Before you go · Bangkok
Bangkok essentials
The practical things worth knowing before you arrive, checked against official sources on 22 October 2026. Entry rules change: always check the official sources before you travel.
Updated October 2026
The 30-day visa exemption and the arrival card (checked 22 October 2026)
From 15 September 2026, visitors entering Thailand under the visa-exemption scheme are given 30 days (Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thailand page). Which nationalities qualify, and for how long, is set by the Thai authorities: check the Royal Thai Embassy in your country before you travel.
All passengers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online, within three days before their arrival date. Use only the official site, tdac.immigration.go.th, which charges no fee; look-alike sites charge for the same form (Immigration Bureau).
From the airports
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Airport Rail Link runs from under the terminal to Phaya Thai, with interchanges with the MRT and the BTS. Don Mueang, the second airport, is on the SRT Red Line. Both airports are run by Airports of Thailand.
Skytrain, metro, river and taxis
The BTS Skytrain and the MRT are the quickest way across the city at rush hour. The Chao Phraya Express Boat runs along the river, with piers for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chinatown and the riverside hotels; small ferries cross between the banks. Grab and Bolt book cars by app.
Visiting temples and palaces
Temples are places of worship. Cover your shoulders and knees, take your shoes off before entering a hall, speak quietly, and never point your feet towards an image of the Buddha. The Grand Palace has a strict dress code and closes at short notice for ceremonies: check royalgrandpalace.th before you go. Thai law protects the monarchy; be respectful in what you say and post.
When to go
Bangkok has a cooler, drier season around the end of the year, a hot season before the rains, and a rainy season with heavy afternoon downpours. The Andaman and Gulf islands have different seasons; see our Thai Islands guide.
Health and emergencies
Call 191 for the police and 1155 for the Tourist Police (thailand.go.th), and 1669 for medical emergencies (Smartraveller, the Australian government’s travel advice). TAT’s call centre for visitors is 1672. Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital and Samitivej have international departments. Carry travel insurance that covers medical costs.
Questions and answers
Do I need a visa for Bangkok?
Many nationalities can enter under the visa-exemption scheme, which gives 30 days since 15 September 2026. Check the rules for your nationality with the Royal Thai Embassy before you travel.
What is the TDAC?
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card, which every passenger must complete online within three days before arrival, on tdac.immigration.go.th. The official site charges no fee.
How do I get from Suvarnabhumi to the city?
Take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, or Makkasan for the MRT, or book a car by app.
What should I wear to the Grand Palace?
Cover your shoulders and knees; no shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops.
Entry rules change, sometimes at short notice. Check with the Royal Thai Embassy and tdac.immigration.go.th before you travel.