Flying to Krabi for the Retreat- 

Participant Travel Guidelines — February/March 2027

The Good News: Thailand Is Easy for Americans

Entry for US citizens going to Thailand is straightforward, and Thailand actively welcomes American tourists.

There is no visa required. US citizens can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism. No pre-approval, no application, no fee. Your passport gets stamped on arrival.

February/March is the best weather. This is Thailand’s cool, dry season — the best time of year to be there. Expect warm days, low humidity, and little rain.

What You Need Before You Fly

1. Check your passport expiration date now.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from Thailand, and must have at least two blank pages. US passport renewals currently take 8–12 weeks. Do not wait on this.

2. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you fly.

Thailand replaced its paper arrival form with an online system called the TDAC in May 2025. It is required for all foreign travelers entering Thailand. Here’s what to know:

• It is completely free. Ignore any third-party websites that charge a fee.
• Complete it within 72 hours before your arrival in Thailand — not earlier.
• The official website is tdac.immigration.go.th. Only use this site.
• You’ll enter your passport details, flight number, and your accommodation address in Krabi.
• After submission, you’ll receive a QR code by email. Have it on your phone or printed when you arrive.
• You must complete a new TDAC for every entry into Thailand.

3. Have proof of onward travel.

Thai immigration officers may ask to see your return or onward flight. Have your return flight confirmation accessible on your phone or printed.

4. Have proof of sufficient funds.

Immigration officers occasionally ask travelers to show they have at least 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately $550 USD) available per person. A bank statement or credit card is fine.

5. Purchase travel insurance.

We recommend using Squaremouth to compare and purchase a policy. Look for coverage that includes trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and trip delay. Medical evacuation coverage is especially important for Southeast Asia travel.

How to Fly to Krabi

There are no nonstop flights from the US to Thailand — all routes require at least one connection. You have two destination options: fly directly into Krabi (KBV), or fly into Bangkok (BKK) and connect. Here’s how to think about each.

Option 1: Fly into Krabi Direct (KBV) — Simplest If Available

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is a small, manageable airport and the retreat center will provide transportation directly from there. If you can route into Krabi, it eliminates the Bangkok connection entirely.

Several European carriers serve Krabi directly from hubs like London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. If you’re flying from the US East Coast, routing through London or Amsterdam into Krabi is a viable one-stop option worth checking. Search for US city → London/Amsterdam → Krabi.

Note: Krabi airport is smaller with fewer daily flights. Check availability on your specific dates before committing to this route.

Option 2: Fly into Bangkok (BKK), Then Connect to Krabi — Most Common Route

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main international hub for Thailand and has by far the most flight options from the US. Most participants will likely route through Bangkok.

Recommended airlines from the US to Bangkok:

• EVA Air (via Taipei, TPE) — consistently rated among the best carriers for this route; serves multiple US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Houston
• JAL/Japan Airlines (via Tokyo, NRT or HND) — excellent service, well-regarded for long-haul comfort; serves multiple US cities
• ANA (via Tokyo, NRT or HND) — comparable to JAL; strong option from West Coast cities
• Korean Air (via Seoul, ICN) — excellent service, well-priced, and Seoul is one of the better Asian hub airports for connections
• Asiana Airlines (via Seoul, ICN) — good alternative to Korean Air, competitive pricing
• Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad (via Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi) — strong options especially from East Coast cities; award-winning service

Tip: Use Google Flights to search your home city to Bangkok and compare options. The Asian carriers above consistently outperform US carriers on this route in comfort and service for a long-haul flight.

Getting from Bangkok to Krabi

Once you arrive in Bangkok, the connection to Krabi is quick and inexpensive. This is a domestic Thai flight — entirely separate from your international ticket.

• Flight time: approximately 1 hour 25 minutes nonstop.
• Frequency: multiple daily departures from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports. BKK to Krabi is the most popular route.
• Airlines: Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Airways all serve this route.
• Cost: typically $20–$50 USD each way. Book in advance for best fares.
• February/March is peak season in Krabi — flights fill up. Book your Bangkok–Krabi segment as soon as you have your international ticket.

Important: If your international flight lands at BKK (Suvarnabhumi), book your Krabi connection from BKK. If your international ticket ends at DMK (Don Mueang), book from DMK. These are two separate Bangkok airports about 30km apart — do not confuse them when booking your connection.

Transportation from Krabi Airport: The retreat center will provide transportation for our group from Krabi airport to the retreat location. Details will be provided closer to the retreat dates.

Build In a Bangkok Layover If You Can

If your schedule allows, consider arriving in Bangkok a day early rather than connecting same-day to Krabi. After a 20+ hour journey from the US, a night in Bangkok lets you reset, sleep in a real bed, and arrive in Krabi rested.

At minimum, allow at least 3–4 hours between your international arrival at BKK and your domestic Krabi departure. You’ll need to clear immigration, collect bags, and re-check in for your domestic flight. Do not book a tight same-day connection.

Your Action Steps

6. Check your passport: valid for 6+ months past your departure from Thailand, with 2 blank pages.
7. Book your international flight to Bangkok (BKK). Consider EVA Air, JAL, ANA, or Korean Air.
8. Book your Bangkok–Krabi domestic connection separately (Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, etc.). Book this soon — peak season.
9. Purchase travel insurance at squaremouth.com. Include medical evacuation coverage.
10. Within 72 hours of your Thailand arrival: complete the free TDAC at tdac.immigration.go.th.
11. Have ready on arrival: TDAC QR code, return flight confirmation, and accommodation address in Krabi.