GETTING THERE
Thailand
Easy access
Conveniently-timed flights and modern infrastructure - Thailand is easy to discover
Getting there Direct flights take 11-12 hrs.
Thai Airways Frequency: double daily Timings: LHR to BKK: 12.30 (arrives 06.05 next day), 21.30 (arrives 15.05 next day) BKK to LHR: 01.10 (arrives 07.15 same day), 12.25 (arrives 18.30 same day).
www.thaiairways.co.uk
Eva Air Frequency: Daily Timings: LHR to BKK: 21.35 (arrives 15.05/15.10 next day). BKK to LHR: 12.50 (arrives 19.15) or, on Mondays, 11.10 (arrives 17.30). Codeshares with Bangkok Airways to Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai. www.
evaair.com
British Airways and Qantas* (codesharing) Frequency: double daily Timings: BA: LHR to BKK 22.00 (arrives 15.15 next day). BKK to LHR: 00.20 (arrives 06.35). Qantas: LHR to BKK 22.15 (arrives 15.40 next day). BKK to LHR 00.45 (arrives 07.00). *Note: Qantas is due to drop this route in early 2012.
www.ba.com www.qantas.com
Airlines offering indirect flights with one stop include: KLM, Cathay Pacific,
Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Korean Air, Air India, Kingfisher Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways and Oman Air.
Emirates Frequency: four flights daily from six UK airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow) with a choice of 15 daily flights to Dubai where passengers can make quick and convenient connections to flights on to Bangkok.
www.emirates.com/uk
Suvarnabhumi (Su-Wana-Poom) Airport Linked by rail to the city centre by the Suvarnabhumi Airport Link (SARL). The Express Service stops at Makkasan (which connects with the MRT) and, Phaya Thai (which connects with the BTS). It takes 15-18 minutes, costs 150 baht and departs every 20-30 minutes. The City Line makes eight stops on the same route, and has more frequent departures. It costs between 15 and 45 baht and takes 30 minutes. The Airport Express bus stops at well-known hotels. For taxis, follow signs for the official metered rank and opt to take the less congested Expressway toll road when asked.
www.airportSuvarnabhumi.com http://airportraillink.railway.co.th
Getting around Thai Airways • 18 domestic destinations, a further 10 code-sharing
• Links Bangkok to other South East Asia destinations, Indochina, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, India, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, LA and Europe
• Discover Thailand fares (currently valid till December 2011): US$278 for three domestic vouchers, $92 for additional vouchers (maximum eight.)
• Member of Star Alliance • Tour operator is Royal Orchid Holidays
• Thai hopes to operate A380-300s between Bangkok and London from January 2013
www.thaiairways.co.uk
Bangkok Airways • Nine Thailand destinations • Dedicated airport lounges • Links Thailand with Laos, Cambodia, China, Burma, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi, Oman and the Maldives. Kuala Lumpur is also planned
• Discovery Airpass coupons (minimum three, maximum six), valid two months from first use, cost mostly US$88 domestic, and US$120-200 on selected international routes. Some routes in partnership with Lao
Airlines and Berjaya Air
• Codeshares with Singapore Airlines’ regional service SilkAir to Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai
www.Bangkokair.com
Other airlines offering regional routes include Air Asia, Nok Air, SilkAir, Jetstar, Tiger Airways and V Australia.
Public transport BTS SkyTrain: Bangkok’s elevated railway, best for business and shopping districts
www.bts.co.th MRT Metro: Bangkok’s underground connects with BTS in three places
www.bangkokmetro.co.th Train: Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Malaysia can be reached easily from Bangkok
www.railway.co.th Tuk-tuks: iconic motor-rickshaws, best for short hops. Do haggle Taxis: Plentiful in big cities/resorts. Look for metered cabs and check meter is on. Day rates are negotiable Bus/minibus: Government buses and private mini buses connect Thailand’s major resorts Long-tail boats: on sea and rivers these run to schedules like ferries or can be hired like taxis (haggle first) Ferries: run to major islands and between piers on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river
Thailand Travel Guide 2012 33
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