Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport
IATA Code: BKKLocation: The airport is situated 19 miles (30km) east of Bangkok.
Time: GMT +7.
Contacts: Tel: +66 (0)2 132 1888 or +66 (0)2 132 3888.
Transfer between terminals: Shuttle buses provide a free service between the main terminal and the transport centre, as well as connecting other airport facilities.
Transfer to the city: The free shuttle bus (Express route) transports passengers to the Transport Centre from where public buses, taxis and rental cars can be found. Taxis can also be found on Level 1 at Arrivals. Public buses run several routes from the Transport Centre to Bangkok, while the Airport Express provides air-conditioned coaches between the airport and first-class hotels in downtown Bangkok. There is also a Limousine Service counter on the 2nd floor of the arrivals hall.
Taxis: From the airport passengers can either catch a taxi from the departure terminal or ride a free shuttle to the Public Transportation Center and hire one from there. Travel time depends greatly on traffic but is at least 30 minutes and can be much more. An exit fee is expected to be paid by the passenger although this can be paid at the end of the ride. Passengers can request the driver use the expressway which will cost small additional fee. Rides will cost between US$7 to US$12.
Car rental: Car rental companies are represented by local and international operators. The Car Rental service counter at Arrivals will make bookings, and the shuttle bus will transport customers to the Transport Centre to pick up rental cars.
Facilities: Currency exchange is available on Level 2 at Arrivals, and ATMs are located throughout the terminal building. Public telephones are widely available. A tourist information service is located in the Arrivals hall on Level 2, duty free shopping and a myriad of restaurants, wine bars and fast food outlets are also available.
Parking:
Departure tax: None.
Website: www.bangkokairportonline.com
Don Mueang Airport
IATA Code: DMKLocation: The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) north of Bangkok.
Time: GMT +7.
Contacts: Tel: +66 (0)2 535 1111.
Transfer to the city: Taxis are available from the stand in front of Arrivals. An airport surcharge of 50 Baht is added to the fare. Airport buses are available for 100 Baht and take you downtown. They leave from the platform in front of the Arrivals hall at Terminal 1 and from below 'Bus Stop Airport Bus' signs. Trains at Don Muang Railway Station (500 metres from the Arrivals hall) run from 6am to 8pm. The fare to Bangkok with an ordinary diesel train is 5 Baht. Public buses to Bangkok railway station and other main destinations in the city are also available.
Car rental:
Facilities: Facilities include three banks, ATMs, bureaux de change, restaurants, supermarket, CIP lounge, medical facility, children's play area and a tourist information desk.
Parking:
Departure tax: None.
Website: www2.airportthai.co.th
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Bangkok
Chaotic, carnal and congested, Thailand's capital is divided by the Chao Phraya River and is nestled in one of the world's most fertile rice-producing deltas. Bangkok's 579 square miles (1,500 sq km) are criss-crossed by a series of canals carrying passengers and cargo, its roads clotted with endless traffic jams, while the city sprawls in all directions with a hodgepodge of urban, commercial and industrial buildings. A new overland metropolitan railway speeds above the city, providing visitors with a relaxed and efficient way to observe the hustle and bustle below.
Despite its pollution and overcrowding, Bangkok is undoubtedly one of Asia's most exciting cities, and one of the world's largest, promising to reveal to each traveller the wild and untamed mysteries of the east. Khao San Road is one of the city's most vibrant streets, and is probably one of the best examples in the world of a backpacker's 'ghetto'. Day and night the short stretch of road is abuzz with activity. On the banks of the Chao Phraya visitors will find the Grand Palace as well as Wat Phra Kaew, the palace temple housing the Emerald Buddha, constructed entirely from translucent green jade. Slightly upriver are the exquisitely ornamented Royal Barges, still used today for special floating processions.
Of the 30 or so temples in Bangkok, the largest is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which houses an impressive statue of the deity. The famous Floating Market is a delight to visitors and well worth a visit. As the sun lurches towards the horizon in the west and the sweat cools, this city of royalty and religion comes alive with a palpable decadence. Music and dazzling neon advertise a miasma of trendy bars and nightclubs, as well as the notorious 'girlie joints' that have ensured the Patpong district its reputation for hedonism.
