How to Get In Bangkok

By plane

Bangkok now has two airports operating. Allow at least three hours to connect between them.

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Located 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the east of Bangkok, space-age Suvarnabhumi Airport (สุวรรณภูมิ, pronounced "soo-wanna-poom", started operations in September 2006 and is now Bangkok's main airport, used by all international flights as well as all Air Asia and some Thai Airways domestic flights. There is only one terminal building, which covers both domestic and international flights, but it's huge (by some measures the world's largest) so allow time for getting around.

Accommodation

At present, there are only a few hotels located near Suvarnabhumi Airport, though with huge construction projects planned for the area this will change over the next few years. Day room facilities for transit passengers are now available at the 'Miracle Grand Louis Tavern' on floor 4, section G (Tel+66 6 317-2211, 2000 baht per 4-hour block, no reservations accepted). Cheapskate travelers looking for a free quiet place to doze undisturbed at night should head for the prayer rooms.

• Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Suvarnabhumi Airport. The only hotel in the airport itself, connected to the main airport terminal by a pedestrian bridge. Rooms: 3,500+ baht.
• a href="http://reserve.mybangkokhotels.com/Hotel/Queens_Garden_Resort_Bangkok.htm">Queen's Garden Resort, Lat Krabang. The hotel is just 5-10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Located on the banks of a sleepy river, the Resort has views towards Lat Krabang Temple. Rooms 900+ Baht.
• a href="http://reserve.mybangkokhotels.com/Hotel/Royal_Princess_Srinakarin_Hotel_Bangkok.htm">Royal Princess Srinakarin, Pravet. - a 20-30 minute drive from airport. Rooms 3,500+ baht.
• a href="http://reserve.mybangkokhotels.com/Hotel/The_Palace_Hotel_Bangkok.htm">The Palace Hotel, Bangpli Yai. Family-owned budget accommodation with swimming pool, TV and high speed internet about 20 minutes drive from the airport. Rooms with A/C: 600 baht.
• a href="http://reserve.mybangkokhotels.com/Hotel/Grand_Come_Inn_Bangkok.htm">Grand Inn Come Hotel, Samutprakan. - about a 15-20 minute drive from the airport. Bus 553 stops here. Rooms between 1,200 - 2,000 baht.

Don Muang Airport

Don Muang Airport (IATA: DMK) (or Don Mueang), 20 km north of downtown, was Bangkok's main airport until 2006. The airport handles Nok Air, PB Air and most Thai Airways domestic flights, but the former international terminal is now limited to charters and general aviation.