GETTING TO BANGKOK

Visa Requirements

Most European, North American, Australasian, East & Southeast Asian nationals do not require a visa to enter Thailand for up to a 30-day stay.

For more specific information, please check with Thailand 's Immigration Bureau here, or contact your local Thai embassy or consulate by checking here.

Arriving

Suvarnabhumi Airport, a new international airport located 24 kilometers east of Bangkok, was due to be open on September 28, 2006. It replaces the old overloaded airport at Don Muang and accommodates all international and domestic flights to Bangkok.

For information about transportation from the airport to the city, please click here.

Getting Around

Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with a minimum fare of 3.50 baht to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Taking air-conditioned buses cost minimum and maximum fares of 8 and 18 baht, respectively. Air-conditioned micro-buses charge a flat fare of 25 baht for all the routes. A Bus Route Map is available at all major bookshops and the TAT office.

BTS SKY TRAINS
BTS sky trains go along Sukhumvit, Silom and Phahonyothin roads. The routes connect Bangkok’s leading hotels and major shopping areas such as Siam Square, Silom, Ratchaprasong and Chatuchak Weekend Market. The fare ranges from 10-40 baht according to the distance. For more information, contact the Bangkok Mass Transit System at tel: 0 2617 7300 or visit www.bts.co.th

RIVER TAXIS
River taxis that are even more unusual, though equally convenient, are the river taxis those run along the Chao Phraya River. Some are just cross river ferries, but others serve the many landing stages on both banks and cover a route that goes up as far as the northern suburb of Nonthaburi.

TAXI
Taxis cruising city streets are metred. They charge a minimum of 35 baht for the first 3 kilometres, and approximately 5 baht per kilometre thereafter. Make sure that you have the small change, as taxi drivers often don’t have it. Passengers shall pay Tollway fees in the case of using an expressway.

TUK TUKS
These three-wheeled ‘open-air’ motorised taxis are popular for the short journeys. Fares must be agreed in advance before taking it. Minimum fares for the journeys of up to 3 kilometres are approximately charged at 30 baht.

Mobile Phones

International visitors with 900 or 1800 GSM mobile phones will be able to use their phones in Thailand . Please check with your carrier for international roaming rates. Rechargeable SIM cards are also available for sale. Local service providers include AIS, Orange and DTAC.

Climate

February is close to the end of the cool season. Average temperature is 34 ° C/ 94° F high and 25 ° C/78 ° F low, with high humidity.
What to Bring
Sunscreens, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes & light and airy clothes.