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Join COAP in Bangkok for a celebration of Thai military aviation, combining three days at the Royal Thai Air Force’s 90th Anniversary Air Show with a visit to its national aviation museum.
Taking place at Don Mueang Air Force Base from 22–24 January, the anniversary event offers an opportunity to photograph Thai military aviation in its home environment, alongside the international participation being advertised by the organisers. For photographers looking to broaden their portfolios beyond the familiar European airshow circuit, this promises a distinctive start to the year.
Our visit is built around all three public show days. This gives us time to become familiar with the layout, explore the available photographic positions and return to subjects as the programme and conditions allow. It also provides flexibility if weather, visibility or operational requirements affect individual displays.
COAP is working directly with the event team to explore additional photographic opportunities for our group. These arrangements remain under discussion and will be communicated once agreed. The core trip is attendance at the public anniversary event; any additional access will be subject to the organisers’ approval, security requirements and operational commitments.
Before the show, we plan to visit the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force. Its collection provides an introduction to the country’s aviation heritage and an opportunity to photograph preserved aircraft that are rarely encountered on the European museum circuit.
With five nights at one Bangkok hotel, planned private group transfers and the support of a COAP Tour Manager, the itinerary keeps the focus on the aviation while allowing an easier arrival day after the overnight journey from the UK.
Planned highlights
Three days at the Royal Thai Air Force’s 90th Anniversary Air Show.
Photography of Thai military aviation and the event’s international participants, subject to the final programme.
A visit to the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force.
Additional photographic access being explored directly with the event team.
Five nights at one Bangkok hotel.
Planned private transfers for the airport, museum and show visits.
COAP Tour Manager support throughout the group itinerary.
Aircraft participation, flying displays, access and daily timings remain subject to confirmation and change.
Twin Room Sharing (2 people per room): £1095pp (land only, flights not included)
Single Room (one person per room ): £1395pp (land only, flights not included)
All dates refer to local time. Flight details, hotel arrangements, daily departure times and event access will be confirmed in the final joining instructions.
Tuesday 19 January - Depart the UK
Depart the UK for Bangkok on the planned afternoon or evening flight routing, travelling overnight.
Wednesday 20 January - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok and meet our local transfer service for the journey to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is deliberately relaxed, allowing time to check in and recover from the overnight flight. Depending on arrival time, there may be an opportunity to find something to eat locally before an informal group briefing.
Thursday 21 January - Royal Thai Air Force Museum
Private transfer takes us to the National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force in the Don Mueang area.
The visit provides an introduction to Thai aviation history ahead of the anniversary celebrations, with time to explore and photograph the aircraft and exhibits at a comfortable pace. Expect a mixture of indoor and outdoor photography, with different lighting conditions across the collection.
Friday 22 January - Anniversary Air Show: Day One
An early departure is planned for Don Mueang Air Force Base and our first day at the anniversary event.
After completing the applicable admission and security procedures, we will familiarise ourselves with the public event layout and the photographic opportunities available. The day will follow the published programme, balancing flying activity with static subjects and other accessible displays.
Saturday 23 January - Anniversary Air Show: Day Two
Return to Don Mueang for a second full day at the celebrations.
Having established the layout on Friday, we can refine our photographic plans, revisit subjects and make the most of the opportunities available that day. Attending across the weekend allows us to respond to changes in the programme, light and conditions, although aircraft appearances and repeat displays cannot be guaranteed.
Sunday 24 January - Anniversary Air Show: Day Three
Our final planned day at the anniversary event provides another opportunity to photograph the flying programme and accessible ground displays.
Monday 25 January - Return to the UK
Check out and transfer to the appropriate Bangkok airport for the return journey. UK arrival will depend on the final flight routing and schedule. The confirmed arrival date and time will be stated in the joining instructions.
The order and timing of activities may change in response to the organisers’ programme, traffic, weather, security arrangements or operational requirements. Any additional access arranged through COAP may require changes to the outline above.
The event and our access
Our itinerary includes planned attendance on all three days of the Royal Thai Air Force’s 90th Anniversary Air Show at Don Mueang Air Force Base. This is primarily a public event. Unless specifically confirmed by COAP, guests should expect to photograph from the areas available to public visitors.
We are working with the event team on additional opportunities for the group. Restricted-area access, dedicated photographic enclosures, early entry, flightline visits, aircraft positioning and exclusive sessions are not confirmed at this stage.
Any agreed access may involve advance registration, identity checks, escorts and restrictions on equipment or photography. Final instructions will be issued when available.
Aircraft and flying programme
The organisers are advertising Thai and international participation. The final aircraft list, display schedule and daily appearances remain subject to change. An aircraft appearing in promotional material does not necessarily mean it will fly on every day or be accessible for close-up photography. Operational commitments, serviceability, weather and security requirements can affect participation.
Hotel & Travel
The plan is to use one Bangkok hotel for all five nights, with private group transfers for the airport journeys, museum visit and three show days.
Hotel details snd the precise transfer provision will be confirmed with the booking information.
On show days, the permitted vehicle drop-off point may be some distance from the entrance or photographic areas. Event shuttles or walking may be required, and immediate access to the group vehicle during the day should not be assumed.
This is a Land-only package (Flights are not included). Flights may be booked through H-C Travele or you may choose to arrnage your own flights. Arrival and departure times must fit the group’s airport transfers times.
Do not book independent flights until COAP has confirmed that the trip is proceeding and approved your proposed timings.
Pace, walking and accessibility
Expect early starts and full days at a busy public airshow. Walking between entrances, security points, static displays and viewing areas may be necessary, together with periods of standing or queuing.
The final site layout, walking distances, seating and availability of shade have not yet been confirmed.
Please speak to COAP before booking if you have reduced mobility, tire easily or require regular seated breaks. We can then discuss your needs against the arrangements available.
Photography and lenses
A versatile camera setup will be useful for a programme combining museum exhibits, static aircraft and flying displays.
Suggested equipment includes:
- A wide-angle or standard zoom for museum interiors, larger aircraft and general event scenes.
- A telephoto zoom for flying displays; approximately 100–400mm or 100–500mm is a useful starting range.
- Additional reach if already part of your usual kit, recognising that the best focal length will depend on the viewing position.
- Spare batteries, sufficient memory cards and a practical backup method.
- Lens cloths, a rain cover and a comfortable camera strap or harness.
These are general suggestions rather than requirements. We will provide more specific guidance once the viewing arrangements are known.
Heat haze may affect longer-distance photography. Carrying a manageable amount of equipment will make the full show days more comfortable.
Equipment restrictions and security
Camera-bag limits and rules covering long lenses, tripods, monopods, stools, umbrellas, food and drinks will be advised once published or confirmed by the organisers.
Please avoid purchasing equipment specifically for the event until any relevant restrictions are known.
Follow all instructions from security staff and military personnel. Photograph only where permitted, particularly when moving around the base or taking part in any escorted activity.
Do not bring a drone for use during the group programme.
Weather and clothing
Prepare for warm conditions, strong sunshine and extended periods outdoors. Lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen are sensible essentials.
A lightweight waterproof and camera cover are also worth carrying. An extra layer can be useful in air-conditioned vehicles and indoor spaces.
Carry drinking water where the event rules permit, and use opportunities for refreshments and rest throughout the day.
Passports and entry requirements
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and personal circumstances.
British citizen passport holders should check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office guidance and Royal Thai Embassy requirements before travel. Your passport should have at least six months’ validity remaining on arrival, together with the required blank pages. Eligible British tourists can currently make a short visit under Thailand’s visa exemption arrangements, subject to the applicable conditions. Requirements must be checked again before departure.
Keep your accommodation details and return or onward travel confirmation available for immigration checks.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Travellers covered by Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card requirement must complete the TDAC online within the three days before arrival.
Use the official Thai Immigration website: https://tdac.immigration.go.th
The TDAC is free and is separate from any visa requirement. Complete it using your confirmed flight and accommodation details.
Travel insurance and health
Arrange travel insurance covering Thailand, the full journey and your planned activities. Declare relevant medical conditions and check the cover for medical treatment, cancellation and valuable camera equipment.
Review travel-health advice well before departure and discuss any vaccination or medication questions with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Bring sufficient regular medication in its original packaging and check whether any medicine requires permission or supporting documentation for entry into Thailand.
Pack insect repellent alongside your sun protection. Anyone with a respiratory condition should also consider Bangkok’s potential air-quality issues when planning for long outdoor days.
Money, meals and personal spending
Thailand’s currency is the Thai baht, THB. Carry a suitable payment card and some local cash for smaller purchases.
Guests should allow for personal food, drinks and incidental spending.
Time difference and communications
Bangkok is seven hours ahead of the UK in January.
Check your mobile provider’s roaming charges before travel. Keep the hotel address, Tour Manager’s contact details and daily meeting arrangements accessible offline.
Any group messaging arrangements will be advised before departure.
Local requirements
Follow local laws and respect instructions at military premises and visitor attractions.
Vapes and electronic cigarettes are prohibited in Thailand and should not be brought on the trip.
Final joining instructions
Before departure, COAP will issue the confirmed travel details, hotel information, meeting arrangements, registration requirements, equipment restrictions and the latest event programme. Please read these carefully, as they will supersede the outline information above.
