Again, when buying from low cost airlines you have the option of buying the more expensive class tic

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Get to BKK with a couple of hours. There is some interesting shopping there. Chiang Mai is small. Taxi to hotel is a short trip. Check in and security was fast. I haven't been to Krabi so I can't say.
In times past, before the new airport, I'd fly in to BKK and walk over to the domestic terminal, buy a ticket for the next flight to Chiang Mai and be on my way. I've been to both places since but not from one to the other so my information in that regard is out of date.
But what I suggest, for research purposes, is to go on the websites of the airlines that fly the route (Thai, Bangkok Airways, Lao) and search for flights today or tomorrow and then the date you plan to travel, see if there's a significant difference. Air Asia flies from Don Mueang, the old airport, now used, I believe, for all the low fare airlines.
I will be in BKK for a total of 5 nights - three on the front end (which only means two full days as my arrival is at 11 PM!) and then the last two nights, which, depending on how long it takes to get from Krabi to BKK (all-in) might be just one full day - arrive late, leave VERY early the morning of the second night.
In general, last minute tickets cost more than buying in advance. That is especially true with Air Asia. Bangkok Air has a Discovery Pass which can be a good deal deepening on where you are flying. Check it out on their website.
For those of us who are prone to changing plans occasionally, buying ahead can sometimes be less useful. I've had to eat a few non-refundables when the spirit's moved me to go another direction. So paying more for a last minute ticket can end up costing less overall for those so inclined.
3. For Don Muang domestic I normally arrive 1 hour prior to the departure time. Lines are not long at Don Muang and the walk to the gate is not as far as BKK. For someone not used to the airport perhaps arrive 1.30 hours prior to your flight.
Again, when buying from low cost airlines you have the option career cruising of buying the more expensive class tickets and this will allow changes to your dates. For the lowest price options Air Asia does not allow changes but Nok Air allow changes at a cost unto 24 hours prior to your flight.
Also, note that you can fly with multiple low cost airlines and this will not affect the cost of your ticket. For example Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Nok Air, Chiang Mai to Krabi on Air Aisa and Krabi back to Bangkok on Thai Smile etc. Does not have to be on 1 airline.
Thank you again everyone. I just did a very cursory search on hipmunk and all flights are under 100 bucks (at least for certain times). I will look more in depth tomorrow at options, where to where, when, airlines, etc etc. But at least I know the prices are cheap.
We have just purchased our NOK Air tickets for BKK to Phuket. Our travel is over the new year busy season, so I didn't career cruising want to wait. Son is in Bangkok career cruising right now, so he went to a travel agent to buy the tickets. He will also visit the local Avis office to book a car for the trip as well. We want to make sure we have a larger sized SUV-type car for 4 people plus luggage for our stay on Mai Khao beach at the Marriott Phuket Beach Club. The location is a bit remote and a car gives us the option career cruising to do a lot more exploring.