Landing in Bangkok? – Here is All You Need to Know

The majority of tourists and travelers going to Thailand first touch down in Bangkok, the country’s capital city. Often referred to as the ‘City of Angels’ or ‘Krung Thep Maha Nakon’ by the Thais themselves, Bangkok is a bustling city that is often viewed as chaotic by many western tourists.

I first visited Thailand in 2019 and have lived there, including in Bangkok for months at a time over many trips. I know for a fact that planning the first few hours after landing, and the following days can be, to say the least, confusing. Maybe even overwhelming.

Below I have laid out everything you need to know for when you first arrive in Bangkok (most of the information also applies if you arrive anywhere else in Thailand). From things you need plan in advance, visas, mobile data and networks, money and what to do when arriving at Bangkok airport. Everything is here so you have a smooth start when you first land in Bangkok.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Knowing where to stay in Bangkok before you arrive is one of the first things you need to get sorted. Actually, having a booked accommodation in Bangkok is required in order to get the Visa. But with so many hotels on offer it can be confusing to choose the right place. I covered this topic in detail in my ‘Where to stay in Bangkok’ guide. But below is a quick overview.

I always say to first choose a location based on what you plan doing in Bangkok. Choosing a location will naroow down the list of potential hotels and make it easier to choose a place that will be a convenient base to do activities that interest you most.

Most tourists want to visit the temples, take the river boats and wander through the charming local neighborhoods. All this is in the Old part and cultural side of Bangkok. You’ll find fancy boutique hotels such as →Priya Boutique House or the more exclusive →Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok and more affordable places like →Baan Noppawong.

An increasing number of tourists is choosing to stay in the modern parts of Bangkok for all the amenities, restaurants, rooftop bars and malls. This part of the city is super modern and very busy with awful traffic. But the skytrain makes it easy to move around. Places like →Carlton Hotel in Asoke and →The Salil Hotel in Thonglor. If you want convenience consider →Shangri-La on the banks of the Chao Phraya.

Things to do in Bangkok

Choosing things to do in Bangkok can be a fun but tedious task. With so many blogs and articles, some listing over 50 activities in Bangkok, it’s hard to decide. To cut through the confusion I always use →Viator. While this platform is to book tours, I can quickly view what are the main activities and thanks other guest reviews, I can see from real people what they thought about that particular activity.

Whether you them book that activity as a tour or do it independently is your choice. But at least you can create a list of potential activities for your days in Bangkok.

Dive into a Bangkok culinary experience

Savor Bangkok’s legendary street food during as you wizz your way through the alleys and backstreets on the famous 3 wheeled tuk-tuk. Sample sizzling roadside favorites like charcoal-fried noodles. You also experience attractions like the flower market. →book it here

Before you go to Thailand – Visas – Money – Planning

Before arriving in Bangkok, it’s essential to prepare a few things. This will ensure a smooth journey upon arrival and in the following days. Below is a quick overview – or read the detailed guide.

Visa for Thailand

Many nationalities, including the UK, US, and most European countries, get a 30-day visa exemption for Thailand. If your trip is up to 30 days, no pre-arrival visa is needed. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Check the full list of visa-exempt countries here.

Cards

Notify your bank before traveling to Thailand. Often banks will be suspicious about any foreign transactions and may freeze your card and you’ll have a hard time resolving this issue over the phone, not nice when on vacation!! Informing your bank ensures smoother travel. I would suggest creating a →Wise online bank account and exchange your currency into THB in order to get the best exchange rates.

Exchanging cash

Exchange rates for major currencies like the US Dollar, Sterling, and Euro are better in Thailand than in your home country. Even the rates offered at Suvarnabhumi airport (Bangkok airport) which are usually not that good will be batter.

ATMs

ATMs in Thailand have a fee of THB 220 per transaction, regardless of the amount withdrawn. I personally prefer using ATMs because when withdrawing the maximum amount of THB 20,000-30,000, the fee works out to around 1% or less, better than carrying lots of cash. Some banks also reimburse these fees. And for the best rates always choose to pay in local currency.

Booking flights

To find the best flight deals to Bangkok, use an aggregator like →kiwi.com for its user-friendly layout and special connecting flight deals. The best prices are usually 2-3 months before departure.

Booking Hotels

Book your Bangkok hotel in advance, as immigration may require proof of your stay. I use →booking.com for the best options and reviews. Or read my complete guide on where to stay in Bangkok here.

Planning activities in Bangkok

Many people dislike Bangkok due to poor planning. It’s a huge city that requires some preparation. Even for a short visit, like 2 days in Bangkok, plan a few activities. I use →Viator to get an idea what are the best activities and either book them as a tour or independently.

Arriving in Bangkok Airport

The majority of international airlines arriving in Bangkok land in Suvarnabhumi airport. Below is all the information you need for a smooth transition from the moment you touch down to finally taking a nice shower after a long flight.

Immigration

After disembarking the plane, there is clearly marked directions to immigration and along the way there is toilets also.

The immigration has a line for Thais which is usually quiet and another always busy and crowded line for all other passports. The immigration officer will need your passport and make sure to keep your boarding pass. You may be required to show where you are staying, even if its just a 1 night accommodation that should be enough. Onward flight out of Thailand must also be shown which must be before the Visa ends. Proof of Bank funds to sustain your trip are also a requirement but aren’t always asked for.

What you need for immigration officer:

• Passport
• Boarding pass
• Hotel reservation (where you are staying)
• Onward flight
• Proof of bank funds (THB 20,000 person or THB 60,000 family)

Baggage Claim

After clearing immigration the directions lead to baggage claim. Find your flight on the screens to see on which conveyor belt your luggage is loaded. If you have anything to declare, that should be done on your way out from the baggage section.

Getting to hotel from Suvarnabhumi Airport

As you exit the arrivals area on level 2, ignore anyone offering taxi services or anything similar. These are usually touts and are unlicensed “taxi” operators. Instead follow the signs for taxi and S1 bus. Taxis and buses are both located on level 1 in front of gate 7 and 8. For the taxi, take a ticket from the machine and wait for your number. There is usually a long line during peak hours and waiting time can be around 30 to 45 minutes (or more). The taxis are regulated and use their meter and a ride is usually around THB 400/500 into Bangkok city centre.

To avoid waiting in line after a long flight and queues, many tourists prefer to have a pre-booked hotel transfer.

A cheaper alternative is the S1 shuttle bus located in front of gate 7 on level 1. The air conditioned buses are big and spacious with enough room for your luggage. A ticket costs THB 60. The S1 bus operates between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm with a frequency of 30 minutes. The bus goes to the old parts of Bangkok near Khao San road.

For Sukhumvit or Silom/Sathorn, the fastest option is the airport railway link. The train goes to Phaya Thai station where you can interchange the Sukhumvit BTS skytrain. A ticket cost THB 45. The airport rail link operates between 6:00 am and Midnight with trains departing every 10 to 15 minutes. The station is located on the basement in the arrivals and tickets can be bought from the touch screen vending machines.

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→ Where to go after Bangkok

→ Bangkok to Koh Chang – Bus and Ferry

→ Grab vs Taxi in Bangkok