On the outskirts of town, this district lies approximately 20 kilometres north of downtown Bangkok. Bounded by Pathum Thani province and Nonthaburi Province, it is best known for being home to the city's former international airport, Don Muang (now officially spelt Don Mueang). Its long history of commercial aviation dating back to 1924 ended in late 2006 when the new airport, Suvarnabhumi, opened to great fanfare. However, while Don Muang Airport may have had its heyday - it once handled around 38 million passengers each year - it and the surrounding area is by no means history.

For starters, the old airport has been redeployed. Since March 24, 2007, some domestic flights have been operating out of Don Muang (Thai Airways, Nok Air and One 2 Go airlines are using it for some flights). This looks set to be a long-term arrangement while teething problems continue to be ironed out at Suvarnabhumi. Then, beyond helping out Bangkok's problem-riddled new airport, there are the area's other qualities: the nearby IMPACT convention centre and arena, the Muang Thong Thani satellite city, several shopping malls and golf courses.

An inheritance from its past as international travel hub are the many hotels here. Today these offer great value for overnight stopovers if you're due to catch an onward domestic flight. In addition, lots of expressways means it's a fast, convenient gateway to areas like Lad Phrao and Chatuchak (and downtown Bangkok), and Rangsit in the north. All things considered, you're unlikely to head to Don Muang for beauty, but if you're happy to stay on the outskirts of town you may be grateful for its practicality.