The airport arrival playbook

The fastest and cheapest way to your hotel

The step-by-step game plan for your first night in Bangkok

Immigration: Follow the crowd, take the train from the satellite terminal to the main terminal. Walk to immigration. Show a screenshot of your TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) and your Passport. Be prepared to show a screenshot of your return flight booking too (just in case). Place your fingers on the scanner and look into the officer’s webcam (for a photo). Welcome to Thailand. Savvy travelers with only hand luggage can speed up the process by booking a Fast Track immigration service: this will get you through the first-class queue quickly (only 5–10 minutes instead of up to an hour).

Ignorance: Ignore the bank booth at the luggage belt: scam rates! Ignore the bag scanner at the exit door (not mandatory). Ignore the SIM card shops (not needed). And ignore the drivers offering you a ride (scammers).

Wi-Fi: Connect to the free airport Wi-Fi.

Data: Turn on your prepaid eSIM.

Go down: Lowest floor (elevator, escalator).

Exchange cash: There are three bank booths: Superrich, Happy Rich and Kasikorn. While brainwashed influencers constantly tell you lies about Superrich having the best exchange rates, the truth is all three have the exact same offers. You need to show your passport to exchange money. They usually give some smaller notes too so you can …

Buy an Airport Rail Link ticket: Close to the bank booths are ticket vending machines with touch screens. Press "English" and then "Makkasan". Price: 35 Baht ($1). 100 baht in, 65 baht out. The machine gives you a black token. Use it to pass the gate. Go down. Enter the train.

Exit the train at Makkasan station: Interchange to Bangkok’s subway system, the MRT. Station name: Petchaburi. Buy a ticket to wherever your hotel is (check Google Maps).

Walk to your hotel: Visit a 7-Eleven before checking in. Buy everyday essentials such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, chewing gum, sunscreen, water, and beer (available only between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to midnight/might change).

Check-in: Say "Sawatdee kap" (hello), show your passport, and be nice.

Go down: lowest floor (elevator, escalator).

Exchange cash: There are three bank booths: Superrich, Happy Rich and Kasikorn. While brainwashed influencers constantly tell you lies about Superrich having the best exchange rates, the truth is all three have the exact same offers. You need to show your passport to exchange money. They usually give some smaller notes too so you can …

Go back up to Level 1: Grab or taxi. Expect something like 300-500 baht. Grab is always better because almost all of Thailand’s taxi drivers are constantly trying to scam you. After too many bad experiences, I will never take a taxi or a tuk-tuk again.

Walk to your hotel: Visit a 7-Eleven before checking in. Buy everyday essentials such as deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, chewing gum, sunscreen, water, original Thai Red Bull, and beer (available only between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to midnight/might change).

Check-in: Say "Sawatdee kap" (hello), show your passport, and be nice.

Sleep.

Security: Put all your valuables in the in-room safety box.

Power Up: Once you're at your accommodation, plug in all your devices. Seriously, charging your phone is priority #1.

Shower: Self-explanatory.

Hydrate: Grab a big bottle of water (usually the hotel gives you two complimentary bottles per day). Bangkok heat is no joke, and you’ll dehydrate fast.

Drink the original Thai Red Bull: It’s a little jet lag killer.

Pool: Go for a refreshing swim, get some sun, and relax until 5 pm.

Shower again: Self-explanatory.

Drink a beer: Your first Bangkok evening awaits you.

Sunset at 6 pm: Go for a walk in Benjakitti Park, Benjasiri Park, or Lumphini Park.

First Food Mission: Don't stress about finding the "best" place. Head to a nearby street food stall or a small local restaurant. Point to what looks good. Don't be afraid to try new things. My first meal is always Pad Kra Pao (stir-fried basil with meat), Khao Kha Moo (pork leg with rice), and a Leo beer. Absolute winners. Tip near Asok: Pier 21 food court in the Terminal 21 mall.

Rooftop bar: Watch Bangkok from above. Tip: Octave (Marriott, BTS Thong Lor).

Live music: Walk to one of the crazy areas. The area around Nana, Asok and Soi Cowboy. Grab a beer at one of the live music bars. Tip. Otto at Sukhumvit Soi 22.

Neon Lights: Visit the famous gogo bars. Tips: Crazy House (Soi Cowboy), Billboard & Geisha (Nana Plaza).

Sleep: Take a shower, drink a bottle of water, and don’t forget the “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Wake up: If you don’t want to miss the hotel’s breakfast.

Park or Pool: Swim, run, exercise, and get some sun. The jet lag should be gone.

Start your itinerary.