Salaya, where the Thai Film Archive (Public Organization) is located, is a small sub-district of the Phutthamonthon district, Nakhon Pathom province, to the west of Bangkok.
Despite its proximity to Bangkok, Salaya maintains a serene and green small-town atmosphere with a modest cost of living. It is a popular destination for tourists (mostly from Bangkok) who visit on weekends or holidays. Salaya boasts numerous tourist attractions, including naturally chic cafes and restaurants.
Normally, the journey from Bangkok's city center to Salaya typically takes around an hour. However, it's important to note that during rush hours, when traffic is heavy in Bangkok, the journey time may extend beyond the usual duration.
The conditions for entry to Thailand depend on your citizenship. If you are unsure about visa requirements, if we recommend checking the official website of Thailand Electronic Visa (thaievisa.go.th).
- From Suvarnabhumi Airport
You can take an airport taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport at the official taxi desk on Level 1. The price is up to the meter, which is based on the distance and time traveled. However, to Salaya, it should cost around 700 - 800 Baht. Please note that there is an airport surcharge of 50 Baht and 20 Baht for each big luggage and an additional 75 Baht for the highway.
Please ensure taxi meters are used.
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, there is an official Grab Taxi pick-up and drop-off point located at Passenger Terminal, Level 1, Gate 4. (Grab is a popular ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia.) Passengers can request rides from any area within Suvarnabhumi Airport, but they must utilize the designated pick-up and drop-off, to ensure orderliness, convenience, and safety. The pick-up point operates 24 hours a day.
For more information, you can check out Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) transfers - Grab.
- From Don Muang Airport
You can take an airport taxi from Don Muang Airport at the official taxi desk on the 1st floor of Terminal 1 Building, Gate 8, or on the 1st floor of the 7-storey car park building which connects to Domestic Arrivals Hall. To Salaya, it should cost around 600 - 700 Baht. Please note that an airport surcharge of 50 Baht and 20 Baht for each big luggage.
If you want pre-book airport pickup, there are many service providers that you can find on the internet.
Air-conditioned bus No. 515 from Victory Monument to Central Salaya passes by the Thai Film Archive, operating from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For transporting within Salaya, taxis, and ride-hailing platforms are very useful. Or if you want, you can try the motorcycle taxi too.
Salaya is a small town and is not widely marketed for overnight tourists. The accommodation is mostly in small hotels. We will make the recommendation list soon.
The official currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB) available in coins and bills. Bills range from 20 baht, 50 baht, 100 baht, 500 baht, and 1000 baht and coins include baht, 2 baht, 5 baht, and10 baht, as well as smaller denominations called satang. It is advisable to carry smaller bills for convenience. For example, if you pay with a 1000 baht banknote (around 28 euros) for 100 baht street food (around 3 euros), the seller does not have enough change for you.
Electricity is 220 V and 50 Hz. The plug types are C and O.
Major cards like Maestro, MasterCard, and Visa are accepted in larger shops and malls.
Bureaux de change is available at the airport. ATMs here can dispense THB, subject to banking conditions.
Tipping is not mandatory in Thai restaurants and bars. Some large restaurants may have a service charge.
Wifi is available at the Thai Film Archive.
Public hotspots are available in many places (hotels, restaurants, cafés, airports), although you might need to purchase a coffee or food (especially cafes) to get the password.
Data plans can be purchased at the airport or convenience stores.
June is still considered as summer. The visitors can expect high temperatures but should be prepared with a raincoat, as rainfall is at some of its highest levels due to the monsoon season. Daily maximum temperatures remain around 33°C (91.4 °F) throughout June.
Tap water is considered “safe” but not recommended for drinking. Drinking bottled or filtered water is recommended.