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.
Featured Bangkok Accommodation
Amari Boulevard Hotel
The centre of Bangkok's commercial district. Immediate airport expressway access. Superior Rooms: satellite TV, electronic safety box, Mini-bar, individually controlled Air-con, 24-hour room service, and on call medical service. Two in-house restaurants, Tour services, Business Center, state-of-the-art equipment, and support services. Banquet/Meeting rooms, swimming pool, and fitness room. Immediate vicinity shopping, dining, cinemas, and nightclubs.
The centre of Bangkok's commercial district. Immediate airport expressway access. Superior Rooms: satellite TV, electronic safety box, Mini-bar, individually controlled Air-con, 24-hour room service, and on call medical service. Two in-house restaurants, Tour services, Business Center, state-of-the-art equipment, and support services. Banquet/Meeting rooms, swimming pool, and fitness room. Immediate vicinity shopping, dining, cinemas, and nightclubs.
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.
Bangkok Hotel
If you don't have a prior booking, a kiosk in the arrivals lobby of the airport can assist ... but not at budget rates. One option is to check in to a hotel in your chosen area then scout around for another hotel the following day. One of Bangkok's many cyber cafes can help.
*Caution* Don't use the airport kiosk to confirm a booking you have already. They may tell you the hotel is full and try to book you at one of their client hotels.
Getting to Downtown Bangkok
One final obstacle stands between your weary body and a relaxing drink, meal and sleep. The ride to the hotel. Most Bangkok hotels don't have courtesy vans so public transport is your only choice.
Bangkok Airport Bus An airport bus operates on a regular schedule from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport to downtown, with stops at popular areas. Fare is Bt 80. However, the first time traveler might find the bus a bit daunting. If you don't know the hotel's precise location a taxi may be required from the downtown bus stop to the hotel. Carrying or towing you baggage along may also be difficult. Also, the bus service stops at midnight.
Bangkok Airport Train Station Hard core budget traveler may want to use the train station across the expressway opposite Bangkok Airport. A walkway, accessible from the arrival area, crosses the expressway to the Amari Airport hotel. Exit the lobby and the train station is nearby. Make sure you board a southbound train.
Bangkok Taxi Most travelers will opt for taxis and Don Muang Airport has a good system. Ignore the touts who will approach you at the terminal exit. A taxi-meter service kiosk is just out side the terminal doors. Tell an attendant your destination and s/he will record the taxi number on a 3 part form. After indicating your taxi, s/he will give one copy of the form to you and one to the taxi driver.
Expect an airport fee of Bt 50 to be added to the fare showing on the meter. The taxi driver may ask for your copy of the form. Don't give it to him. It's a reference in case you have problems with the taxi.
Allowing the driver to take the toll way to downtown Bangkok is usually a good idea. It adds Bt 30 - 70 to your fare but can avoid much of Bangkok's traffic. A ride to upper Sukumvit or Silom should be around Bt 250 - 300.
*Caution*: Some drivers may offer to take you to another hotel. Don't do it ... they are getting a commission. If the driver wants to take you to anywhere besides your original destination, refuse.
Bangkok Airport Limousine
The limousine desk in the Bangkok Airport arrival hall will get you to most parts of Bangkok in a Volvo or Mercedes for Bt 500 - 700
