to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, particularly Koh Tao. Most visitors use this airport as a link to the Lomprayah or Boonsiri high-speed ferry services. For the most seamless connection, it is highly recommended to book a 'joint ticket' or 'Island Transfer' directly with Nok Air or AirAsia. These packages bundle the flight from Bangkok (DMK), a 60-minute shuttle bus ride to the pier, and the subsequent ferry crossing. Note that only early morning flights (typically departing DMK around 6:00 AM) align with the afternoon ferry departures; later arrivals will likely require an overnight stay in Chumphon town. Upon arrival at CJM, proceed to the ferry operator counters in the arrivals hall to collect your transfer stickers and boarding documents. The shuttle to Thung Makham Noi Pier (used by Lomprayah) takes about an hour. From the pier, high-speed catamarans reach Koh Tao in approximately 90 to 120 minutes. If you have not pre-booked a bundle, you can purchase shuttle-plus-ferry transfers at the airport desks for roughly 800โ1,100 THB. Sea conditions in the Gulf can be choppy during the monsoon season (November to January), so motion sickness medication is advisable. For your return, ensure your ferry departs Koh Tao at least 5 hours before your flight to account for potential sea delays and the land transfer. The airport itself is a small, quiet facility with basic cafes, so it is best to buy essential supplies in Bangkok or upon reaching the islands.
โ Back to Don Mueang International Airport