Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport – A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Travelers to Thailand

Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport – A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Travelers to Thailand
 
1. A gentle welcome to your journey
Landing at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), the largest airport in Bangkok, can feel overwhelming at first—especially if it’s your first time in Thailand.

But take a breath.
Everything will make sense when you take it step by step.
Let this be your calm companion as you start your journey.

 
2. After you land – what happens first?
Step 1: Follow the signs

- Look for “Immigration / Visa on Arrival”.
- The airport is spacious, but the signage is clear, and most travelers move in the same direction.
Step 2: Immigration card

- Sometimes handed out on the plane. If not, no worries — you can go directly to immigration.
- Vietnamese passport holders don’t need a visa for up to 30 days. Just bring a valid passport (at least 6 months left).
 
3. At Immigration – what to expect
Join the “Foreign Passport” line
Prepare:

- Your passport
- Return flight ticket (sometimes asked)
- Your hotel/hostel address (print or show on your phone)
🧘 Tip:

- Greet with a soft “Sawasdee kha/krub”
- Immigration officers are usually polite and ask simple questions – just smile and answer confidently
 
4. Picking up your luggage
- After immigration, head to Baggage Claim
- Check the screen for your flight number & belt number
- Make sure you match your luggage tag to avoid confusion
🎒 If you travel with carry-on only — congrats, you're done here!

5. Leaving the arrivals area – what’s next?
Suvarnabhumi has 4 main levels:

Level B1: Airport Rail Link (train)
Level 1: Public buses & taxis
Level 2: Arrivals (where you exit)
Level 4: Departures (for outgoing flights)
🚪 Exit 7 or 8 is common for taxis, SIM card booths, and ATMs.

 
6. What to do first after exiting immigration
✔️ Buy a SIM card

- Look for booths like AIS, DTAC, TrueMove
- Price: ~199–299 baht for 7–10 day tourist SIM
- Just show your passport — staff will insert and activate the SIM for you

✔️ Exchange a small amount of money

Rates at the airport aren’t ideal, so exchange just 500–1000 baht for transport & essentials
For better rates, go to SuperRich in the city

✔️ Pick up a free Bangkok map at the tourist information counter – helpful and simple

 7. How to get from the airport to downtown
🚝 Airport Rail Link

- Fast, clean, cheap (~45 baht)
- Takes you to Phaya Thai BTS station (city center)
- Access via B1 level (underground floor)

🚖 Taxi

- Go to Exit 7, take a ticket from the automated queue machine
- Fares: meter + 50 baht airport fee + tolls
- Licensed, secure, with camera and clear ID info

📱 Grab (Ride-hailing app)

- Works well in Bangkok
- Slightly more expensive than meter taxi, but no queue
 
8. Small things that matter
- Keep your boarding pass and baggage tag until you leave the airport
- No photos allowed in immigration areas or security checkpoints
- Be ready to show proof of hotel booking or return flight (if randomly checked)
- If lost or unsure, ask the green “Information” desk – staff speak English and are helpful
 
9. Estimated costs upon arrival
Item                                                        Estimated Cost
Tourist SIM (7–10 days)                         199–299 baht
Taxi to downtown                                 300–400 baht
Airport Rail Link                                       45 baht
Initial cash exchange                            500–1000 baht
 
Being in a foreign airport, hearing unfamiliar languages, following unfamiliar signs — it can feel like a lot.

But just remember:
You’re allowed to move slowly.
You’re allowed to take your time and find your rhythm.
And sometimes, the journey truly begins the moment your feet touch the ground.

Welcome to Thailand.
You’ve already arrived in more ways than one.