Bangkok's Don Muang Airport

As airports go, Bangkok's Don Muang is pretty straightforward. It helps if you arrive when immigration is not too crowded with arrivals.

Bangkok's main airport for international arrivals .. Suvanabhumi International Airport

Two things are not automatic ... changing some money for Thai baht and getting accommodations. Several banks have exchange booths and they pay the official rate. So that part is painless. If you have not already booked a hotel, there is a kiosk in the arrivals lobby that can assist you. You just won't get the best room rate.

Comfort Suites - Don MuangAirport
Rama Gardens - Near Don Muang Airport

Thai Immigration

Just follow the signs and the crowd to the immigration area. Expect to spend from 15 - 45 minutes waiting for your passport to get stamped. Generally, Thai immigration officials don't ask questions.

Baggage

Collecting your baggage is next, so grab a free cart ... yes, free ... and then your bags.

Thai Customs

"Nothing to Declare" means you are bringing in nothing but personal items; a camera, clothes, maybe a notebook computer. So check the "nothing to declare" box on the customs declaration form. Next, look for the "green channel". If you happen to take in declarable items, list them on the customs form and head for the "red channel".

Bangkok customs agents are lenient, and most incoming baggage is not checked unless you are profiled.

Bangkok Currency Exchange

Now it's time to get some Thai baht for transportation, tips, and possibly a deposit at your hotel. Sometimes a libation will help you relax. Several banks have currency exchanges at Don Muang airport and offer the official exchange rate.

*Suggestion*: Change sufficient funds to last a day or perhaps two. Hotels exchange rates are not very attractive, so you need enough cash to last until you can visit a currency exchange.

Make sure you have some small change for the taxi. They will usually claim they don't have any.

Don Muang has ATM machines that will accept many western credit cards and can usually dispense Bt 20,000.

Bangkok Airport Domestic Terminal

Most international flights seem to arrive at Bangkok airport late at night. But if your flight arrives mid day and you haven't planned to stay in Bangkok overnight, the domestic terminal is a short trek via covered walkway or free shuttle. Look for the free shuttle bus signs in front of the terminal.