Bangkok is a colourful and dynamic city built upon thousands of years of traditions. But that’s not to say it isn’t contemporary. Intricate temples contrast against glassy skyscrapers. Modest street food vendors serve up mouth-watering local fare alongside world-class Michelin-star establishments. And in case you need more of a reason to pay Bangkok a visit, the warm hospitality delivered by locals is simply unparalleled.
Dreaming of your own getaway to Bangkok? Thankfully, it’s easy to fly there from Australia. And by harnessing the power of points, you could be jet-setting there up the pointy end to discover bustling Bangkok for yourself.
Our Point Hacker’s pocket guide highlights the essentials for your Bangkok holiday, including various options to fly there with your favourite frequent flyer program. We also cover ways to maximise your rewards on accommodation, plus our top tips to keep in mind while planning your trip.
Flying to Bangkok on points
Aussies can take their pick when it comes to flying to Bangkok on points. There are not only several departure ports across the country but a number of airlines, too – opening up the possibilities for points redemptions.
We dive into some of the best options for redeeming your points on flights to Bangkok.
Flying Qantas
Qantas operates a direct route from Sydney to Bangkok. You can also fly with Qantas from various Australian cities to Singapore, then onwards to Bangkok with Jetstar Asia. For travellers based in Perth, flying via Bali is also a good option that requires fewer points than the Qantas path.
 +  using  Qantas Points | Economy | Business |
| Perth to Bangkok via Bali (Jetstar + Jetstar Asia) | 18,000 | N/A |
| Perth to Bangkok via Singapore (Qantas + Jetstar Asia) | 20,300 | 57,000* |
| Sydney to Bangkok | 25,200 | 68,400 |
| Melbourne to Bangkok via Singapore (Qantas + Jetstar Asia) | 25,200 | 68,400* |
| Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne to Bangkok (via Sydney) | 31,500 | 82,000 |
Ways to earn Qantas Points
As Australia’s largest frequent flyer program, it’s easy to earn Qantas Points on the ground.
By signing up for a credit card, being approved and meeting the minimum requirements, you could earn a stack of Qantas Points that may be enough to cover a return trip to Bangkok in Economy. Check out some of the best Qantas Frequent Flyer credit cards with generous bonus points offers to have you soaring to Bangkok sooner.
Entertaining at home or looking for the perfect gift? Eligible cases of wine purchased via Qantas Wine can yield up to 20,000 Qantas Points per case. If you’ve unlocked Points Club, you can put your Qantas Wine voucher to use plus earn triple points on your purchase. And if that’s not enough, year-round bonus points offers can also give your balance a hefty boost.
Linking your Everyday Rewards account to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account is another easy way to earn Qantas Points. Once you earn 2,000 Everyday Rewards points, you can choose to have these automatically convert to 1,000 Qantas Points. This means that your next shop at Woolworths, Big W, BWS and other program partners can edge you closer to your Bangkok holiday.
Flying Singapore Airlines
Bangkok is a quick hop away from Singapore, and you can fly there on Singapore Airlines using KrisFlyer miles or Velocity Points. If an extended layover is on the cards, venture into the heart of Singapore to discover the diverse Lion City.
Or, fast-track your way to Star Alliance Gold status with the HSBC Star Alliance credit card to enjoy lounge access inside Singapore’s Changi Airport and across the entire Star Alliance network.
Using KrisFlyer miles
The number of KrisFlyer miles needed to fly Singapore Airlines from Australia to Bangkok is shown below. These figures are based on the program’s Saver Award rates.
Premium Economy, First Class and Suites aren’t offered by Singapore Airlines between Singapore and Bangkok. Accordingly, these options haven’t been listed here, even though they’re available on selected flights between Australia and Singapore.
 using  KrisFlyer miles | Economy | Business |
| Darwin, Perth to Bangkok (via Singapore) | 21,500 | 40,500 |
| Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Bangkok (via Singapore) | 30,500 | 68,500 |
Ways to earn KrisFlyer miles
Singapore is a popular destination and transit hub for Australians, so it’s no surprise that there are ways for Aussies to earn KrisFlyer miles to fly with Singapore Airlines. Holding status with KrisFlyer has reciprocal benefits with airlines in the Star Alliance network too, as well as with Virgin Australia.
Some banks in Australia have flexible rewards programs, so you can sign up for a credit card and convert the points to KrisFlyer miles. We’ve highlighted some of the best credit cards to earn KrisFlyer miles in Australia. To be eligible for any bonus points offers you’ll need to be approved and meet a minimum spend.
Velocity Points can also be converted to KrisFlyer miles, and we’ve even got a step-by-step guide on how to do this. Velocity Points can be redeemed for Singapore Airlines flights, but the benefit of using KrisFlyer miles is that you can sometimes have access to greater reward seat availability. On routes where First Class and Suites are offered, only KrisFlyer miles can secure these – while bookings using Velocity Points top out at Business Class on Singapore Airlines.
Note that KrisFlyer miles expire after three years, so only convert your points from other programs when you’re ready to book your flights.
Using Velocity Points
The number of Velocity Points needed to fly with Singapore Airlines to Bangkok is shown below.
using  Velocity Points | Economy | Business |
| Darwin to Bangkok (via Singapore) | 25,000 | 55,000 |
| Perth to Bangkok (via Singapore) | 27,000 | 57,000 |
| Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Bangkok (via Singapore) | 31,000 | 71,000 |
Ways to earn Velocity Points
As another major frequent flyer program in Australia, you can collect Velocity Points easily from your everyday spend.
You’ll earn a stack of points quickly by signing up for a credit card that offers bonus Velocity Points. Depending on your departure city and class, you could earn enough points to cover a return trip to Bangkok and just pay fees and taxes.
The Flybuys network has several retail and service partners, and you may already be using some of them. But did you know that you can convert your Flybuys points to Velocity Points? Your weekly grocery run, fuel top-up or retail splurge can have you on your way to Bangkok.
If your cellar is running a little low, the Virgin Wines and Velocity Wine Store are some flavoursome ways to earn Velocity Points.
And this last one requires no effort at all if you’re already planning to make a purchase. You can earn Velocity Points via the Velocity e-Store simply by clicking through the portal to access hundreds of online retailers.
Flying Thai Airways
Thai Airways is part of the Star Alliance network, allowing you to redeem KrisFlyer miles on Thai Airways flights direct to Bangkok from Australia’s east coast.
 using KrisFlyer miles | Economy | Business |
| Melbourne, Sydney to Bangkok | 35,000 | 108,000 |
More ways of flying to Bangkok
We’ve covered the quickest and most direct routes to Bangkok from Australia above. But if you’re struggling to find availability – and don’t mind a bit of a detour – it’s good to know that there’s a ‘Plan B’ available.
| Airline | Book using | Australian cities served | Transit point |
| Cathay Pacific | Qantas Points or Cathay miles | Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney | Hong Kong |
| Japan Airlines | Qantas Points or Cathay miles | Melbourne, Sydney | Tokyo |
Exploring Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is among the busiest airports in Asia, acting as a major international hub for travellers entering the region. Passengers also have the greatest connectivity to other popular destinations in Thailand including Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
The heart of Bangkok is located around 30 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thailand’s dominant rideshare app is Grab and a one-way fare can set you back approximately $13-$17 plus tolls, which is very reasonable for the 45-minute ride, traffic permitting. Otherwise, a metred taxi will get you there for just a few dollars more.
Bangkok has an efficient train system and a trip from the airport to the city takes just under 30 minutes. The fare is far cheaper compared to a taxi or rideshare, costing around $2 for a one-way journey.
Lounges at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
Just because your Bangkok holiday is almost at a close, it doesn’t mean that the relaxation has to end. Whether you’re heading back to Australia or continuing your journey elsewhere, we’ve rounded up some of the lounges in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport where you can keep the comfort (and complimentary beverages!) flowing.
Miracle Lounge
Eligible passengers departing Bangkok on Qantas flights can access the Miracle Lounge. Note that as this is an associated lounge, Qantas complimentary passes are not accepted.
When flying Qantas:
- Business Class passengers.
- Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge.
- Qantas Club members (but not single-use passholders).
Qatar Airways Premium Lounge
Qatar Airways’ lavish Premium Lounge in Bangkok can also be accessed by Qantas passengers, but only if you meet the following requirements:
- Business Class and First Class passengers flying on a oneworld airline.
Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge
Thai Airways’ Royal Orchid Prestige Lounge is only accessible if you’re flying with the national carrier, a Star Alliance airline, or if you hold status with Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus or Star Alliance. Here’s who makes the cut.
- Thai Airways Royal First Class Passengers and Star Alliance First Class passengers.
- Thai Airways Royal Silk Class Passengers and Star Alliance Business Class passengers.
- Royal Orchid Plus Gold and Platinum members.
- Star Alliance Gold members.
SilverKris Lounge
Singapore Airlines’ very own SilverKris Lounge in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is an ideal way to kick back and enjoy SQ’s renowned hospitality before your flight.
When flying Singapore Airlines or a Star Alliance member-operated flight:
- Business Class passengers.
- Suites Class or First Class passengers.
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Gold, PPS Club and Solitaire PPS Club.
- Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers.
On Singapore Airlines flights only, Velocity Platinum and Gold members can also access the SilverKris Lounge.
Priority Pass lounges in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
Members of the Priority Pass lounge network can select from a number of lounges at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to unwind before an international flight. These include:
- Miracle Lounge
- Miracle Business Class Lounge
- Miracle First Class Lounge
- The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge
- Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge
- Turkish Airlines Lounge
- Air France/KLM SkyLounge
Priority Pass memberships can be purchased, otherwise some cards like the American Express Platinum Card offer complimentary membership.
If you’re flying onward to domestic destinations in Thailand, you’ll also enjoy access to several domestic lounges that are part of the Priority Pass network.
Earning and using points on hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok has abundant accommodation options ranging from affordable lodging to five-star indulgence. Regardless of where you fall on that scale, we’ve highlighted some of the ways you can earn points and rewards on your stay.
Book directly with the hotel
Many international hotel brands have established their presence in and around Bangkok. This means that members of hotel loyalty programs like Accor Live Limitless, IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt have plenty of opportunities to reap rewards. And if you haven’t yet signed up for a hotel loyalty program, why not get started? You could be on your way to enjoying daily breakfast, a complimentary room upgrade or late check-out. Of course, member benefits are only offered when you book directly with the hotel. So if you’re looking to retain or upgrade your status with a particular program, this is the way to go.
Book through a third-party provider
Booking your accommodation through a third-party provider won’t get you the perks of hotel loyalty status, but you can still pocket points towards your preferred frequent flyer program instead. This is especially handy for earning rewards when staying at hotels that aren’t part of a wider loyalty program.
If you want to earn Qantas Points
Qantas has its own hotel booking platform, Qantas Hotels, that lets you earn Qantas Points on hotels and Airbnb bookings. The current earn rate is three Qantas Points per $1 spent on hotels, and one Qantas Point per $1 on Airbnb. Qantas Points Club members can earn up to 50% more points on hotel bookings, and there are also plenty of bonus offers throughout the year that can net you up to nine points per $1.
There’s also the option of redeeming Qantas Points towards your Qantas Hotels booking. We recommend booking Classic Rewards instead of Points Plus Pay – much like with flights – as you’ll get the best value out of using your Qantas Points for accommodation.
If you want to earn Velocity Points
Virgin Australia doesn’t have its own hotel booking platform, but you can still earn Velocity Points thanks to its partnership with Rocket Travel. The earn rate is three Velocity Points per $1. While there aren’t many options to earn bonus points, this is a practical solution if you want to top up your Velocity Points balance.
If you want to earn KrisFlyer miles
If you need some extra KrisFlyer miles for a future getaway, you might want to consider booking your accommodation through Rocketmiles. The platform has its own reward system, where you’ll earn points that can be converted to a number of partners including KrisFlyer and various other frequent flyer programs.
If you want to save on the cost of your hotel bill
Many American Express credit cards include a travel credit. This can not only offset the card’s annual fee, but can be put towards hotels booked through American Express Travel, reducing the overall cost of your accommodation. The American Express Explorer Card and American Express Platinum Edge Card are two such cards that offer travel credit, plus other benefits like travel insurance.
Point Hacker’s tips and tricks
Here are some final tips and tricks to bear in mind while planning your Bangkok getaway.
- Classic Reward seats offer the best value when redeeming points. If you’re browsing for seats and the points required are far greater than what we’ve outlined above, you may be looking at Points Plus Pay. Have a read of our guides on how reward seats work and how to efficiently search for reward seats to get the best bang for your points.
- It’s worth noting that when booking Singapore Airlines flights using KrisFlyer miles, the fees paid on the side are generally lower than levied by other programs on comparable flights. Book those same flights via Velocity and you’ll need to pay carrier charges too, in addition to points.
- Bangkok’s popularity means that flights in general – and in particular, reward seats – may be limited. For the best chance at flying in style, we recommend booking in advance. Have a look at when frequent flyer programs release reward seats so you can get first dibs.
- The city has exceptional shopping opportunities – it’s home to some of the world’s largest shopping malls, after all. Get more out of your retail therapy by using a credit card with no overseas transaction fees. You may even pick up some points on your spend. It’s a win-win.
And that caps off our pocket guide to Bangkok! It’s time to get booking.
