In short
- Expo window: opens 1 November 2026, closes 14 March 2027, at Nong Dae Wetland, roughly 15 minutes from the airport in Udon Thani.
- Bangkok Don Mueang to Udon Thani: up to six Thai AirAsia flights a day.
- Chiang Mai to Udon Thani: four flights a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Phuket to Udon Thani: four flights a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
What to do
- 1Choose your expo dates first, then compare Thai AirAsia fares from Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket for those days.
- 2Check that your Bangkok departure uses Don Mueang, the airport named in the reports.
- 3Allow roughly 15 minutes between Udon Thani Airport and Nong Dae Wetland when planning your arrival day.
- 4Reconfirm the weekdays for your route: the Chiang Mai and Phuket flights do not operate daily.
Which routes are getting more flights?
Thai AirAsia is adding capacity to Udon Thani for the World Horticultural Expo 2026, according to reports in the Thai press that relay the airline's announcement. Three routes are affected, and all of them land at Udon Thani Airport.
- Bangkok (Don Mueang) to Udon Thani: up to six flights a day.
- Chiang Mai to Udon Thani: four flights a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- Phuket to Udon Thani: four flights a week, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Udon Thani sits in the north-east, the region covered in our Isan guide. The extra flights mainly help travellers who want to avoid a long overland leg.
When is the expo, and who does it concern?
The same reports say the event opens on 1 November 2026 and closes on 14 March 2027. Its site is Nong Dae Wetland, roughly 15 minutes from the airport in Udon Thani. For the weather usually expected across those months, see our month-by-month guide.
The added flights matter most to travellers going to the expo from Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket, and to anyone adding a north-east stop to a longer itinerary (things to do in Thailand).
What does not change
The reports state no change to visa or entry rules, so the conditions for any trip to Thailand remain as they are. Other airlines and other routes to Udon Thani are not covered. Nothing here affects a stay in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket themselves.
Travelling soon? Plan around it
Build a day-by-day Thailand route that keeps flexible days where the weather and transport are uncertain.
FAQ
Questions
Are the extra flights already on sale?
The schedule has been announced; check the dates you want in Thai AirAsia's booking system rather than relying on the frequencies above.
How do I get from Udon Thani Airport to the expo?
The reports place Nong Dae Wetland roughly 15 minutes from the airport. Shuttle or public transport arrangements are not specified.
Does this change anything for a trip to Chiang Mai or Phuket?
No. Those cities are departure points for the new Udon Thani flights; a stay there is unaffected.
Sources
We cross-check each story against official pages and several media, and rewrite it in our own words for travellers.
