Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [139]
Propaganda Thai designer Chaiyut Plypetch dreamed up this brand’s signature character, the devilish Mr P who appears in anatomically correct cartoon lamps and other products. Available at Siam Discovery Center (Click here) and Emporium (Click here).
* * *
Bangkok’s former international and domestic Don Muang Airport (Map; 0 2535 1111; www.airportthai.co.th), 25km north of central Bangkok, was retired from commercial service in September 2006, only to be partially reopened five months later to handle overflow from Suvarnabhumi. At the time of writing rumours of the airport’s imminent closure had been circulating, but for now it’s still serving some domestic flights. The unofficial airport website www.donmuangairportonline.com has real-time details of arrivals and departures.
For hotels near either airport, see the boxed text, Click here. For details on getting to and from the airports, see opposite.
AIRLINES
The following carriers service domestic destinations; a few also fly routes to international destinations. For a list of international carriers, Click here.
Air Asia (0 2515 9999; www.airasia.com; Suvarnabhumi International Airport) Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Phuket, Ranong, Surat Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani.
Bangkok Airways (Map; 0 2265 5555, call centre 1771; www.bangkokair.com; 99 Moo 14, Th Viphawadee) Suvarnabhumi to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Samui, Sukhothai and Trat. Branch at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Nok Air (Map; 1318; www.nokair.co.th; 17th fl, Rajanakarn Bldg, Th Sathon) This subsidiary of Thai flies from Don Muang to Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Trang and Udon Thani. Nok Air also operates code-share flights with PB Air from Suvarnabhumi to Buriram, Lampang, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Roi Et and Sakon Nakhon. Branches at both airports.
One-Two-Go (Map; 0 2229 4260, call centre 1126; www.fly12go.com; 18 Th Ratchadaphisek) Domestic arm of Orient Thai; flies from Don Muang to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phuket. Branch at Don Muang Airport.
PB Air (Map; 0 2261 0222; www.pbair.com; UBC II Bldg, 591 Soi Daeng Udom/33, Th Sukhumvit) Suvarnabhumi to Buriram, Chumphon, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et and Sakon Nakhon. Branch at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
SGA Airlines (Map; 0 2664 6099; www.sga.co.th; 19/18-19 Royal City Ave/RCA, off Th Phra Ram IX) A subsidiary of Nok Air (making the airline a subsidiary of a subsidiary), SGA flies tiny prop planes from Suvarnabhumi to Hua Hin, and from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Pai. Branch at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Thai Airways International (THAI; 0 2356 1111; www.thaiairways.co.th) Silom (Map; 0 2232 8000; temp address ground fl, BUI Building, 175-77 Soi Anuman Rachathon, permanent address 485 Th Silom); Banglamphu (Map; 0 280 0110; 6 Th Lan Luang) Operates domestic air services to many provincial capitals. Branches at both airports.
Bus
Bangkok is the centre for bus services that fan out all over the kingdom. For long-distance journeys to popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to buy tickets directly from the bus companies located at the bus stations, rather than through travel agents in tourist centres such as Th Khao San. See the boxed text Click here for common transport scams to keep an eye open for.
BUS STATIONS
There are three main public bus terminals, two of which are located an inconvenient distance from the centre of the city. Allow an hour to reach all terminals from most parts of Bangkok.
Eastern bus terminal (Ekamai; Map; 0 2391 6846; Soi Ekamai/40, Th Sukhumvit; Skytrain Ekamai) is the departure point for buses to Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi and other points east. Most people call it sà·th·nee èk·gà·mai (Ekamai station).
Northern & Northeastern bus terminal (Mo Chit; Map; for northern routes 0 2936 2852, ext 311/442, for northeastern routes 0 2936 2852, ext 611/448; Th Kamphaeng Phet) is just north of Chatuchak Park. It’s also commonly