Flights from Melbourne to Bangkok

Know Before You Go

• If you visit Chatuchak Weekend Market, feel free to barter away. However, it is the general rule of thumb to aim for 10% - 40% off the price, respect the local culture and don't haggle too aggressively.
• Thailand is a popular destination for animal lovers, but you need to do your research. Spend time investigating any animal attractions you want to take part in to make sure your interaction is ethical and responsible.
• Bangkok is known for its stifling heat. To stay hydrated, carry a water bottle with you and make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to replace what you sweat out.
• If a taxi driver asks if you have been to Thailand before, always say yes. It will mean that you know what a taxi ride should cost and help you avoid getting the "tourist price".
• Bangkok's street food is renowned around the world and should be tried at least once. Not only is it possible to feed yourself on as little as THB 30  a day, but it's also a delicious cultural experience.

Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok may be notorious for its traffic, but with a little bit of planning, it's easy to get around this bustling metropolis.

• The BTS Skytrain is the quickest and easiest way to get around Bangkok. It's two lines cover almost all of the city making it a convenient choice for travellers who want to explore the city on foot.
• Explore Bangkok by boat, get a different view of the city and avoid the gridlocked traffic. The extensive canal network makes it easy to get around to major tourist attractions and at THB 40 per ride is far cheaper than a metered taxi.
• If you are staying in the northern part of Bangkok, the MRT is the most convenient way to travel around the city.
• Don't feel like haggling with metered taxis? Grab an Uber from the airport or anywhere else in the city and have peace of mind you won't be ripped off.
• Tuk Tuks are an iconic form of public transport in Bangkok but should be avoided unless there are no other options. Expensive and uncomfortable, it's more a fun experience than a reliable transport option.
• Other options include taking one of the many buses to get around or walking to your destination.

When is The Best Time to Visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is during November and February during Thailand's cool season. With temperatures slightly under 30°C it's a more pleasant time of year, but unfortunately, it is also peak season.

It's nearly impossible to explore the city without crowds of tourists, and as a result, prices for accommodation, airfare and tours soar.

If you want to save money and don't mind a little rain, visiting Bangkok during June to October is also an option. It is low season, so you'll find cheaper hotels, tours and airfare deals. There will also be far fewer crowds at the city's major attractions, but the city does experience flooding which may get in the way of your travel plans.

While April is one of the hottest times of year to visit Bangkok, it's also Thai New Year which is celebrated with a giant three-day water fight. It's the perfect excuse to cool down from the heat, welcome in the rainy season and enjoy a unique cultural experience.

Airports in Bangkok

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the biggest and busiest international airports in South East Asia. It serves all international flights as well as popular domestic routes, handling 55 million passengers in 2016. The airport is a hub for Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and Thai Smile Airways as well as a focus city for Emirates.

Getting To and From Suvarnabhumi Airport

The quickest and easiest route to get to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport is the ARL Link. It connects the airport with downtown Bangkok and will only set you back 45 baht at most. The trains run from 6 am to 12:30 am daily, leaving every 12-15 minutes.

For an even cheaper option, you can take a public bus to and from the airport. Prices start as little as 5 baht and also have routes to other cities in Thailand.

If you have too many bags to lug around on public transport, you can take a metered taxi to your hotel. However, check with your accommodation beforehand to see if they offer a complimentary airport shuttle service.

Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport is a 40-minute drive from the centre of Bangkok. It mainly serves domestic routes and is a hub for low-cost airlines such as Nok Air and Thai AirAsia.

It is considered one of the oldest international airports with commercial flights starting in 1924 and is the 14th busiest in the world serving 35 million passengers in 2016.

Getting To and From Don Mueang Airport

There is a train service that runs from Don Mueang to Bangkok's central railway station Hua Lamphong. From here it's easy to get to other parts of the city using the metro line or to catch a train to a destination outside the city.

Travellers can catch a bus from and to the airport during the day. The ideal route is to get off at Mo Chit Skytrain Station and take the metro for the rest of your journey. Bus fares will set you back 5 to 100 baht depending on your route.

If you arrive at Don Mueang after midnight, your best option would be to take one of the metered taxis outside the airport to your hotel.