Airport Your arrival point is Don Muang International Airport—at least until March 2006, when the delayed Suvarnabhumi International Airport is scheduled to open. Don Muang’s two international terminals are about 25kms from the city centre.

Car hire Unless you need a car to make out-of-town trips, driving yourself around in the city is not recommended. Bangkok traffic can be a nightmare for first-time visitors. Taxis are cheap and plentiful and you don’t have to park when you get there. But if you must drive, get a map and precise directions to your hotel from the rental agency.

Taxi Follow the signs from the airport arrivals area to a booth outside, where you will be given a taxi voucher. The voucher is yours to keep if you want to lodge a complaint afterward, so don’t give it to the driver. There is often a long queue at the booth when flights arrive, but it usually moves quickly. It should cost less than [00a3]3 to the city centre, plus 70p airport surcharge.

If you arrive in daylight and traffic is heavy, ask the driver to use the overhead expressway. Tolls will total about 50p, which the passenger pays. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get to the city centre. Get some change at the airport beforehand because drivers are rarely able to break 1,000 (less than [00a3]13.50) or even 500-baht notes.

Limousine Counters offering cars and drivers are easy to find in the Arrivals area, and staff will often call out to you as you pass by. But expect to pay more than twice the cost of a metered taxi for a car that is often no fancier.

Bus Airport buses leave regularly from 4.30am until after midnight, following one of four city routes. Route maps are available, or just ask the friendly young women who staff the clearly signposted stops outside the international and domestic terminals. Tell them where you want to go and they will find the right bus. Staff on the bus are also very helpful. The fare is about €1.35