The Rough Guide to Bangkok International Airport

Bangkok international airport Suvarnabhumi (BKK), also unofficially known as Bangkok Airport, is an important gateway for travel to the capital of Thailand Bangkok. It also serves as a connecting point for various foreign carriers, therefore, The Rough Guide to Bangkok International Airport can help when your flight is transited to this airport sometime in the future.

1. Introduction about Suvarnabhumi Airport (or Bangkok International Airport)

Suvarnabhumi airport, located around 30 km from the city center, is one of the biggest airport constructions in the world. It was officially opened in September 2006. Currently, this airport handles over 60 million passengers annually, which ranks it among the busiest airports in Southeast Asia. There is one more international airport in Bangkok, named Don Muang, budget airlines often use it instead of Suvarnabhumi.

Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport

2. Bangkok International arrivals guide

Suvarnabhumi airport is a large but modern and well- organized airport, it is not difficult for the first time travelers to get through immigration and reach the destination. Bellow information help you to be more clear about the procedure on arrival at the airport.
Immigration:
Once you reach Immigration, you’ll see that there are separate queuing areas for Thais and Foreigners. Foreign counters will often have hundreds of people waiting. You will need it to fill in an immigration card upon arrival, which will be handed out on the plane. Therefore, it is a good idea for you to prepare a pen in hand luggage. When you finally reach the front of the queue, you’ll need to hand over your Passport and Arrival card and stare into a webcam. It can take more than 60 minutes from landing to clearing customs. Be aware of this amount of time if you need to book a connecting flight.
Tip: If you need to go to the toilet, do it before the queue. There’s no point being in the queue for 30 mins, then leave for the toilet.
Baggage claim:
Baggage Claim at Suvarnabhumi Airport is directly behind the Immigration counters. Check your carousel number on one of the large overhead screens and then go and get your bag.
Getting out:
When you leave the airport, there is 24 hours’ taxi service on the first floor at gate 4 and gate 7. Remember to ask the taxi driver to turn on the meter and you need to pay an extra 50 baht for the airport fee. Depending on where you are going, the price should be less than 500 baht to the center of Bangkok. A cheaper option is the train. The Airport Rail Link City Line leaves every 15 minutes, takes 25 minutes for the whole distance because it makes 6 stops in between, and costs 45 baht per person.

Airport Lounge at Suvarnabhumi International Bangkok Airport

3. Things to do on a layover at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The minimum connection time set for International to International transfers is 55 min. Thai airways would not sell you a ticket with shorter connection time. If you feel bored, there are a variety of things to do at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Below are things you can do on a layover at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Shopping:
Pass your time by shopping for friends and family in duty-free shops. They provide a wide range of cosmetics, perfumes, alcohol, clothes, tobacco…with affordable price.
Eating:
If shopping is not your passion, you may like eating at a restaurant here. There is a number of restaurants and bars from Thai food to international restaurants at the airport.

Food Court In Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International airport

Getting a Thai massage:
Aside from shopping and eating, try a Thai massage, it helps to release the stress of long-haul travel. Chang Massage and Spa & The Miracle Transit Hotel are among the best options. They offer a range of services, including express and hour-long massage options, manicures and pedicures, facial treatments, aromatherapy, and more.
Relaxing in an airport lounge:
For a quieter and more private space, you can use the airport lounge. To gain entry, purchase a one-time pass online, or use a lounge membership program. There, you can use strong wifi, enjoy tasty food, and relax.
Surf the Internet:
Do not want to spend your money paying for the airport lounge, you can use free wifi to surf the internet. The time limitation for each device is 2hours. If you don’t have a mobile device, look for one of the 100+ internet kiosks in the airport that offer free internet.
Sleeping:
If you have long transit time and want some sleep, you can find spots to sleep. The Observation Deck on the 7th Floor, seats near the Subway and 7-Eleven on B Floor, the area around the prayer room in the International Zone, and the basement between Doors 7-10 are good for sleeping. It can get loud and cold, depending on your spot, so bring a sweater or blanket and earplugs. If you do not mind paying some cash for a good sleep, you can choose some hotel at the airport like the Miracle Transit Hotel (Concourse G, 4th Floor) and the Boxtel (Airport Link, Basement Floor)

Miracle Transit Hotel at Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International airport

Hope that The Rough Guide to Bangkok International Airport makes your trip to Thailand more enjoyable. If you do not know where to eat, what to do in Thailand when in Thailand, you can contact us and one of our travel consultants will be able to help.

Jenny Tran

(Image Source: Internet)