Planning your trip to Bangkok, Thailand

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, nonstop service to Bangkok is offered on Thai Airways, and connecting service (change of planes) is available on All Nippon, Asiana, China Airlines, China Eastern, Cathay Pacific, EVA, JAL and Northwest. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $797.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 66 (the country code for Thailand), 2 (the area code) and the local number.

GOOD TO KNOW

Look for lower hotel rates from April to June, the hot off-peak season in Bangkok.

There are other, less pricey places to stay in Bangkok. Here are some of my favorites:

Buddy Boutique Hotel, 265 Khaosan Road; 629-4477, www.buddylodge.com, a cheerful, well-kept budget classic on touristy Khaosan with a rooftop pool and restaurant. Doubles start at $64.

Holiday Inn Bangkok, 971 Ploenchit Road; 656-1555, www.holiday-inn.com, recently had a chic redo that makes it a terrific mid-range choice in busy Erawan, plus there’s a small outdoor pool. Doubles start around $116.

Metropolitan, 27 S. Sathorn Road; 625-3333, www.metropolitan.como.bz, a stylish spot with huge rooms (some of them duplex) and an attractive pool, holistic spa and chic bar in the heart of the Sathorn Road business district. Doubles start around $180.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport, 131-1111, www.novotel.com, has a palatial lobby, well-appointed rooms and a beautiful swimming pool. It’s within walking distance of Bangkok’s new international airport. Doubles from $97.

TO LEARN MORE

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); (323) 461 9814, www.tourismthailand.org.