Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING THERE & AWAY
Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at lonelyplanet.com/bookings.
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO2, the main cause of human-induced climate
change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than most
cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO2) and particles also
contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate
the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to off set the impact of the
greenhouse gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world.
Lonely Planet off sets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
Entering the Country
Entry procedures for Thailand, by air or by land, are straightforward: you'll have to show your passport and you'll need
to present completed arrival and departure cards. Blank arrival and departure cards are usually distributed on the incom-
ing flight or, if you're arriving by land, can be picked up at the immigration counter.
You do not have to fill in a customs form on arrival unless you have imported goods to declare. In that case, get the
form from Thai customs officials at your point of entry. There can also be minimum funds requirements.
Air
Airports
Bangkok is Thailand's primary international and domestic gateway. Smaller airports throughout the country serve do-
mestic and sometimes inter-regional routes.
Suvarnabhumi International Airport
(BKK; 0 2132 1888;
www.bangkokairportonline.com
) Receives nearly all
international flights and most domestic flights. It is located in Samut Prakan, 30km east of Bangkok and 110km from
Pattaya. The airport name is pronounced
sù·wan·ná·poom.
Don Muang International Airport
(DMK; 0 2535 1111;
www.donmuangairportonline.com
) Bangkok's second air-
port is used for domestic flights operated by Nok Air, Air Asia and Orient Thai (formerly One-Two-Go).
Phuket International Airport
( 0 7632 7230;
www.phuketairportonline.com
)
International destinations include
Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and several Chinese cities on Air Asia. Air Asia also flies to Abu Dhabi. Direct
charter flights from Europe are also available.
Ko Samui Airport
(USM;
www.samuiairportonline.com
) International Asian destinations include Hong Kong, Singa-
pore and Kuala Lumpur.
