Don Mueang International Airport

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is Bangkok's original airport and one of the world's oldest operating commercial airports. Located approximately 24 km north of central Bangkok, it now serves primarily as a low-cost carrier hub, handling over 40 million passengers annually.

The airport has two terminals connected by an elevated walkway:

• Terminal 1: International flights (AirAsia X, Scoot, international Nok Air routes)
• Terminal 2: Domestic flights (AirAsia Thailand, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air)

Both terminals are relatively compact with a straightforward linear design. Unlike Bangkok's newer Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Don Mueang has a more basic, utilitarian feel but offers faster processing times and closer proximity to northern Bangkok neighborhoods.

Key airlines at Don Mueang:

• AirAsia / AirAsia X: Largest operator, serving Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia
• Nok Air: Thai domestic and regional carrier
• Thai Lion Air: Indonesian low-cost carrier's Thai subsidiary
• Scoot: Singapore Airlines' budget carrier
• Thai VietJet Air: Regional low-cost carrier

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Bangkok has two major airports, and understanding which one you need is essential for planning.

Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — 30 km southeast of city center

• Full-service carriers: Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, etc.
• Most international long-haul flights
• Connected to city via Airport Rail Link
• Best for: Premium carriers, Star Alliance connections, transfers to international flights

When to choose DMK over BKK:

• Flying budget carriers (AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air)
• Domestic Thai routes (often 30-50% cheaper than BKK)
• Staying in northern Bangkok (Chatuchak, Mo Chit, Lat Phrao)

Connecting between DMK and BKK:

Method	Time	Cost	Notes
Free shuttle bus	50-75 min	Free	Runs 05:00-24:00, every 30 min
Taxi	45-90 min	THB 300-500	Traffic dependent
Grab	45-90 min	THB 350-600	Surge pricing during peak

Minimum connection time: Allow 4-5 hours between flights at different airports. Traffic between BKK and DMK can be severe, especially during rush hours (07:00-09:00, 17:00-20:00).

Pro tip: The free shuttle bus departs from outside arrivals at both airports. Show your boarding pass or booking confirmation for the connecting flight.

Don Mueang is located 24 km north of central Bangkok, generally closer to downtown than Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for travelers heading to northern Bangkok areas.

Typical travel times:

• Khao San Road: 30-60 minutes by taxi (depending on traffic)
• Sukhumvit (Asok/Nana): 30-50 minutes by taxi
• Chatuchak/Mo Chit: 15-25 minutes by taxi
• Siam/Silom: 35-60 minutes by taxi

Traffic can significantly extend these times. Bangkok rush hours (07:00-09:00 and 17:00-20:00) should be avoided when possible, as journeys can double in duration.

Grab

Grab is the dominant rideshare app in Thailand (Uber exited the market in 2018).

• Pickup location: Designated rideshare area outside arrivals (follow signs)
• Services available: GrabCar, GrabCar Plus, GrabSUV
• Payment: Cash or credit card via app
• Booking: Book via Grab app before exiting arrivals

Destination	Fare Estimate	Time
Khao San Road	THB 250-400	30-60 min
Sukhumvit (Asok)	THB 200-350	30-50 min
Siam	THB 200-350	35-60 min
Mo Chit/Chatuchak	THB 100-180	15-25 min
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)	THB 350-600	45-90 min

Note: Grab prices surge during peak hours and rain. Check the estimate before booking.

Meter Taxi

Licensed meter taxis queue outside the arrivals hall at both terminals.

How to get a taxi:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Public Taxi"
2. Get a queue ticket from the automated kiosk
3. Match your ticket number to the taxi
4. Confirm the driver will use the meter ("Meter, kha/khrap")

Destination	Fare Estimate	Time
Khao San Road	THB 200-350	30-60 min
Sukhumvit (Asok)	THB 180-300	30-50 min
Siam	THB 180-300	35-60 min
Mo Chit/Chatuchak	THB 80-150	15-25 min

Additional costs:

• Airport surcharge: THB 50 (added to meter fare)
• Expressway tolls: THB 25-75 (paid separately, highly recommended)
• Luggage: No extra charge

Tips:

• Always insist on the meter. Some drivers may quote flat rates that are significantly higher.
• Expressway tolls are worthwhile to avoid ground-level traffic
• Small denominations (THB 20, 50, 100) help with change
• Download Grab as backup if drivers refuse meter

Don Mueang does not have a direct rail connection like Suvarnabhumi, but bus options are available.

Airport Bus (A1, A2, A3, A4)

Airport buses connect Don Mueang to BTS and MRT stations.

A1 Bus to Mo Chit BTS/Chatuchak:

1. Exit arrivals and find the bus stop outside Terminal 1 or 2
2. Take A1 bus to Mo Chit BTS station (30-45 min, THB 30)
3. Transfer to BTS Skytrain or MRT subway

A2 Bus to Victory Monument:

• Route: DMK to Victory Monument BTS
• Fare: THB 30
• Duration: 40-60 min
• Useful for: Connections to BTS system, hotels near Victory Monument

A3 Bus to Lumphini Park:

• Route: DMK to Lumphini Park (Silom area)
• Fare: THB 50
• Duration: 60-90 min

A4 Bus to Khao San Road:

• Route: DMK to Khao San Road (backpacker area)
• Fare: THB 50
• Duration: 60-90 min

Operating hours: 07:00-23:00 approximately, every 20-30 minutes.

Connecting to BTS/MRT

From Don Mueang, the most practical public transit route is:

1. Take A1 bus to Mo Chit BTS station (THB 30, 30-45 min)
2. Transfer to BTS Skytrain
3. Use BTS to reach Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom, etc.

From Mo Chit BTS to	BTS Time	Fare
Siam	15 min	THB 44
Asok (Sukhumvit)	10 min	THB 37
Saphan Taksin (river ferries)	25 min	THB 52

Note: The planned Don Mueang railway station (Red Line extension) will eventually provide direct rail service to the city. Check current status as construction timelines vary.

Don Mueang offers parking facilities for travelers driving to the airport.

Terminal Parking

Zone	Location	Rate
Zone A	Near Terminal 1	THB 100/hour, max THB 500/day
Zone B	Near Terminal 2	THB 80/hour, max THB 400/day
Long-term (Zone C)	Shuttle required	THB 150/day

• First 15 minutes free for drop-off
• Covered parking available in Zones A and B
• 24-hour security
• Online pre-booking not widely available; pay at exit

Don Mueang's food options are basic compared to Suvarnabhumi but adequate for budget travelers.

Terminal 1 (International)

Landside (before security):

• Magic Food Point: Food court on 4th floor with Thai dishes (THB 50-100)
• Amazon Cafe: Coffee and pastries
• McDonald's: Familiar fast food

Airside (after security):

• Duty Free food shops: Snacks and packaged goods
• Coffee shops: Limited options
• Convenience stores: 7-Eleven for snacks

Terminal 2 (Domestic)

Landside:

• Food court: Thai and international options (THB 50-120)
• Chester's Grill: Thai fast-food chain
• Cafe Amazon: Coffee chain

Airside:

• Limited dining; eat before passing security

Budget tip: The food courts in both terminals offer authentic Thai food at reasonable prices. Try pad thai, khao man gai (chicken rice), or tom yum soup.

Free WiFi is available throughout Don Mueang Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	.@AirportFreeWiFi or DONMUEANGAirport_Free_WiFi
Registration	Phone number or social media login
Time limit	2 hours (re-register for more)
Speed	Moderate; suitable for messaging and basic browsing

For faster connections, purchase a local SIM card or use lounge WiFi.

Thai SIM cards are widely available and affordable. Getting connected at the airport is straightforward.

Airport Locations

SIM card counters are located in the arrivals halls of both terminals:

• AIS (green): Thailand's largest network
• DTAC (blue): Good coverage, competitive prices
• TrueMove H (red): Popular with tourists

Pricing

Provider	Tourist SIM	Data	Validity
AIS	THB 299	15 GB + unlimited at 384 kbps	8 days
DTAC	THB 299	15 GB	8 days
TrueMove H	THB 299	15 GB	8 days
AIS (longer)	THB 599	30 GB	15 days

What you need:

• Passport (required for registration)
• THB 200-600 depending on package

Tips:

• All three networks have good coverage in Bangkok and tourist areas
• AIS generally has the best coverage nationwide
• SIM cards work immediately after activation
• Staff will help insert and activate the SIM
• Top-up available at any 7-Eleven

ATMs are available throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures.

Currency

• Thailand: Thai Baht (THB)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 34-35 THB, 1 EUR = 37-38 THB

ATM Locations

ATMs from major Thai banks are located near arrivals exits:

• Bangkok Bank (blue)
• Kasikorn Bank (green)
• SCB (purple)
• Krungsri (yellow)

ATM fees: Most Thai ATMs charge THB 220 (approximately USD 6) per foreign card withdrawal. This is unavoidable at any Thai ATM.

Currency Exchange

Exchange booths are located in arrivals halls. SuperRich (orange or green signs) typically offers better rates than airport bank counters.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw from ATMs using a debit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Exchange in the city at SuperRich outlets (Siam, Asok) for better rates
• Thailand is increasingly card-friendly, especially in Bangkok
• Wise or Revolut cards minimize exchange rate markups

Tip: Bring some USD or EUR cash for backup. Exchange rates at airport SuperRich are better than most countries' exchange services.

Don Mueang has limited shopping compared to Suvarnabhumi, focused on essentials and basic duty-free.

Duty-Free

King Power Duty Free operates shops in both terminals:

• Alcohol and tobacco (significant savings for outbound travelers)
• Cosmetics and perfume
• Thai souvenirs and snacks

Terminal Shopping

• 7-Eleven: Multiple locations, snacks, toiletries, basic medicines
• Boots: Pharmacy and cosmetics
• Thai souvenir shops: Dried fruits, Thai snacks, silk products
• King Power downtown: Pre-order online for airport pickup (better selection)

Tips:

• Don Mueang's duty-free selection is limited; BKK has far more options
• Thai snacks (dried mango, coconut rolls, Tom Yum chips) make good souvenirs
• Negotiate at non-fixed-price shops

Don Mueang has fewer lounges than Suvarnabhumi, but several options exist for travelers seeking comfort.

Coral Executive Lounge

Location: Terminal 1 (International), Departure Level

• Access: Priority Pass, paid entry (THB 900-1,100)
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Buffet food, drinks, WiFi, showers
• Quality: Basic but functional; can get crowded

Miracle Lounge

Location: Terminal 1 (International), Departure Level

• Access: Priority Pass, various airline partnerships, paid entry
• Hours: 24 hours
• Amenities: Hot food, beverages, WiFi, seating areas
• Quality: Standard airport lounge, comfortable seating

The Coral First Class Lounge

Location: Terminal 1 (International)

• Access: Business/First class passengers, paid entry
• Amenities: Premium food, spa services, private areas
• Quality: Better than standard Coral Lounge

Pay-Per-Entry

Most lounges offer day passes for THB 800-1,200 (USD 23-35). Book via:

• Priority Pass app
• LoungeBuddy
• Directly at lounge reception

Note: Terminal 2 (Domestic) has very limited lounge options. Nok Air operates a small lounge for premium passengers.

Several hotels are located near Don Mueang, though none are directly connected to the terminal.

At/Near the Airport

Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok

• 500 meters from Terminal 1 (free shuttle)
• 4-star, full-service hotel
• Pool, restaurants, fitness center
• From THB 2,500/night (USD 70)

Ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai (not at airport)

• Located near Khao San Road
• Budget-friendly option if continuing to city

Budget Options Near Airport

• Vince Hotel Pratunam: 20 min by taxi, central location, from THB 1,000/night
• Sleep Box by Miracle: Transit hotel inside Terminal 1, capsule beds from THB 300/2 hours
• Refill Now: Near airport, budget hostel, from THB 400/night

Transit/Rest Options

Sleep Box by Miracle (Terminal 1):

• Capsule-style rest pods
• Rates: THB 300 for 2 hours, THB 500 for 4 hours
• Showers available
• Book at the counter in Terminal 1 departures

Tip: For early morning flights, staying near the airport saves stress. For late arrivals, consider staying in the city and using Grab to the airport.

Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant cities, offering temples, street food, nightlife, and endless shopping. Don Mueang's location in northern Bangkok provides convenient access to several attractions.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time from DMK	Route
Chatuchak Weekend Market	20-30 min	Taxi or A1 bus to Mo Chit
Grand Palace	40-70 min	Taxi or A1 + BTS + boat
Khao San Road	35-60 min	A4 bus or taxi
Sukhumvit (shopping, nightlife)	35-60 min	A1 + BTS or taxi
Siam (malls)	40-60 min	A1 + BTS or taxi
Wat Arun	50-80 min	Taxi or transit + ferry

Bangkok Highlights

Temples:

• Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Thailand's most sacred temple, dress code enforced
• Wat Pho: Reclining Buddha, traditional Thai massage school
• Wat Arun: Temple of Dawn, riverside landmark

Markets & Shopping:

• Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world's largest markets (Sat-Sun)
• Siam area: MBK, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld malls
• Pratunam: Wholesale clothing markets

Food & Nightlife:

• Yaowarat (Chinatown): Street food paradise, especially at night
• Sukhumvit: Restaurants, rooftop bars, nightclubs
• Khao San Road: Backpacker hub, budget food and drinks

Don Mueang vs. Suvarnabhumi Location Tips

DMK is more convenient for:

• Chatuchak Market (15-25 min)
• Northern Bangkok hotels (Mo Chit, Lat Phrao, Ratchada)
• Avoiding Sukhumvit/Silom traffic from the east

BKK is more convenient for:

• Sukhumvit hotels (via Airport Rail Link)
• Eastern Bangkok
• Direct rail to city center

Bangkok Essentials

• Currency: Thai Baht (THB). Cards accepted at malls and restaurants; cash needed for street food and markets
• Language: Thai; English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated (THB 20-50 for good service)
• Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees for temples
• Scams: Avoid tuk-tuk drivers offering "special deals" to gem shops or tailors

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Taxi to Chatuchak Market (weekends) or a quick temple visit
• 6-hour layover: Add Khao San Road area or a riverside temple
• 8+ hour layover: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, riverside lunch, return via express boat

Day Trips from Bangkok

• Ayutthaya: 1.5 hours north, UNESCO ancient temples (easy from DMK)
• Floating markets: Damnoen Saduak (2 hours) or Amphawa (1.5 hours, weekends)
• Khao Yai National Park: 3 hours northeast, hiking and wildlife