Jazmin Li
Bangkok is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport, the main international airport, is located in the Racha Thewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, about 16 miles east of downtown Bangkok. The airport is linked to the city by the Airport Rail Link, which takes under 30 minutes to reach central Bangkok. Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok's secondary hub, is the official name of Bangkok International Airport until 2006.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) |
| Other names | Bangkok Airport, New Bangkok International Airport |
| Location | Racha Thewa subdistrict, Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province, eastern side of Bangkok |
| Distance from downtown Bangkok | 16 miles or 30 km |
| Time to reach downtown Bangkok | 30-60 minutes by road, under 30 minutes by Airport Rail Link |
| Airlines | Thai Airways International, Bangkok Airways, Thai VietJet Air, Thai AirAsia, 95+ others |
| Terminals | 2 (Main Terminal and SAT-1 terminal) |
| Architectural recognition | Nominated for Prix Versailles World's Most Beautiful Airports Architectural Award for 2024 |
| Area | 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres) |
| Ranking | 17th busiest airport in the world, 11th busiest airport in Asia, busiest airport in Thailand |
| Passenger traffic | 50-60 million per year |
| Cargo | Major Cargo Air Freight Hub (20th busiest in 2019) |
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What You'll Learn
- Suvarnabhumi Airport: Bangkok's main airport, located in Racha Thewa, 16 miles east of downtown
- Don Mueang Airport: Bangkok's secondary airport, previously the official Bangkok International Airport
- Phaya Thai: A district with convenient transport links to Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Charoen Krung: An eclectic riverside neighbourhood, home to luxury hotels and street food
- The Old City: Bangkok's western district, home to temples, palaces, and historical sites
Suvarnabhumi Airport: Bangkok's main airport, located in Racha Thewa, 16 miles east of downtown
Bangkok has two international airports, but Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main one. It is located in the Racha Thewa subdistrict of Bang Phli, Samut Prakan province, about 16 miles (25 kilometres) east of downtown Bangkok. It is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia, covering an area of 3,240 ha (32.4 km2; 8,000 acres). The airport is also a major cargo air freight hub, with a designated Airport Free Zone and road links to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) on Motorway 7.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is the newer and larger of Bangkok's airports, handling many of the capital's international arrivals and plenty of domestic flights. It is the main hub for Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways, as well as the operating base for Thai VietJet Air and Thai AirAsia. It also serves as a regional gateway for various foreign carriers connecting to Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa. More than 100 airlines fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport, from low-cost to full-service carriers.
The airport is about 30-60 minutes' drive from downtown Bangkok, depending on traffic. The Airport Rail Link is a faster way to get to the city, taking under 30 minutes. The Phaya Thai district, where the Airport Rail Link terminates, is a convenient place to stay for travellers using Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The terminal building was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn Architects and constructed by ITO JV. It features a wavelike roof that appears to "float" over the concourse. Suvarnabhumi Airport had the world's tallest free-standing control tower from 2006 to 2014, and its terminal was once the world's fourth-largest single-building airport terminal. The new satellite terminal, which opened in 2024, has 28 gates and has been nominated for an architectural award.
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Don Mueang Airport: Bangkok's secondary airport, previously the official Bangkok International Airport
Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Don Mueang Airport is Bangkok's secondary airport and was previously the official Bangkok International Airport before 2006.
Don Mueang Airport officially opened as a Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in 1914, although it had been in use earlier. It is considered one of the world's oldest international airports and one of Asia's oldest operating airports. Commercial flights began in 1924, making it one of the world's oldest commercial airports. The airport consists of Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 2 for domestic flights, which are connected by a unique glass exterior elevated walkway.
Don Mueang Airport is located in the Don Mueang district of Bangkok, which is about 25 kilometres (16 miles) from downtown Bangkok. It is one of two airports serving the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, with Suvarnabhumi Airport being the other. Suvarnabhumi Airport is the main international airport serving Bangkok and is located about 30 kilometres east of downtown Bangkok.
Don Mueang Airport is a joint-use facility, shared with the RTAF's Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force Base. It is home to the RTAF 1st Air Division, which consists primarily of non-combat aircraft. The airport also has a golf course located between its two runways.
Over time, Don Mueang Airport has undergone various developments and improvements. After Suvarnabhumi Airport opened in 2006, Don Mueang Airport temporarily closed, but it reopened in 2007 for domestic flights. In 2011, it temporarily closed again due to flooding but resumed operations in 2012. The Thai government ordered all low-cost, chartered, and non-connecting flights to operate from Don Mueang Airport to ease congestion at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Phaya Thai: A district with convenient transport links to Suvarnabhumi Airport
Bangkok is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport, located about 16 miles east of downtown Bangkok, is the larger and busier of the two, having handled 50-60 million passengers in 2023. It is also the main hub for Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways.
Phaya Thai is a district in downtown Bangkok that is conveniently linked to Suvarnabhumi Airport via the City Line train service. The City Line is an elevated 28km-long train route that stops at six stations between the airport and downtown Bangkok, with Phaya Thai being the last stop. The journey from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai takes approximately 26 minutes, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel in and out of central Bangkok. Trains operate daily from 05:30 to midnight, and passengers getting on at the start of the route at either the airport or Phaya Thai station are guaranteed a seat.
The City Line station at Suvarnabhumi Airport is located in the basement level of the passenger terminal. The train station is also connected to the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway in central Bangkok, making it easy for passengers to get to their final destination via subway or overhead skytrain.
In addition to the train service, there are several other ways to travel between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai. One option is to take the airport shuttle bus to the main bus terminal and then transfer to a regular bus to your destination. Another option is to take a taxi, which can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling in a large group. The average price for a Bangkok taxi service is about THB 350-500 for the metered fare, THB 50 for the airport fee, and THB 100 for highway tolls. Finally, for those who prefer a private option, TTS Private Airport Transfer Service offers a professional driver who will meet you at the pickup point and assist you with your luggage.
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Charoen Krung: An eclectic riverside neighbourhood, home to luxury hotels and street food
Bangkok is home to two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the newer, larger airport of the two and is located about 16 miles east of downtown Bangkok.
Charoen Krung is an eclectic neighbourhood in Bangkok, known for its street food and luxury hotels. Charoen Krung Road is a culinary hotspot, renowned for its rich and diverse flavours. The area boasts a variety of street food options, including Chinese roasted duck and pork, congee, and kanom krok (a crispy flour shell filled with gooey coconut milk). Charoen Krung is also home to some of Bangkok's best hotels, including the Shangri-La Bangkok, which is recognised as one of the city's most luxurious accommodations for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, fine food, and impeccable service. Another notable hotel in the area is the Capella hotel, which features 101 guest rooms, suites, and elegant villas with expansive river views.
Charoen Krung's street food scene is a highlight for many visitors. One well-known spot is Prachak, a Chinese roasted duck and pork restaurant that has been in business for over 100 years. The fourth-generation owner continues the tradition of roasting duck and pork just as his great-grandfather did. Another popular option is Saenyod's, located on Charoen Wiang Road, which is known for its roasted pork on rice. For those with a sweet tooth, the footpath near Robinson Bangrak offers a cult favourite: kanom krok, a crispy flour shell filled with gooey coconut milk. This dessert has been sold from the same cart for over 80 years and is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in traditional Thai treats.
In addition to its culinary delights, Charoen Krung also offers a range of luxury accommodations for those seeking a more upscale experience. The neighbourhood is home to some of the finest hotels in Bangkok, providing breathtaking views of the Chaophraya River. These hotels are known for their posh interiors, impeccable service, and fine dining options. Whether you're a leisure or business traveller, Charoen Krung has something to offer for those seeking a luxurious stay.
Charoen Krung is a vibrant neighbourhood in Bangkok that combines the best of both worlds: a rich cultural heritage reflected in its street food offerings and a modern, luxurious atmosphere evident in its high-end hotels. Whether you're a foodie seeking authentic flavours or a traveller seeking comfort and opulence, Charoen Krung is a destination worth exploring.
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The Old City: Bangkok's western district, home to temples, palaces, and historical sites
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is a bustling city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and unique Thai customs. The city is known for its street life, cultural landmarks, and red-light districts, and has been named the "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure magazine for four consecutive years, from 2010 to 2013. With over 32.4 million visitors in 2024, Bangkok is a top tourism destination worldwide.
Bangkok is served by two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport, located about 16 miles east of downtown Bangkok, is the larger and newer of the two. It is one of the biggest international airports in Southeast Asia and a prominent aviation hub. With over 50 million passengers in 2023, it is the busier of Bangkok's two airports.
Now, let's explore the Old City: Bangkok's western district, home to temples, palaces, and historical sites.
The Old City district, also known as Bangkok Old Town, is a cultural and historical centre of the city. It boasts wide, tree-lined avenues and an array of ancient structures, including the famous Grand Palace, which was built in 1782 and served as the home of the Thai King and the Royal Court for 150 years. The Grand Palace is considered the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom and is a must-see when visiting Bangkok.
Scattered around the Grand Palace are numerous temples, including Wat Phra Kaew, officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, which is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace and enshrines the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade. Other notable temples in the Old City include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Suthat, known for the towering red swing at its entrance.
In addition to temples, the Old City is home to museums, art galleries, and old marketplaces that offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is a great place to learn about the history of the area. The Old Customs House, located on the Chao Phraya River, is another historical structure worth visiting. It was built in the late 19th century by King Rama V to levy taxes on traders entering and leaving Bangkok, and it features a mix of Western and Thai architectural influences.
The Old City truly embodies the cultural and historical richness of Bangkok, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's ancient past and its evolution over time.
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