Thailand has been a popular destination for Dutch travellers for years. From backpackers to winterers and families looking for sun and culture: the attraction is great. But how do you fly there as cheaply as possible?
In this article you will read practical tips and the logic behind airfares. You will learn how airlines determine prices and how you can respond to this in a smart way.
Why Airline Ticket Prices Fluctuate So Much
Airline ticket prices are anything but random. Airlines use smart systems that constantly adjust prices. They take into account supply and demand, but also the season, the time of booking and even the traveller’s profile. The more people want to fly on a certain route, the faster the price rises.
This method is called dynamic pricing. Goal: maximize profit per flight. In addition, companies sometimes apply price discrimination add. This means that the price can depend on your location, device or browsing behavior. For example, a ticket from an expensive laptop in the Netherlands can be more expensive than the same flight booked from a budget phone in Thailand. It therefore pays to use different devices and browsers, preferably in incognito mode.
What is the best time to book?
Several studies from platforms such as Google Flights, Expedia and Skyscanner point to the same conclusion: The best time to book a ticket to Thailand is approximately 2 to 5 months before departure.
If you book too early (more than 6 months in advance), you often pay a 'basic rate'. If you book too late, the price increases due to increased demand. Last minute booking is rarely advantageous for distant destinations such as Thailand.
The time of departure also matters. Flying on monday, tuesday or wednesday is often cheaper than on Friday or Saturday. Flights early in the morning or at night are also usually cheaper, because they are less popular.
Five Smart Strategies to Save Money
1. Compare via multiple search engines
Use tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Momondo and Kayak. They all have their own deals and contracts with airlines. Big price differences are not uncommon.
2. Set price alerts
Get notified when the price of a certain route drops. This can be done via Skyscanner or Google Flights. This way you don't have to search yourself every day.
3. Be flexible with departure dates
Those who only want to fly on Friday evenings usually pay considerably more. Flying on Tuesday or Wednesday can save tens to hundreds of euros. Arrival and departure dates that shift by a few days also often make a difference.
4. Choose alternative airports
Not only Schiphol, but also Brussels, Düsseldorf or Frankfurt can be interesting departure points. In addition, arrival in Phuket or Chiang Mai can be cheaper than Bangkok.
5. Consider switching
Direct flights are convenient, but often more expensive. A stopover in the Middle East or Eastern Europe (for example via Istanbul or Doha) can yield considerable savings. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines and Emirates offer good value for money.
What is the average price of tickets to Thailand?
Average prices for a return flight Amsterdam – Bangkok:
- Low season (May, September): from € 500
- High season (July-August, December): up to €1.200
- Average rate: around €650
- Direct flights: often 20 to 30 percent more expensive than with a transfer
Flights outside weekends and school holidays are also usually cheaper.
Save smart and fly cheaply
Every euro you save on your ticket can be spent on your stay, excursions or delicious food in Thailand. With a few well-considered choices and well-timed searches, you can easily save hundreds of euros.
Start comparing today and fly cheaply to your dream holiday.
Sources:
- Google. (2023). Insights from Google Flights: When to book flights for the holidaysRetrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.google.com/travel/flights
- Expedia Group. (2023). Expedia 2024 Air Travel Hacks ReportRetrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.expedia.com/stories/air-travel-hacks-report/
- Skyscanner. (2023). Best time to book flights 2023Retrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.skyscanner.com/tips-and-inspiration/best-time-to-book-flights
- International Air Transport Association (IATA). (2022). Air Passenger Market AnalysisRetrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economic-reports/
- Momondo. (2023). Flight insight: Amsterdam to BangkokRetrieved April 15, 2025, from https://www.momondo.nl
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Why are tickets booked in Thailand much more expensive than in the Netherlands?
I really can't find a ticket here for 19.000 baht (500 euros)
Exactly what you say Lenthai, I am now in the Netherlands for a holiday and my tickets booked in Thailand were 1100 Euro p/p.
My experience is not quite that. I do sometimes use skyscanner as an indication of the options.
Having flown many intercontinental flights, my general experience is that booking about 8-10 weeks before the departure date is often the cheapest.
In addition, I always book directly with the airline, because it is usually the cheapest. You also often have fewer additional charges.
Non-stop or 1 stop is a personal choice, with my preference lately going to a stopover in Doha or Dubai, with a slight preference for Doha. In addition, for us (in order of preference)
1. Travel schedule, in connection with the connection to Udon Thani.
2. Price
3. Airline.
We actually never take KLM anymore. Far too expensive for what is offered, a few bad experiences and a service that cannot compete with that of the companies from Asia or the Middle East.
Also from NL you can only book a very cheap ticket if you fly via China, with Xiamen Air or China Southern or something. But with a somewhat straightforward route with a stopover you really can't get away with € 500 anymore. That was once - well before Covid. Whether it's with Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Etihad. Maybe one way.
I have been comparing all kinds of comparison sites for years and this one https://www.goedkopevliegtickets.nl/ is really the most advantageous. In addition, my experience is that if you book well in advance, you usually get the cheapest deal.
March 2024 bought a ticket EVA air economy Amsterdam direct return departure end of January for €765 has never been cheaper all year. A few weeks ago direct Thai airways departure from Brussels direct return departure end of January 2026 for €852 I wonder if this will be much cheaper?
With Thai Air from Brussels directly to BKK and then on with a short stopover to Tokyo. Outbound September 29, return October 30 for €818. Booked directly with Thai this month. Marginally a bit cheaper via comparative booking sites. But many providers are questionable in reputation according to users…
Just booked directly with Eva Air, 3 tickets for my wife, daughters of 13 and 8 years. They fly from Amsterdam on June 26th directly to Bkk, return on August 12th in premium economy. Total price is 3924,42€. Regularly follow the prices on Momondo and always set a price alarm, my idea is still to book directly with the company and also save the air-miles.
The pre-corona prices are long gone, back then you could still fly for a good €800 return in premium economy. If they would fly with Emitates, in economy with a stopover in Dubai, it would be a good €3400. Still opted for their convenience, that is worth €100 per person/route.
There is also a big difference if you fly alone or for work; if you fly with the whole family (say 4 people), it will take a big bite out of your budget (around €5000).
Choose alternative airports.
What you should definitely take into consideration is the travel time/travel price to the alternative airport.
If you have to travel from Friesland to Brussels, for example, it will cost you quite a bit of money.