Do I really need to be at the International Airport in Bangkok 2 hours before departure (per USA standards) for a flight to Luang Prabang? I'm still trying to squeeze in a whirlwind taste of Bangkok by staying in town overnight.

I think the standard is 90 minutes.

No matter where you're going, you have to get through immigration, which can take anywhere from 5 minutes to half an hour, depending on the time of day, etc. Bangkok Airway's gates are mostly at the far end of Terminal 2, downstairs.

With traffic to the airport another big unknown (I've spent anywhere from 20 minutes to 2+ hours to get there) it's never a good idea to try and make it to the airport at the last minute.

i always allow it....most gates are bus gates to LP....bkk air often takes off early too....never late, unless very late...

OK, I'll be a good girl and get there in ample time. For an 11:40 flight I guess I should arrive at 9 or 9:15 which means leaving Bangkok by 8:15 am on a Sunday am. Thanks for setting me straight. Is one neighborhood in Bangkok more airport accessable than others?

The 90 minutes or two hours allows timw for immigration. So even being generous and giving yourself 2 hours at the airport means you should arrive at 9:40 for an 11:40 flight. On a Sunday morning you'll have less traffic than usual. I'd guess you could get there in 45 minutes, which means leaving about 9. I always ask at the hotel how much time to allow, since they know the taffic patterns well.

Good suggesion Kathy. thanks

on a sunday i have made it from the airport to town (marriott riverside) in less than 25 minutes at 4PM, but that can vary....there will be less traffic...

the area around sukhumvit with low number like 2 and four are easy access to the expressway....this menas hotels like the jw marriott, landmark, sheraton grande and westin, plus the majestic grande....this might also include the holiday inn bangkok on plenochit and the intercontinental...