Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, mixes gilded temples and riverside palaces with glossy malls, rooftop bars and street kitchens that never seem to close. It is one of the most popular short getaways for Malaysian travellers, whether for shopping, food or a long weekend of sightseeing. Most flights to Bangkok from Malaysia and from further afield land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the city's main international gateway, while budget and domestic services often use Don Mueang Airport.

About Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok

Location

Suvarnabhumi Airport sits in Samut Prakan province, roughly 30 km east of central Bangkok. It opened as the replacement for Don Mueang as the city's main international airport and is now one of the busiest hubs in South-East Asia, handling full-service international routes as well as many regional flights.

Terminals

Suvarnabhumi has one very large main terminal building under a sweeping steel and glass roof, with arrivals on the second floor and departures on the fourth. A newer satellite concourse is linked to the main building by an automated underground train, so if your gate is there, allow extra time to reach it after security and immigration.

Getting to and from the airport

The Airport Rail Link runs from the basement of the terminal to Phaya Thai, where you can change to the BTS Skytrain, with a stop at Makkasan near the MRT Phetchaburi station. Public taxis are queued on the first floor and should run on the meter, with expressway tolls paid separately. E-hailing pick-ups are available too, and airport buses serve areas such as Khao San Road. Traffic into the city can be very heavy in the evening, which makes the train the more predictable option at rush hour.

Direct and connecting flights to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

Kuala Lumpur has frequent non-stop flights to Bangkok, and direct routes also run from other Malaysian cities. On Traveloka, apply the direct flight filter and then check the arrival airport shown on each result, because some flights to Bangkok land at Suvarnabhumi and others at Don Mueang. Choosing the right one can make a real difference to your journey into town.

Suvarnabhumi suits travellers who want full-service international connections, need to transfer onto long-haul flights, or are staying along Sukhumvit and near the Airport Rail Link. If you would rather see every option for both airports in one list, search flights to Bangkok (all airports) instead.

When to fly to Bangkok

Bangkok's most comfortable weather comes in the cool season from around November to February, when the humidity drops and evenings are pleasant for walking. March to May is the hot season, with some of the highest temperatures of the year, and the rainy season from roughly June to October brings heavy afternoon storms, although mornings are often dry.

Demand from Malaysia peaks during school holidays, the year-end break and long weekends around Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. Songkran in mid-April is a huge draw of its own, with city-wide water fights and many Thais travelling home. For better value, avoid those periods and fly midweek, and use the charts on this page to see when fares to BKK usually ease.

Popular places in Bangkok

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The former royal residence on Rattanakosin Island is Bangkok's most famous landmark, with glittering spires, murals and the revered Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn rises from the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, its central prang decorated with fragments of Chinese porcelain. Cross by the short river ferry from Tha Tien pier, and return near sunset for the best view of the temple from the opposite bank.

The Chao Phraya River

The river is Bangkok's oldest highway. Hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to move between piers near the palace, Chinatown and the riverside malls, or take an evening cruise to see temples and bridges lit up at night.

Siam and Ratchaprasong

Around the Siam and Chit Lom BTS stations, huge malls sit next to each other, linked by skywalks. It is the centre of Bangkok's shopping scene, with everything from luxury brands to affordable local fashion, and a busy Hindu shrine on the Ratchaprasong corner.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

With thousands of stalls selling clothes, plants, home decor and snacks, Chatuchak is one of the world's largest outdoor markets. It is open at weekends, reached easily by BTS or MRT, and best visited in the morning before it gets hot.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit is a favourite base, with plenty of restaurants, nightlife and BTS stations, and it is on the side of the city closest to Suvarnabhumi. Siam and Pratunam are ideal for shopping and very central, and Pratunam is also popular with Malaysian travellers for its wholesale markets and halal eateries.

Silom and Sathorn mix business districts with lively night markets, while the Riverside area offers quieter stays with views of the Chao Phraya. Travellers on a tight budget often choose Banglamphu near Khao San Road, which is close to the Grand Palace and the old town.

Food to try in Bangkok

Tom yum goong

This hot and sour prawn soup is flavoured with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and chilli. Order it clear or creamy with evaporated milk, and pair it with rice to balance the heat.

Pad thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, egg, tofu, bean sprouts and peanuts, usually with prawns. Street stalls cook it to order in minutes, and you can adjust the sweetness and spice at the table.

Green curry

A fragrant coconut curry made with green chilli paste, Thai basil and aubergine. It is often served with chicken or beef and eaten with steamed jasmine rice.

Mango sticky rice

Sweet ripe mango with glutinous rice soaked in salted coconut cream is Bangkok's favourite dessert, especially during the hot season when mangoes are at their peak.

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