On 25 March 2007 the Thai government reopened Don Muang Airport (DMK) as Bangkok’s second domestic airport. THAI (TG) is using Don Muang Airport for its domestic flights from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Pitsanuloke, Surat Thani, and Hat Yai, as well as selected flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket and Krabi. NOK AIR and ONE-TWO GO are also operating their domestic flights from Don Muang Airport. Passengers have to book their connecting flights to/ex Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in order to avoid long (1-1.5 hrs) overland transfers between the two airports. In addition, Don Muang Airport is servicing General Aviation, State Aircrafts, Military Aircrafts, Government Aircrafts, Technical Landings and Pure Charter Flights.
Suvarnabhumi, the Bangkok International Airport, serves commercial flights, giving new impetus to the role of Bangkok and Thailand as the aviation hub of Asia. The Suvarnabhumi Airport is targeted to handle 60 million passengers in 2007. The entire airport occupies a total area of 8,000 acres, making it five times larger than the Don Muang Airport. At 563,000 square meters, the passenger terminal is the world’s largest single building structure. Roughly 30 kms east of downtown Bangkok, the travel time by road is around 40 minutes. There are number of roads all around the airport to boost accessibility from various sides and this makes travel to the new airport easier and quicker. In addition, there is construction going on of a 28-km overhead rail link between downtown Bangkok and the new airport for a journey only 15 minutes, which is supposed to open in late 2008.
What’s not new is the fact that Thailand continues to be extremely popular with tourists worldwide due to a combination of easy accessibility, excellent hotels, interesting tours, good food, friendly service, excellent shopping, and all at most attractive prices.
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March when temperatures are relatively low (18-30?c) and when there is practically no rain. There is sunshine all over Thailand, year round, with the hottest month being May, followed by the ‘green⬠season, with higher humidity (60-90%) and occasional rains lasting from June to October.
Thailand is one of the safest countries worldwide and it’s absolutely safe to travel to any parts of the country, also for women travelers. Places to avoid are unlicensed jewelry shops selling fake merchandise at exorbitant prices. Thailand has remained SARS free even during the crisis in some of its neighboring countries.
Though tap water is generally safe for drinking, we recommend drinking bottled water only. Bottled water is easily available throughout Thailand. Food is generally o.k. to eat even at traditional food stalls anywhere in Thailand. Please guard against sunburn and dehydration, as the tropical heat is much stronger than it seems.
Western currencies and traveler cheques are easily accepted at moneychangers and banks throughout the country. ATM’s are found even in small towns. It is advisable, however, to carry along local currency in small denomination (20, 50 and 100 Baht notes).
Thailand allows visa free stays up to 30 days to many foreign nationals, but all visitors entering Thailand must be in possession of a valid passport. Only occasional checks are made by customs for tourists choosing the ‘green channelâ¬.
English is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops. Asian Trails provide guides in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese languages to foreign visitors requiring assistance. Road signs are written in both Thai and English throughout the country, with few exceptions.
Thailand requires no vaccinations from foreign visitors and the standard of hygiene is high throughout the country. Visitors from SARS regions will be checked on arrival by medical staff and issued a health passport.
Most Thai dishes are based on rice, with a large variety of meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. Thai food is good, perhaps a little too piquant for foreign palates, but worth trying. Thai food served in your hotel is usually toned down a bit due to the sensitive stomach of most tourists, but nevertheless, it is delicious and you should try it. International food of any kind is found in all major Thai tourist resorts.
SHOPPING: In the wake of unprecedented economic growth, Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s most popular shopping centers. With a host of department stores, smart plazas, and exclusive shops, Bangkok has now joined Singapore and Hong Kong as a Mecca for the dedicated shoppers.
TIPPING: It is not necessary to tip cinema ushers. It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given good personal service. A 10 to 15 per cent tip is appreciated in restaurants where service charge is waived. Please leave only a small tip in major restaurants where service charge of 10% is already added to the bill.
IMPORTANT BEWARES: Bangkok as well as other large cities in the world is confronted with the problem of touts. Should you get a telephone call offering you a free tour, be very careful! It is usually someone’s intention to seduce you into doing expensive shopping or pay a high price for other tour arrangements. It is a fact of life that nothing is free of charge, especially if offered by a stranger. Our advice thus ⬠stay away from them! For further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact usto help you to double-check your arrangements. Also, if you receive a call for amending departure time of tours, etc., you are kindly requested to double check with us. All Asian Trails guides wear uniforms (white or khaki polo shirts with ASIAN TRAILS Logo stitched on it, together with khaki skirts or trousers). Keep a healthy portion of mistrust also against strangers approaching you while walking through entertainment areas. However, despite these warnings there is no need to be anxious, touts are quite harmless, so just smile and walk on. All in all take care but be not afraid.