Cheap flights to Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok Travel Guide

The Suvarnabhumi Airport is a fantastic introduction to the capital city of Thailand. Colorful terminals, pieces of traditional Thai art in distinctive red and gold, cutting-edge architecture, excellent restaurants, stores, and friendly people, it is a microcosm of Bangkok itself. Bangkok flights land you in Thailand’s culture center. Look closely behind the glass buildings and ritzy restaurants and you’ll find small Thai villages content with their peaceful lifestyle.

In this bustling city, Western commercialism and Eastern Buddhist traditions exist side by side. To really take the pulse of the city, visitors would need to book cheap flights to Bangkok year after year, but a single visit would take a person to the east side of the Chao Phraya where most of the major sights are: Grand Palace, Wat Po and National Museum.

If it’s glitzy, glamorous and caters to a range of shopaholics, it’s Bangkok – and your flight to Bangkok is just the start. Thailand’s bustling capital city continues to lure travelers from all over the world. Tourists book airline tickets to Bangkok eager to explore the city’s ancient palaces and temples, but most travelers also come prepared to experience a bit of Thailand’s legendary nightlife.

If you’re looking for a walk on the wild side, you’ve booked a flight to Bangkok for the right reasons. To sample the Bangkok nightlife, revelers are not restricted to Patpong, the red-light district. The Khao San Road, where backpackers throng, is home to lively bars and clubs, and the central area has world-class clubs and bars. Don’t worry about sleeping, there is plenty of time for that once you board the Bangkok flight back home. Thai boxing, with its Wai Khru ritual and Ram Muay dance, is the national sport and matches are popular with Thais and visitors alike.

For tamer travelers, there’s always shopping; Bangkok is a shopper’s heaven. The shopping alone is almost reason enough to visit. Bustling street markets such as Chatuchak and sparkling shopping malls and night markets cater for every whim. From designer duds and art to antiques and jewels, there’s no leaving this city without a souvenir, so leave plenty of room in your luggage for your return Bangkok trip.

Book a trip to Bangkok and you’ll soon understand the meaning behind the proverbial lyric, “One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster.” There is so much to see and do in Bangkok that you may end up sticking around longer than you planned for. No matter how long you are planning to stay in the city, here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

What’s the weather like in Bangkok?

Bangkok has a tropical climate with annual temperatures averaging in the high 70’s and 80’s (Fahrenheit). March through May have the highest temperatures and humidity, May/June through October is monsoon season, and November through February is cooler and less humid, as well as quite dry.

How long is the flight to Bangkok?

There are two main airports that service Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. Most flights from the United States fly into Suvarnabhumi. There are no nonstop flights however; instead, travelers generally have a stopover in Korea, Japan, or Europe. Flight time to Bangkok from Lost Angeles is about seventeen hours, from Chicago about seventeen and a half hours, from New York City about eighteen hours, and from Dallas about eighteen and a half hours.

Which airlines fly to Bangkok?

Delta, United, and American Airlines are the three major U.S. carriers that handle flights to Bangkok. You can find flights on many international airlines, including Royal Jordanian, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Japan Airlines. Thailand’s main airline, Thai Airways, also provides connections to Bangkok.

What should you pack for a flight to Bangkok?

Bangkok has a tropical climate, with hot, humid temperatures ranging in the 70’s and 80’s (Fahrenheit). The monsoon season is from May/June through October, but rain can occur at any time, so pack a poncho or umbrella. T-shirts, shorts, and sundresses in light, breathable fabrics are a must. Plan to pack some light pants and long-sleeved shirts if you plan to visit any of the temples, and a swimsuit for the beaches. Comfortable sandals or shoes will be helpful when walking around the city.

Getting to and around the city of Bangkok

There are a few airports in Bangkok, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) (also referred to as Bangkok International Airport) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Here are a few tips for getting to where you need to go from each of these two airports.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport:

Prior to 2006, Don Mueang International Airport was the sole international arrival point for the Bangkok area. In 2006, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, also known as Bangkok International Airport, opened and has since displaced it in this regard (and has inherited its airport code, BKK, which belonged to Don Mueang prior to Suvarnabhumi commencing international flights), while Don Mueang International Airport has become a low cost carrier and domestic hub. The new airport is located about 20 miles away from the city center of Bangkok, while Don Mueang is around 19 miles away.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is divided into two international terminals and a domestic terminal, all linked by a free shuttle bus service. Airport buses link Bangkok’s airport with the city center along multiple different routes that stop at a number of major hotels and landmarks. They depart from just outside the Terminal 1 arrivals hall and take around fifty-sixty minutes. If there is a group of you, there are shuttle buses which run certain fixed routes as well. Bangkok Airport’s Rail Link offers two lines into the city with travel times starting at around fifteen-twenty minutes on the Express Line to Makkasan station. This is the quickest and most convenient mode of ground transportation into the city, though you may still need to do some additional traveling depending on where you are going in Bangkok exactly. Taxi is the most expensive route into the city, but will drop you directly at your hotel door. There are either metered or unmetered taxis available, but if you opt for the unmetered service, be sure to negotiate your fare before departing the airport. The drivers are notorious at overcharging so make sure you agree on a price before you get in. The journey should take around twenty-forty minutes, depending on your destination. Lastly, if you are brave, you could always rent a car.

Don Mueang International Airport:

Located approximately 25 miles from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang is Bangkok’s other international airport, serving passengers from all over the world. It’s around 19 miles from the city center and there is a rail service that runs between the airport and the city. It is notoriously slow and very unreliable so it’s advisable to take the bus. You can take a bus from the airport but traffic in Bangkok can be very bad, so expect a long bus ride.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore the city, you’ll find that there are many different ways to navigate through the busy, crowded streets of Bangkok. Hop aboard the Skytrain, a raised monorail, for great views of the financial and shopping districts. The train is connected with the underground, which is easy to use and covers the parts of Bangkok not connected to the Skytrain. Buses crisscross the city, but the system can be confusing to navigate. You’re better off taking a taxi or tuk-tuk, both of which are inexpensive.

Don’t rent a car for your stay. You’ll learn quickly that Bangkok drivers are very aggressive and traffic is a nightmare. If you really want your own car, rent a car and driver for the day instead. Heading out on foot is possible, but you’ll move slowly. Foot traffic crawls along, which is great if you want to experience the color of the city, but slow going if you’re trying to get somewhere.

The water taxis lining the Chao Praya River are another popular tourist option. You’ll also find that Bangkok is the center of Thai travel, so you can find a bus, train or flight to almost anywhere else you’re looking to go.

What are some things to do in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a large, crowded, noisy city with something to see on every corner. It is a mix of the ancient and the modern, with temples located near bustling nightclubs. To learn more about Thailand’s history, spend the day exploring the National Museum and Wang Na Palace, where you can see ancient artifacts and a large collection of Buddha figures from every time period. The Grand Palace is the home of Thailand’s royal family, and a guided tour here is recommended to fully experience the palace.

Buddhist temples are among some of the most popular sites in Bangkok. South of the Grand Palace stands Wat Pho, which is best known for its large Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Nearby, the Wat Arun temple has gorgeous views of the sunset over the city. For a more peaceful tour, visit Wat Suthat or the golden Wat Traimit, known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, with several markets and scores of street vendors along the main roads. Khao San Road is filled with food stalls, restaurants, clothing vendors, and shops. Chatuchak Market is the largest weekend market in the world, and you’ll see why once you enter this sprawling area of 5,000 stalls offering anything you could imagine. For fresh produce from a more traditional market, head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and shop among the boats. When you need to get away from the chaos, spend the day at Lumpini Park. This quiet, green space is perfect place to lounge out under a tree, or you can take a boat out onto its lake.

Tips for your stay in Bangkok

• After you land on cheap flights to Bangkok, hit the streets for lunch or dinner. Food stalls line almost every street. Delicacies include deep-fried grasshopper, but more pedestrian – and perhaps palatable – dishes include charcoal-grilled chicken (kai yang), spring rolls (pop pia) and sweet, filled pancakes (khanom beuang).
• Bangkok is any food lover’s paradise, hence learning to cook in Bangkok is a must-do activity. Not only will you have a fantastic day and eat some delicious food, you’ll also be able to take a little slice of Thailand back home with you.
• The Joe Louis Theater holds nightly puppet theater performances. Each puppet is manipulated by three puppet masters, who are on stage and an integral part of the show. The puppeteers are trained dancers and the performances are mesmerizing.
• Muay Thai, Thai Boxing, is the national sport and – if you have the stomach for it – can be an entertaining evening. It’s an entire performance, including the pageantry of the pre-bout rituals, frenetic gambling and live musical performances.
• About 95 percent of the population is Buddhist. Ablutions at a temple involve bowing three times, placing the forehead on the ground at the foot of the Buddha, lighting candles and incense, and chanting. Tourists are welcome to participate in any capacity, and small monetary contributions are appreciated – just be prepared to remove your shoes.
• The National Museum is a good place to learn about the history of Thailand.
• Bangkok’s oldest, largest, and most famous temple is Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The Reclining Buddha statue (157-feet long and 49-feet high) is gold plated and inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the soles of its feet.
• On Soi Kasemsan, opposite the National Stadium, is the fascinating Jim Thompson House. The American, Jim Thompson, is responsible for the country’s silk industry and settled in Bangkok in 1945. Put together, the complex consists of six traditional houses from around Thailand.
• Bangkok is located on the Chao Praya River. Take a ferry and board or disembark at different points along the river – it is a fascinating way to soak up the atmosphere. Make sure you get off at the Grand Palace. Further out, forty-five minutes from Bangkok, is Ayutthaya, the ruined city. Don’t miss the indoor flower market near Sapan Phat pier.
• One site that characterizes all the beauty that a trip to Bangkok has to offer is The Grand Palace. As its most ubiquitous landmark, the palace was the home of the Thai King for 150 years and is a proud tribute to traditional Thai culture and craftsmanship.
• The Royal Barge Museum is across the river from the Grand Palace. There are eight barges displayed here; eight out of the fifty that are used for formal processions. The barges are wonderfully ornate, carved and gilded, and very colorful. Suphannahong (golden swan) needed a crew of 50 oarsmen.
• For a panoramic view of Bangkok, make your way to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel on Rajprarop Road. It’s Thailand’s tallest hotel with 88 floors. There is an observation deck and Sky Walk on the 77th floor, and a revolving roof deck on the 84th floor. There is a Roof Top Bar and Music Lounge on the 83rd as well.
• The Suan Lum Night Market is smaller than the daylight-operating Chatuchak and less touristy than Patpong. The market sells clothes by up-and-coming Thai designers and silverware, jewelry, crafts etc.
• When taking a taxi, make sure it’s metered and the meter is running. Most cab drivers speak some English, but have someone write your destination in Thai to avoid any misinterpretations. At night, taxi drivers often try to barter a flat rate; insist that they use the meter as it will cost less.
• Nearly every visitor to Bangkok wants to take a tuk-tuk at least once. Be forewarned! All tuk-tuk fares are negotiated; do not get into the tuk-tuk until you have settled on the fare. Tuk-tuk drivers are notorious for trying to talk tourists into going on special shopping trips. Sometimes they’ll insist that the attraction you want to see is closed or offer to take you for free, as long as you drop in on their friend’s shop on the way. These special trips are scams. The driver gets a cut of whatever you spend and it’s almost impossible to get out of the shop without buying something at an over-inflated price.
• Entertainment for the whole family awaits visitors of Siam Park City – a water park with exhilarating slides as well as an amusement park that’s designed to offer an entire day of fun for children of all ages.
• The Wat Traimit, or Temple of the Golden Buddha, houses the world’s largest gold seated statue of Buddha. The statue is a majestic example of the dedicated work of Thai artisans, once concealed under plaster to hide its value.
• Bangkok is on our list of de-stress-tinations because of its wide range of activities that focus on relaxing the body and mind. At the top of this list is Lumphini Park – an oasis at the heart of the city where public outdoor workouts attract fitness enthusiasts from all over Bangkok.
• Thailand’s oldest massage school is at the back of the Wat Pho temple complex.

Finding Flights from Bangkok

Bangkok has tons to see and do, but you may want to get out of the city and explore the rest of the country. Cheapflights is here to help you find a great deal. Many flights will leave from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, but some, especially those to Phuket, will leave from Don Mueang International Airport. Be sure to check which airport you need before heading out to your flight. You may also want to leave from Bangkok to other parts of the world. The majority of carriers that fly in to Bangkok also fly out of it. Thai Airlines, China Airlines, EVA, Cathay Pacific, Delta, and United Airlines are among the most popular.

You can find terrific flight deals for popular routes from Bangkok at https://www.cheapflights.com.sg, https://www.cheapflights.com.my, https://www.cheapflights.com.ph, or https://www.cheapflights.com.hk.

The best way to reach Suvarnabhumi Airport from Bangkok is by train from Phyathai Station, which takes about thirty minutes. Other options to Suvarnabhumi include taxis and the Airport Express bus. The best way to reach Don Mueang is by bus or taxi. Both airports get very busy, so be sure to leave plenty of time to reach your terminal.

Once you choose a destination and departure city, be sure to check out our Bangkok airport guides for detailed travel information and helpful tips.

Bangkok, Thailand airport overview

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) (pronounced su-wan-na-poom), or Bangkok International, is located in Racha Thewa, Thailand, approximately 16 miles (26km) east of downtown Bangkok. It is the country’s busiest airport, and the third busiest in Asia, with almost 43 million passengers in 2010.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, meaning “Golden Land” in Sanskrit, features the tallest control tower in the world and the world’s largest single-building passenger terminal. Travellers can expect everything that most international airports offer – an extensive array of shopping and dining, facilities and services. Constructed almost entirely of glass, the interior of the terminal is well lit and airy. Moreover, numerous traditional artworks and fabrics draped from the walls and ceilings are a wonderful introduction to Thai culture.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport is clean, modern and well maintained and, like all Thai citizens, staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. Expect nothing less than a world-class experience when visiting Thailand’s primary aerial gateway.