South East Asian Trips

Thailand is one of the world's favourite holiday destinations, offering travellers an insight into Southeast Asian life and the world's friendliest people. The food is spicy and delicious, the weather is sublime, the beaches are sparkling and the cities enlivening. Although Bangkok is a hectic metropolis with a serious pollution problem, the city fascinates all those who visit with its hundreds of grand temples, numerous markets and unending shops and bars.

Other, must-see destinations in Thailand are the city of Chiang Mai, known as the 'Rose of the North', with its beautiful mountain scenery and quaint, moated old town, while the popular island resorts of Phuket and Koh Samui in the south of the country are also among the country's top destinations. For those looking for a peaceful retreat, Thailand has many natural wonders including verdant national parks and rainforests.

There are nine major airports in Thailand and travelling by air is by far the best option for getting around if you are on a time limit. Trains and buses are slow, with railways only covering parts of the country. With the advent of the budget airline in Thailand, travel by air in the kingdom has never been cheaper. There are a number of budget airlines that fly to all airports, with Bangkok acting as the main air hub.

Bangkok International Airport, known locally as Don Muang, is located about 15 miles north of central Bangkok and is one of the main air hubs for the Asia-Pacific region. There are three terminals here, including one domestic and two international terminals. Asian and Eastern European international flights depart from Terminal 1, while Western and Australian flights leave from Terminal 2; the Domestic Terminal is connected to both international terminals by a covered walkway.

Airport buses run to the city and a rail station is located close by. Minibuses also run from the airport to city destinations and beyond, while there are a swathe of taxis and limos offering fast travel from outside the terminals.

Bangkok International Airport (BKK) information

Situated 25 Km north of the city, Bangkok International Airport (also known as Don Muang) is the principal hub for Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. With 38 million passengers per year, the airport ranks as the 14th-busiest in the world. In addition to extensive domestic links, 60 international airlines connect the airport with all parts of the globe. The airport has two international terminals side-by-side, and a domestic terminal 500 metres away which is connected by an air-conditioned walkway and free shuttle bus.

A second major airport in the greater Bangkok area, Suvarnabhumi Airport, is scheduled to open in late 2005, and will thereafter accommodate most international flights, with Don Muang handling mostly domestic traffic.

Airport parking at Bangkok

Airport car parks can accommodate more than 5,000 cars. A seven-storey parking building is located next to International Terminal 2; parking is also available near International Terminal 1 on the basement, ground and second floors of the Bangkok International Airport office building. A car park is situated near the domestic terminal as well. Parking rates are €0.50 per hour, or €5 per day. Getting to and from Bangkok

To get to Bangkok city centre by car, follow Viphawdee Rangsit Highway and then connect with the toll road that leads into the city. Drivers should be aware that the highways into Bangkok can be quite congested and slow-moving. An airport train station, 500 metres from International Terminal 1 via an overhead walkway, provides connections to central Bangkok's Hua Lumpong railway station as well as other destinations in the north and northeast of Thailand. Hours of operation are from 6:00 until 20:00. Air-conditioned airport buses connect the airport with many key locations in central Bangkok including major hotels, the Grand Palace and Hua Lumpong station. The fare is €2. Licensed metered taxis and limousines are also available outside the arrivals halls of all terminals. Travellers should be cautious about using unmetered or unlicensed taxis.

Amenities at Bangkok International Airport

There is a bank in each terminal, plus numerous ATMs and currency exchange facilities. Newspapers, books, handicrafts, souvenirs and other specialty shopping is available at numerous locations throughout the airport. Perfume, tobacco and spirits are sold at two duty-free shops in the international terminals. The International Terminal 2 parking building houses a pharmacy, a convenience store and a supermarket. Restaurants and fast-food outlets (both Thai and American-style) abound in all terminals, with the largest concentration in International Terminal 2. A business centre with meeting rooms and telecommunications facilities can be found in the transit area of International Terminal 1. VIP rooms and CIP business lounges are also available.