How to get to Bangkok

Bangkok is the pulsating heart of Thailand and one of the most colourful metropolises in Southeast Asia, attracting millions of tourists with its incredible energy. If you have decided to travel to Bangkok, you will be pleased with the variety of routes available: the city serves as the country's main transport hub, welcoming guests from all over the world. Figuring out how to get to Bangkok is very simple, as numerous air routes, railways, and bus lines lead here from various corners of the kingdom.

Most travellers arrive in Bangkok by air. The capital is served by two international airports that receive flights from across the globe and handle a high volume of passenger traffic.

The main aerial gateway is considered to be Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The majority of scheduled international flights from major airlines arrive here. It is a modern and spacious complex located to the east of the city, offering tourists a wide range of services immediately upon arrival.

The second significant aviation hub is the older Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Today, it serves as a base for many budget carriers (low-cost airlines) and handles the majority of domestic flights within Thailand as well as flights from neighbouring Asian countries. Both airports have well-established transport connections to the city centre.

Bangkok is the primary railway hub of Thailand, where tracks from all over the country converge. Travelling by train is a popular and atmospheric way to reach the capital, allowing you to enjoy views of the provinces. Trains arrive here from all major directions: the mountainous North, the coastal South, and the colourful Northeast.

Today, the main hub for most long-distance trains is the new and modern Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. This gigantic transport complex has become the new railway gateway to the metropolis, providing passengers with comfort and convenient logistics.

The famous old station, Hua Lamphong, which welcomed guests in the city centre for over a century, now plays a supporting role. It continues to serve some commuter routes and tourist trains, remaining an important historical landmark and an active station.

Bus services connect the capital with practically every corner of the kingdom, offering tourists a budget-friendly and scenic way to travel. One of the most sought-after routes remains the trip from the resort city of Pattaya: covering a distance of about 150 kilometres takes just 2–2.5 hours, allowing you to enjoy the views along the way. Equally popular is the route from the royal resort of Hua Hin, from where comfortable buses deliver passengers to the metropolis in approximately 3–4 hours, covering a 200-kilometre journey along the coast.

For travellers planning longer trips, there are regular services from northern provinces (such as Chiang Mai) or from southern resorts like Phuket. Such journeys can take over 10–12 hours, allowing you to witness the changing landscapes on the way to Bangkok. Logistics in the city are well thought out: buses from southern and western directions arrive at the Sai Tai Mai terminal, services from the eastern coast are met at the Ekkamai station, and routes from the north and northeast of Thailand are served by the Mo Chit terminal.

Travelling by car to Bangkok is an excellent way to appreciate the quality of local expressways and enjoy the freedom of movement. The shortest and most popular route runs from Pattaya: a comfortable drive of 150 kilometres will take about two hours. The scenic road from the royal resort of Hua Hin stretches for 200 kilometres along the coast, and this distance can be covered in approximately three hours.

More experienced road travellers might consider the route from the city of Myeik, located in neighbouring Myanmar, although this direction requires crossing the state border and will take significantly more time — around 6–8 hours. When planning any car trip to the capital of Thailand, it is worth considering the famous city traffic, so experienced drivers recommend using toll highways, which allow you to reach the centre of the metropolis faster, bypassing major congestion.

Preparing for your trip to Bangkok will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this Asian metropolis. We have gathered proven recommendations for you that will make your holiday in the capital of Thailand comfortable, safe, and fulfilling.

1. Clothing and Attire. It is hot and humid in the city year-round, so opt for loose clothing made from natural, light fabrics. However, if you plan to visit Buddhist temples and the Grand Palace, be sure to bring items that cover your shoulders and knees (shirts with sleeves, long skirts, or trousers); otherwise, you may not be permitted to enter the sacred grounds. Modest dress is generally respected.
2. Transport. To avoid wasting time in the famous capital traffic jams, use the BTS Skytrain and the MRT underground systems — they cover the main tourist districts. For taxi rides, always insist on using the meter, and before boarding a tuk-tuk, be sure to agree on the price in advance.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Cards are accepted in shopping malls, hotels, and large restaurants, but you will always need cash for street food, tuk-tuk rides, and shopping at night markets. It is better to exchange money at official exchange bureaux (such as the Superrich network), where the rate is usually more favourable than in banks or at the airport.
4. Health and Safety. Never drink tap water; use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Medical care in the city is of a high standard but can be expensive, so having travel insurance is mandatory. Pharmacies are found at every turn, and pharmacists often speak English.
5. Communication. In tourist zones, hotels, and restaurants, the staff speak English quite well. Locals are very friendly and appreciate it when tourists try to speak their language: learn the simple words "Sawasdee" (hello) and "Khop Khun" (thank you) to build rapport with the person you are speaking to.
6. Local Etiquette. Thais greet each other with the "wai" gesture (palms pressed together at the chest), but for a foreigner, a simple nod with a smile is sufficient. Remember that the head is considered a sacred part of the body (do not touch a Thai person's head), and the feet are the "lowest" part, so never point your feet at people or images of Buddha.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of overly persistent drivers or "well-wishers" on the street who claim that major attractions (especially the Grand Palace) are closed today. This is usually a ploy to take you to jewellery shops or tailors where they receive a commission.
8. Additional Advice. Do not be afraid to try street food — it is the soul of the local culture. Choose stalls and carts where there is a queue of local office workers or students: high turnover guarantees freshness, and the taste will be the most authentic. Muslim travellers can also easily find vendors displaying the Halal sign throughout the city.

By following these simple rules, you can easily adapt to the rhythm of the big city and avoid typical tourist mistakes. May your introduction to this amazing metropolis leave only bright and positive memories!