Bangkok to Bali - mostly one-stop via KL or Singapore, dry season demand, and Thai.
Direct flights from Bangkok to Bali are rare - most itineraries route through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, adding 2 to 4 hours to total travel time. Thai AirAsia connects via Don Mueang to KL and onward to Denpasar (DPS) as a self-connect, which keeps prices low but requires clearing immigration in Malaysia. Thai Airways occasionally operates seasonal nonstops during peak demand months.
Bali dry season (April through October) is when Thai tourists flock to the island - fares rise through this window, peaking in July and August. Wet season (November through March) brings lower fares and fewer crowds, though afternoon downpours are common. February and March offer particularly good value as the Thai-Bali corridor sits in a demand trough between year-end holidays and Songkran. On Bangkok - Bali, compare airport pair BKK -> DPS and total trip cost before paying.
Self-connecting via KL on AirAsia requires collecting baggage and re-checking at KLIA2 - allow at least 3 hours between flights to avoid missed connections. If that sounds stressful, a Thai Airways routing via Singapore on codeshare with Singapore Airlines offers a smoother single-ticket experience, though at a higher price. Bangkok to Bali fares move quickly, so flexible date checks usually save money.
Rarely. Thai Airways runs occasional seasonal nonstops, but most of the year you will connect via Kuala Lumpur (AirAsia) or Singapore (SIA). Total travel time with a connection is typically 7 to 10 hours including the layover.
AirAsia self-connections are not protected - if the first flight is delayed and you miss the second, you lose the onward ticket. Book at least a 3 to 4 hour gap between flights and avoid late-evening connections. Consider AirAsia Xtra Fly-Thru if available, which provides some connection protection.
February and March are the sweet spot - wet season pricing combined with post-holiday demand dip. November is a secondary cheap window. July and August are the most expensive months, coinciding with Bali dry season and Thai school summer holidays.
