Compare Cheap Flights from Christchurch to Bangkok
Bangkok is an exciting, cosmopolitan city that will instantly captivate you. The city is teeming with history, culture, and natural beauty. Bangkok was built on a series of rivers and canals, which has led to it being called the “Venice of the East.” Throughout the city, you’ll also get to experience lots of traditional Thai architecture. In addition to being beautiful, Bangkok is an exciting city with an interesting culture. Life moves fast in Bangkok, and it is home to some of the best street food and nightlife you could imagine. Bangkok is such a diverse city that it has something to appeal to all different types of travellers. Planning a trip to Bangkok is a great way to escape the chilly weather in Christchurch. After spending some time in Bangkok, you could extend your trip to experience even more that Thailand has to offer.
Pack your bags and start planning an adventure to Thailand with Webjet’s cheap airfares from Christchurch to Bangkok.
The best time to visit Bangkok
Due to its location in tropical Southeast Asia, Bangkok always experiences warm weather. Throughout the year, temperatures range between 32 to 35°C. The most popular time to book flights to the city is between the months of November and March, when the heat and humidity is at its lowest. Many people choose to visit Bangkok then, making it a busy time in the city. Bangkok fills up with tourists, and hotels increase their rates to keep up with the high demand.
For the most affordable trip to Bangkok, consider booking cheap flights from Christchurch to Bangkok between April and October. During this time, Bangkok gets hot and the humidity is high. Rain can be common during this season as well, with September experiencing the most rain. Because of the wet weather, this part of the year is Bangkok’s low season. If you don’t mind the rain and humidity, you can score some great deals on hotels in Bangkok during the low season, making it a great option for budget-conscious travellers.
Departing From Christchurch
Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the second busiest airport in New Zealand and the main airport servicing the South Island. The airport is located 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) northwest of the CBD, offering quick and affordable transport options from the city.
Each week, there are about 1,200 cheap flights from Christchurch to Bangkok available. Several airlines fly this route, including Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and Thai Airways. Flights from CHC to BKK include one stopover and will get you into Bangkok Airport in about 14 hours.
Getting to Christchurch Airport
For an affordable trip to Christchurch Airport, you can ride one of the city’s Metro Red Buses. From the CBD, you can catch either the Purple Line or bus route 29 to the airport. The Purple Line is available from the Bus Interchange and several other major stops, including Ferry Road, and the University at Ilam Road. For an even more direct trip to the airport, you can catch bus route 29 from the Bus Interchange to Fendalton to the airport. Each of these buses costs $8.50 NZD for a one-way ticket and $15 NZD return.
If you would prefer to catch a taxi or an Uber, they are available from locations all over the city. If you are heading to the airport from central Christchurch, a taxi will get you there in about 20 minutes. Taxi fare from the CBD and inner suburbs to Christchurch Airport costs about $35 NZD.
Parking at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport offers several car parks within easy walking distance to the terminal. There are both long term and short term car parks available to meet your parking and price preferences.
Where to Park at Christchurch Airport
• The Long Stay car park offers uncovered parking. Rates start at $27 NZD per day and $135 NZD per week.
• Orchard Road car park offers the most affordable daily rate. Prices start at $22 NZD per day and $154 NZD per week.
• The Craddocks offer a cheap long-term rate. It’s right outside the airport with a shuttle to the terminal. Rates start at $24 NZD per day and $100 NZD per week.
Arriving in Bangkok
When travelling to Bangkok, there are two international airports you could arrive into: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Each of these airports is located 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) from the city centre and offers affordable transport options to your hotel.
How to Get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Your Bangkok Hotel or Accommodation
For the quickest form of transportation into central Bangkok, catch the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). This train completes a full loop in 30 minutes and travels to the Phayathai Station in central Bangkok. Bangkok often experiences heavy traffic, and taking the Airport Rail Link is the perfect way to avoid it. The train runs between 6am and midnight, departing every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes off-peak. Train fare can vary based on which station you are travelling to. It can range anywhere between 25 to 45 Thai baht ($1.15 to $2.10 NZD).
An airport bus is also available from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) into the centre. The bus departs every 30 minutes from 6am to 8pm. The bus travels through the old quarter of Bangkok making several stops before terminating in the popular tourist area of Khao San Road. It costs 60 baht ($2.80 NZD) to ride this bus.
Taxis also offer an affordable rate between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and the city centre. Standard taxis are able to fit two adults with hand luggage. If you are travelling in a group or have a large suitcase, there are big taxis available as well. Depending on traffic conditions, a taxi ride into the city can take about 45 minutes to an hour. Taxi fare comes to about 250 to 400 Thai baht ($11.60 to $18.60 NZD). Note that taxi drivers in Bangkok only accept cash, and they usually can’t make change for large notes.
How to Get from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Your Bangkok Hotel or Accommodation
From Don Mueang Airport (DMK), you can catch bus route 29 into the city. This bus will get you into the city centre in about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how tight traffic is. The bus makes several stops and terminates at Hua Lamphong. Bus fare from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) into the city costs about 20 baht (95 cents NZD). While the bus is an affordable option, it may not be practical if you have a lot of luggage with you as there is not much space to store bags on the bus.
A taxi is a quick and affordable option from Don Mueang Airport (DMK). A taxi will get you directly to your hotel so you won’t need to navigate the busy streets of Bangkok as soon as you arrive. A taxi from the airport will arrive into the city in about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic. Taxi fare from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to central Bangkok costs about 350 baht ($16.25 NZD).
Things to do in Bangkok
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a favourite among visitors to Bangkok. From 1782 to 1925, the palace was home to the King of Thailand and his court. The Thai royal family no longer lives in the Grand Palace, but it is still used regularly for royal ceremonies and events. The Grand Palace is a showcase of elaborate designs. Over the years, each of its residents kings added his own personal touch to it. While visiting the Grand Palace, be sure to see the Wat Phra Kaew, which is where you’ll find the famous Emerald Buddha. Be mindful of the dress code while visiting the Grand Palace, which prohibits sandals, bare shoulders, and shorts for both men and women.
Wat Arun
All throughout Thailand, there are lots of impressive temples to experience. About 3 kilometres (1.8 miles) from central Bangkok, you can visit Wat Arun, which is one of the most popular temples. Wat Arun was named for Aruna, the god of dawn. You can see the temple from across the Chao Phraya River, but for the best experience, head to the temple to see it up close. Wat Arun is covered in porcelain and ceramic tiles, which have an especially beautiful glow during the sunrise and sunset.
Bang Krachao Gardens
The Bang Krachao Gardens are located just outside of the city centre but offer a much different experience to the busy centre of Bangkok. Within the gardens, there are walking trails, lakes, and tropical jungle to experience. The gardens stretch alongside the Chao Phraya River, and while walking through the gardens, you can see stilt houses in the river, which are unique to Thailand.
Bangkok National Museum
Visiting the Bangkok National Museum is the perfect way to start your time in the city. Within the museum, you can learn more about the history and culture of Thailand. Exhibits include Thai artefacts, such as puppets, textiles, gold and precious stones, textiles, Khon masks, and royal funeral chariots. If you would like to take a tour of the museum, English-speaking tours are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Eat Thai Street Food
Thailand is known and loved around the world for its distinct cuisine. Thai food is extremely flavoursome, and while visiting Bangkok, you can find authentic Thai food for great prices. On any busy road in Bangkok, you’ll find vendors selling fresh food from stalls along the side of the road. Some popular dishes to try while visiting Bangkok include Pad Thai, mango sticky rice, roast duck, and Thai curry. You could even get adventurous and go for some durian fruit or fried insects. To ensure the best quality street food, purchase from a stall that cooks the food in front of you, and follow recommendations from locals.
