Bangkok’s new international airport, Suvarnabhumi (“Soo-wan-na-boom”) is located 30km east of downtown Bangkok. It is approximately a 45 to 60 minute drive from downtown Bangkok, depending on traffic.

Suvarnabhumi now handles all international and domestic flights to and from Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi has inherited the old airport, Don Muang's "BKK" international airport code and Don Muang will be recoded as "DBK".

Airport Hotels
The most convenient hotel near Suvarnabhumi for travellers needing to be near the airport is the Novotel Suvarnabhumi, located immediately in front of the airport terminal. Other hotels within five to ten minutes drive from the airport are Novotel Bangna and Royal Princess Srinakarin Hotel. Within the airport terminal itself are day-use rooms by Miracle Grand Louis’ Tavern. These fully-equipped hotel rooms can be rented for six hours, serving as a resting place for travellers with long layovers.

Transport such as taxis, buses and car hire into the city and beyond is available at the Transportation Centre, located 3km from Suvarnabhumi Airport. A free-of-charge, 24-hour Express Shuttle Bus service will transport passengers between the airport and the Transportation Centre in about 5 to 10 minutes. Passengers will be able to choose their onward transport from the Transportation Centre.

Boat
There are two types of boats plying the waters of the Chao Praya River. One is the ferry that crosses the river, costing only one baht per person per crossing. The other boat travels up and down the river stopping at various piers. The fare for this depends on the distance travelled and is paid on the boat, usually between 3 and 10 Baht. They offer a fun, exotic, and traffic-free way to get around and explore. Two lines are available: the Chao Praya Express and Laemtong Express.

Bus
Buses within Bangkok offer cheap transport. However if you don’t know where you are going, stick with the taxi or Skytrain as bus drivers tend not to speak much English. The cheapest buses cost 3.5 Baht, and are not air conditioned. The fare for air-conditioned ones ranges from 6 Baht to 18 Baht depending on the distance travelled. The air-conditioned microbus cost 25 Baht.

Buses to destinations outside Bangkok are found at three main bus terminals. Northern/Northeast Bus Terminal often referred to as Morsit, serves Chiang Mai and the north. The Southern Bus Terminal on the Thonburi side of the river, is for Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Phuket and points south. The Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) located on Sukhumvit Road, Soi 40 is for Pattaya, Koh Samet, Koh Chang and points southeast, to Rayong and Trat province.

Motorbike taxi
The other way to get around if you are brave or crazy is to take a motorbike taxi. These are readily available and are fast and cheap. You can recognise the drivers as they wear numbered vests.

Skytrain
The BTS or Skytrain, is Bangkok's saving grace. Stretching from Sukhumvit Soi 77 all the way to Chatuchak Weekend Market (Mo Chit Station), the Skytrain is a most welcome addition to the weary fight against traffic congestion. You can buy individual tickets as well as monthly, yearly, and other alternative usage tickets. Air conditioned and user-friendly, the Skytrain reaches most major places in Bangkok, covering most of Sukhumvit, Silom, Ploenchit and Phiyathai roads, with one leg running from central Siam Square to the Chao Praya river, just next to the Shangri-la Hotel. Tickets range from 10 to 40 Baht. Ticket counter staff speak some English and are generally helpful.

The following hotels are on the Skytrain route or with stops very close by: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Landmark, Amari Boulevard, JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt, The Regent, Le Meridien President, Swissotel, Novotel Siam Square, Novotel Bagna, Novotel Lotus, Pan Pacifc, Dusit Thani, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Shangri-la, Peninsula, Imperial Queens Park, Rembrandt.

Taxi
There are a number of taxi companies operating in and around Bangkok. Ensure that the meter is working before getting in. It’s a good idea to carry the business card of your hotel with you for your return trip. Most business cards will have directions in Thai language on the back.

Trains
Trains are best used to reach destinations outside Bangkok. While slower than the bus, the train is more comfortable and scenic. Ticket prices are very reasonable and most destinations offer 1st, 2nd and 3rd class options. You need to book well ahead for first class travel and for other classes during peak travel times. Most of the time however you can simply book in person a few days in advance. Travel agencies also sell tickets for overnight trains or combination train-bus-ferry tickets to Koh Samui. The main train station is Hualampong, located on the fringe of China Town.

Tuk-tuk
The name relates to the sound they make. Some resemble modified motorized tricycles, others have four wheels, either way they are noisey and open to exhaust fumes. They are okay for very short distances, but for longer trips you’re better off using an air-conditioned metered taxi. Tuk-tuk’s have no meter and are notorious for overcharging tourists. Alternatively, a quick ride can be part of a hilarious Bangkok experience! Short rides should cost between 10 and 40 Baht.