Arriving in any foriegn country can be a daunting expierience for some, particularly somewhere like Thailand, with a completely different culture to what westerners are used to.
But it needn't be a harrowing ordeal and you'll get no such worries at Don Muang.
ARRIVALS Most of you who read this will probably land at the international terminal, and customs is generally a swift affair. Be sure to queue in the correct line, although when I was there last I got through the lane marked ASEAN countries only even though I hold a UK passport.
Once through its a fairly straight forward route to the exit. In times of old, as soon as you reached the public area of the arrivals hall you were besieged by the local taxi mafia, who'd try and get you in an unlicensed cab. Thankfully these people seem to have dissapeared the last 2 times I've travelled.
Bangkok is about 20k away from the airport and to get there you can use a taxi, bus or train.
There are 2 types of taxi. Firstly there is the airport limo which charges a fixed fee of 600Baht to anywhere in central Bangkok.Its really just a glorified taxi and not worth the money. The best option is to get a 'taxi Meter' taxi out the front. Tell the lady in the cubicle where you want to go and she'll give you a slip of paper to give to the driver, with the destination on it. Make sure the driver turns on the meter, otherwise he'll charge what he likes. The fare should be around 100-150Baht to the centre.Another tip is that if you arrive outside the rush hour, ask the driver not to use the toll expressway.If he uses it the cost is passed on to you!.
The best bus to take is the 29. This will set you back 20Baht, and takes you to Siam square and Hualamphong station, both in the heart of bangkok. Lastly, there is the train.Go outside the Terminal and cross over the expressway.Opposite the Amari you'll find the station. Prices into town range from 18-70Baht.
If you want to stay near the airport, there are a couple of hotels. The big Amari is the most convinient, but also the most expensive. There are a couple of Quality Inns also nearby, both of which provide a shuttle service too and from the airport.
DEPARTURES Most importantly is to remember the 500Baht departure tax. It must be in cash, and if you don't pay, you stay. Fill out the obligotary forms, hand them to customs and your through to the duty free area. Unfortunately its not a great shopping expierience.Prices here are twice the price of those outside the airport, so don't think your be getting any last minute bargains.
One other thing I'll add is on how amazing the groundstaff were. Our flight to Singapore left three hours late, meaning we'd miss our connection back home. The ground staff moved heaven and high water for us, booked us into a hotel, paid us compensation there and then and even upgraded us for our flight home!
Easyjet take note.
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May 17th, 2001
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