Flights to Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok for gilded temples along the Chao Phraya, late-night noodles in Yaowarat, rooftop bars above Silom, and the easiest gateway to Thailand's islands.
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB)
- Language
- Thai
- Time zone
- Indochina Time (UTC+7)
- Plug type
- Types A, B, C and O
- Main airport
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
Overview
Bangkok is one of the most energetic cities in Asia, where royal temples, traffic-choked avenues, and canal-side neighborhoods sit side by side. The historic heart is Rattanakosin Island, home to the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew, and to Wat Pho with its 46-meter Reclining Buddha. Across the Chao Phraya River, the porcelain-studded spires of Wat Arun catch the late-afternoon sun, and a ride on the Chao Phraya Express Boat is the easiest way to hop between them.
Food is a reason to visit on its own. Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, comes alive after dark with seafood grills and noodle stalls, while markets such as Or Tor Kor and the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market are good places to try Thai fruit and curries. The Michelin Guide covers many of the city's street vendors as well as its fine-dining rooms.
Modern Bangkok centers on Siam and Sukhumvit, with malls, rooftop bars, and hotels linked by the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, which let you skip the worst of the traffic. The Jim Thompson House, a cluster of teak buildings on a canal, is a peaceful stop between shopping sessions. Bangkok is also a major hub for flights to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai, so it works well as the first or last stop on a wider Thailand trip.
Highlights of Bangkok
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha form Bangkok's most important complex; arrive at opening time to beat the heat and crowds.
Wat Pho and Wat Arun
See the gold-plated Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, then cross the river by ferry to climb the steep spire of Wat Arun.
Yaowarat (Chinatown)
After dark, Yaowarat Road fills with neon signs, seafood stalls, and dessert shops that make it one of the city's best food streets.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Thousands of stalls selling crafts, clothing, plants, and street food, open Saturday and Sunday near the Mo Chit BTS and Chatuchak Park MRT stations.
Chao Phraya River by boat
The Chao Phraya Express Boat links Sathorn Pier to the Old Town and is the most scenic way to see temples, riverside hotels, and ICONSIAM.
Where to stay
Sukhumvit
A long boulevard lined with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife along the BTS line; good for first-time visitors who want convenience.
Riverside
Luxury hotels and boutique stays along the Chao Phraya, close to the Old Town by boat; ideal for couples and those seeking river views.
Silom and Sathorn
The business district, with rooftop bars, Lumphini Park, and night markets; suits business travelers and nightlife lovers.
Old Town (Rattanakosin and Banglamphu)
Guesthouses and small hotels near the Grand Palace and Khao San Road; best for budget travelers and temple-focused itineraries.
Airports and getting into town
From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link runs to Phaya Thai in about 30 minutes, with transfers to the MRT at Makkasan (Phetchaburi station) and to the BTS at Phaya Thai. Metered taxis leave from the public taxi stands on level 1, and Grab and Bolt also operate; the drive to Sukhumvit or Silom takes 30 to 60 minutes and much longer in rush hour. From Don Mueang, take the SRT Red Line or a taxi.
Best time to visit
November to February is the best time to visit, when the weather is relatively cool and dry and the city hosts Loy Krathong, when people float candlelit offerings on the river. March to May is the hottest period, ending with the Songkran water festival around April 13 to 15. The rainy season, from about June to October, brings heavy afternoon downpours but fewer crowds.
Airlines flying to Bangkok
Popular routes to Bangkok
Travel tips from our desk
- Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees for the Grand Palace and major temples; you may be turned away otherwise.
- Ignore strangers who say the Grand Palace is closed and offer to take you elsewhere; it's a long-running scam.
- Get a rechargeable Rabbit card for the BTS, and pay by contactless bank card on the MRT; neither system accepts the other's card.
- Ask taxi drivers to use the meter, or book through Grab or Bolt so the fare is agreed before you ride.
Related destinations
Bali
Temples, rice terraces, surf and sunsets on Indonesia's island of the gods, reached via Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul or Taipei.
Explore Bali →
Delhi
Mughal monuments, Old Delhi's bazaars, and a fast metro, with nonstops from New York, Newark, San Francisco and Toronto.
Explore Delhi →
Hong Kong
Harbor skyline, dim sum and mountain trails, with nonstop flights from across North America on Cathay Pacific, United and more.
Explore Hong Kong →
Maldives
Private-island resorts, turquoise lagoons and world-class snorkeling, reached via one-stop flights through Dubai, Doha or Istanbul.
Explore Maldives →
Mumbai
India's financial capital: colonial-era Fort, Marine Drive, Bandra cafés, and Air India nonstops from Newark.
Explore Mumbai →
Seoul
Royal palaces, hanok alleys, K-food and nightlife in Hongdae, with nonstop flights to Incheon from the US and Canada.
Explore Seoul →
Singapore
A garden city of hawker food, Marina Bay skyline and heritage districts, with Singapore Airlines nonstops from five US airports.
Explore Singapore →
Tokyo
Shrines, sushi counters and neon towers, with nonstop flights into both Haneda and Narita from across the US and Canada.
Explore Tokyo →Flights to Bangkok — frequently asked questions
Are there nonstop flights from the US to Bangkok?
No. There are currently no nonstop flights between the US and Bangkok. Most travelers connect once in Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Seoul, or through Middle Eastern and European hubs.
Which Bangkok airport will I arrive at?
Long-haul and full-service flights use Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Don Mueang (DMK) is mostly used by low-cost carriers for regional and domestic flights, so allow plenty of time if you are transferring between the two.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February, when it's cooler and drier. March to May is very hot, and June to October brings the rainy season.
How do I get from Suvarnabhumi to central Bangkok?
The Airport Rail Link reaches Phaya Thai in about 30 minutes. Taxis and Grab take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Is Bangkok a good hub for the Thai islands?
Yes. Frequent domestic flights leave Bangkok for Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai, from either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang depending on the airline.
Bangkok is a phone call away.
Call now and have real options in minutes — or send an enquiry and we'll call you.