How To Reach Bangkok

Thailand’s most alluring city and quickly becoming Asia’s largest air transit hub, Bangkok is also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ due to the Chao Phraya River which flows through several canals across the city. These canals are called ‘khlongs’ and were once extensively used for commuting by locals living in and around the waterfront.

Being the capital city and the central location for all of Thailand’s major industries like the media, tourism etc., Bangkok is well-connected to the rest of the world, reached very easily by air as well as some roads from Asia. 

One can reach Bangkok by boarding one of many frequent flights that link the new Bangkok International Airport – also known as ‘Suvarnabhumi’ – to all metropolitan cities across India and the world. A direct flight from anywhere in India would usually take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.

A road trip to Bangkok is a good idea if you are in any of the neighbouring countries. Buses from all over Thailand pour into the city on a daily basis into the three major bus terminals of the city: Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai).

Take a train to Bangkok from Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia or anywhere in Thailand into the main Hua Lamphong Railway Station. This is where all long distance local and international trains halt. There's a seperate station for inter-city trains, more about that below. 

Once you reach Bangkok, there are quite a few options

Long Tail Boats: This would be one of the most authentic ways to navigate through a city which has plenty of canals running through it.

Renting A Bicycle: Another excellent way to experience Bangkok at your own pace is by renting a bicycle and riding along the jostling streets of the local markets, occasionally stopping for a quick bite in front of a random street food vendor.

Sky Trains: Also known simply as BTS, sky train is the fastest and the most pocket-friendly way to tour this sparkling city if you’re here only for a day; only 120 baht for unlimited trips, valid for 24 hours. These trains are ideal for traveling through Bangkok during the rainy season as you get to skip the jam-packed roads and the flooded streets. Especially during October, when heavy rainfall brings the low-lying areas of the city to a standstill.

Subways: The underground mass rapid transit often called MRT is another brilliant public utility for locals and tourists alike as its route covers important shopping venues i.e. Tor Kor Market and the Pat Pong Night Market, connects to the BTS at 2 points - Sukhumvit and Silom, and meets the Airport Rail Link.

Airport Rail Link: This city line completes a single run of 6 stops within 30 minutes hence it’s perfect for people intending to make a speedy trip in or out of Bangkok from the airport. For tourists on a short visit, a single trip token is ideal. The Airport Rail Link meets the MRT at Makkasan City Interchange Station and the BTS at Phayathai Station.