Thailand
Bangkok
Bangkok is loud, humid, and endlessly interesting. The BTS Skytrain and MRT cover most tourist areas cleanly and cheaply. Suvarnabhumi Airport is 30 km east of the city with a direct express train.
Entry requirements
Most Western passport holders receive 30 or 60 day visa exemption on arrival. Passport must be valid six months. Onward ticket is often checked.
Transportation
The Airport Rail Link runs to Phaya Thai in 26 minutes for 45 baht. In the city, use the BTS and MRT rather than fighting traffic in a taxi. Grab is the standard ride app.
Currency
Thai Baht. Cards work in malls and hotels, but street food and markets are cash only. ATMs charge a 220 baht fee per withdrawal.
Airports
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) handles most international flights. Don Mueang (DMK) is the low cost hub for AirAsia and Nok Air.
Practical tips
- Never take a tuk tuk that offers a cheap tour - it always ends at a gem shop or tailor.
- Dress covered at temples. Shoulders and knees must be covered at Wat Phra Kaew.
- Eat where locals eat. A busy stall at 12:30 is safer than an empty tourist restaurant.
Common traveller mistakes
- Landing at DMK and booking a flight departing from BKK the same day without transfer time.
- Taking taxis without insisting on the meter.