The Airport Rail Link is the fastest and cheapest option, taking about 30 minutes to Phaya Thai station. For groups of 3 or more, or with large suitcases, a metered taxi makes more sense.

• Airport Rail Link: board on level B of the airport. It costs a fraction of a taxi.
• At Phaya Thai, change to the BTS to continue to Siam or Asok.
• Taxi: ask the driver to turn on the meter. On top of the meter, you pay the airport surcharge and expressway tolls.

No. This is a common scam around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

• Strangers posing as guides say the temple is closed, then offer a boat tour or a trip to a gem shop.
• The main temples are open almost every day of the year.
• Walk straight to the main gate and check for yourself.

Yes, especially the Asok – Phrom Phong stretch. It has both BTS and MRT, so you can reach most sights without a taxi.

• 4-star hotels are more affordable than around Siam.
• Close to the Terminal 21 and EmQuartier malls.

Note: Some stretches are noisy at night. Read reviews about noise carefully before booking.

It can be either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang. From 1 October 2026, AirAsia resumed direct flights from Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Krabi. Don Mueang also has AirAsia flights to all three.

• Most low-cost airlines, including AirAsia, use Don Mueang (DMK), while full-service airlines use Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Check which airport is printed on your ticket.
• When connecting, check carefully whether your next flight departs from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang.

Note: To use the free shuttle bus between the two airports, you need a flight ticket departing from the other airport.

If speed and convenience matter most, Don Mueang (DMK) is usually easier. Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is bigger and more modern, but involves longer walks.

• Don Mueang: a small, compact airport. When it's quiet, immigration can take as little as 5 minutes. Baggage claim is quick, with little walking.
• Suvarnabhumi: it's a long walk from the gate to immigration. When many international flights land at once, immigration can be very crowded.
• At Suvarnabhumi, you still have some way to go from baggage claim to the pickup area.

The Grand Palace has a strict dress code, so dress modestly from your hotel.

• Dress: cover your shoulders, no shorts, short skirts or tight leggings; applies to men and women.
• Arrive at opening time in the morning to beat the heat and tour groups.
• Combine it with Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) next door, then take the ferry across the river to Wat Arun.
• Buy tickets at the official counter inside the gate.

Note: if someone outside says "the palace is closed today" and offers a tuk-tuk ride, it's a well-known scam.

Ayutthaya is the best day trip for history lovers; Pattaya suits those wanting a nearby beach.

• Ayutthaya: the old capital with temple ruins, about 1.5 hours away; take the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat station or a van.
• Damnoen Saduak floating market and Maeklong railway market: usually combined in one morning tour.
• Pattaya: the closest beach, about 2 hours by road; go out to Koh Larn island for clearer water.
• Kanchanaburi: the River Kwai bridge and Erawan Falls; better with an overnight stay.

Note: Maeklong market only folds its umbrellas when the train passes at set times; check the train schedule before you go.

The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the fastest way around, as Bangkok traffic is heavy.

• BTS and MRT: cover most of the centre (Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom); tap a contactless card at the gate at many stations.
• Grab and Bolt: fixed-price taxis and motorbike rides, no haggling.
• Chao Phraya Express boat: along the river to the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, cheap and breezy.
• Tuk-tuk: fun, but agree the price before you get in.

Note: avoid taxis and Grab at rush hour (7–9 am, 5–7 pm); the train is much faster.

Cash still matters, especially at markets and street stalls.

• Malls and hotels accept International card.
• ATMs charge around 220 THB per withdrawal, so withdraw less often in larger amounts.
• SuperRich exchange counters usually give good rates.

Note: when the terminal asks to charge in your home currency or THB, always choose THB.

November to February is the best time: cooler and drier, good for both Bangkok and the west-coast beaches.

• March–May: very hot; mid-April brings the Songkran water festival — great fun but crowded, with higher room rates.
• May–October: rainy season with afternoon showers and lower prices; the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) has rough seas.
• Gulf islands (Koh Samui) get most rain in October–December, the opposite of Phuket.

Note: for Songkran, bring a waterproof pouch for your phone and passport.

Pick Phuket for more amenities and nightlife; pick Krabi for a quieter stay among limestone cliffs.

• Phuket: a large island with many beaches and an international airport; Patong is busy, Kata – Karon quieter.
• Krabi: base yourself in Ao Nang, take boats to Railay and the 4-island tour; beautiful and less hectic.
• Both offer tours to the Phi Phi islands.
• You can combine them: fly into Phuket and take the ferry to Krabi via Phi Phi.

Note: from May to October the Andaman Sea is rough and many island tours are cancelled.