Bangkok to Bhutan: Complete Guide to Planning Your Bhutan Tour from Thailand

Thailand is a unique starting point for a Bhutan tour. It’s one of the few places with direct flights to Bhutan’s only international airport in Paro, and a major international transportation hub with connections to destinations around the world.

Start planning your tour with information on visas, travel routes, and itineraries. Our complete guide to a Bhutan tour from Thailand will give you everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip.

How Far is Bhutan from Bangkok? Location and Distance

Bhutan is a small landlocked country in the eastern Himalayas. It is surrounded by its two large neighbours, China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Paro is the most common arrival city for more international travelers, and it’s in the western region of the country.

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is around 2,700 km southeast of Bhutan. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s more vibrant metropolises. Sitting on the northernmost part of the Gulf of Thailand, the coastal city in the delta of the Chao Phraya River is a dramatic contrast with the high-altitude landscapes and the tranquil isolation of Bhutan.

How to Get to Bhutan from Thailand? Direct Flights from Bangkok to Paro are Available!

Bhutan is a uniquely isolated country. Only Paro International Airport has direct flight connections to seven other countries. One of the most convenient places to fly from in Bangkok.

Drukair and Bhutan Airlines have several non-stop flights from Bangkok to Paro available each week. Departing from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, it takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to reach Paro.

Flights from Bangkok to Paro are available every day except Tuesday and Saturday. You can choose to depart in the early morning or early afternoon.

Latest Bangkok to Paro Flight Schedule

Flight Number	Airline	Departure	Arrival	Schedule
KB153	Drukair	05:00	07:15	M W T F Sun
KB151	Drukair	13:10	15:25	M F
B3703	Bhutan Airlines	15:00	18:15	Thurs

How to get a Bhutan Visa as a Thai tourist? Just book a tour with us.

Most international travelers, including Thai tourists, need to book a Bhutan tour through a registered travel agency in order to get a visa for Bhutan. Individual visa applications are not possible, so once you have booked your Bhutan tour from Bangkok, we will make the application for your visa and travel permits. After the application is approved, we will send the Visa invitation letter to you.

With the visa invitation letter, you can book your flights. After arriving at Paro Airport, present the letter at immigration, and your visa will be stamped in your passport.

Additional permits are needed to visit areas outside of Paro and Thimphu, and to enter temples, Lhakangs, and Dzongs. We’ll take care of all of this for you, so you’ll be able to freely enjoy the tour after you arrive.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan from Bangkok? Spring and Autumn

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Bhutan from Bangkok. Bhutan has a four-season climate. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, have the optimum weather for enjoying everything the kingdom has to offer.

In spring, daytime temperatures range from 15-20°c throughout the season. Clear days with great visibility are the norm, with only light rain. It’s a perfect time for trekking and touring temples and monasteries.

Autumn is another sunny, dry season. Daytime highs range from 21°c in September to 15°c in November. Nights and evenings can be cool, but still comfortable enough for enjoying the outdoors. Trekking routes open up again after the summer monsoon season, and the trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is dry enough to traverse safely again.

How many days are needed for a Bhutan tour from Bangkok?

Get the most out of your Bhutan tour by choosing the best tour length to see destinations around the country. The classic first-time Bhutan experience is 5-6 days exploring Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha in western Bhutan. These cities including many of the most popular highlights of the country.

Explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, seeing the famous Tashichho Dzong and King's Memorial Chorten. Take in the amazing view from Dochula Pass (3,140m) on the way to Punkha, and then visit the amazing Punkha Dzong. Paro is home to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and a great place to experience local food and culture.

On an 8-10 day tour, you can visit the cultural heartland of Bumthang and Trongsa in central Bhutan. Bumthang preserves the country’s ancient culture at sites like the majestic Jakar Dzong. See some of the oldest and most sacred temples, like Jambay Lhakang, built in 659 AD. Trongsa Dzong is a spectacular fortress, and you can visit Kuenga Rabten Palace nearby, the former residence of the royal family.

A one to two-week tour is the best choice for an unforgettable Bhutan trekking tour. Shorter treks like the 5-day Bumdrak Trek will immerse you in Bhutan’s beautiful natural scenery. The classic Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu can be enjoyed as a 9-day tour that leaves you time to see the best sites in both cities. Longer treks like the 12-day Bumthang Cultural Trek will let you see fantastic views of the Himalayan ranges, virgin landscapes, and the diverse fauna and flora of Bhutan.

How much does it cost for a Bhutan tour from Bangkok?

Bhutan’s tourism policy is focused on preserving its cultural heritage and natural beauty through ‘High Value, Low Impact’ tourism. Part of that policy includes a Sustainable Development Fee of 100 USD per day that must be paid by all visitors to the country.

Other travel costs of your Bhutan tour depend on your personal travel style and itinerary. Hotels fall under different standards. Clean and comfortable 3-star lodgings can be as low as 40 USD per night. Four-star hotels range in price from around 80 to 200 USD per night, while the top luxury hotels can cost up to 800-1000 a night.

Entrance fees to famous locations are included in your itinerary. Additional activities can be extra and are optional, depending on what experience you would like. You can try river rafting in Punakha for around 150 USD, and horse riding to Tiger’s Nest Monastery costs 12-18 USD per person.

Tipping for your tour guide and the driver is always appreciated when you receive good service. Tips are not included in the tour package and must be paid separately. Depending on your group size, a tip of 10-15 USD per day is appropriate for tour guides and 5-10 USD per day for drivers.

Flights from Bangkok to Paro are a big part of the cost. Ticket prices vary by season, but peak season flights can be found starting from 425 USD.

What to pack for a Bhutan tour from Bangkok?

You’ll want to pack suitable clothing for your Bhutan tour. If you’re traveling in spring or autumn, you’ll need to be ready for warm to cool weather. Pack layers of clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, so you can adapt to changing conditions through the day.

Conservative clothes are needed for visiting temples and spiritual sites. Make sure you follow the dressing tips for visiting Bhutan and have shirts with long sleeves, and long pants or skirts that cover the knees.

Comfortable hiking shoes for trekking, exploring the outdoors, and exploring cities are essential. Make sure your footwear has a good tread for uneven surfaces and will be comfortable for long periods of walking.

Sun protection is also essential for being outdoors. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin.

Basic medicine and personal toiletries are good to bring with you. You can buy some supplies in Bhutan, but availability can be limited in many places.

Bring a power adapter to make sure you can charge your personal electronics. Bhutan uses type D, F, and G outlets with a 230V supply.

Do I need to exchange Bhutan currency before leaving Bangkok? Easy Exchange at Paro Airport

No, you don’t need to change currency in Bangkok. Upon arrival, you can find the exchange counter at Paro Airport offering reasonable exchange rates.

It can be helpful to bring some cash in US dollars. USD is one of the easiest currencies to exchange, and you can find favorable rates at banks for exchange in Bangkok.

More Insider Tips for Traveling to Bhutan from Bangkok

English is widely used in Bhutan's tourism industry. All of our tour guides speak English, and you will be able to talk to some people at major attractions and hotels.

Bhutan is one hour behind Thailand. Pay attention to the time difference when booking flights or planning activities.

The easiest place to buy a local travel SIM card is at Paro airport. A local SIM card will help you stay connected, particularly in remote regions where Wi-Fi is limited.

Conclusion

Bangkok is a great choice for planning a trip to Bhutan. Direct flights from Bangkok to Paro make it convenient to reach the country, and you’ll be amazed at the contrast between the two places. The best times to visit Bhutan are in the spring and autumn. It’s cooler than Thailand, but warm enough that you’ll be comfortable enjoying the natural beauty while exploring the outdoors.

At Bhutan Vista, we can not only help you plan an amazing tour, but we will also take care of all the arrangements, from securing a visa to arranging a professional guide and driver. Contact us anytime to start planning your Bhutan tour. Choose from expertly planned itineraries or personalize your tour for the trip of a lifetime.