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Review of airports, Bangkok

An ongoing series reviewing airports around the world.

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi   9/20

11th September 2016
 

Straight off the plane-jetty there was a decision to be made: left or right? Either looked like a long walk, and despite scanning every sign in sight, none of them indicated which way to head for international transfers and the ‘Transit’ arrows helpfully point both ways. I was lucky and chose the right option first time, but only because ‘right’ got me to the nearest bathroom. After about a minute’s walk there was an interactive poster board where I could key in my flight number and it gave me directions to the gate. There also was a desk a little further along where you could ask for help.

 

The walks between arrival and departure halls were quite long, with travellators (although I walk as much as possible between long-haul flights). At one point, a single staff member was checking boarding passes as the bottom of an escalator before letting people continue, it wasn’t busy when I arrived but a queue quickly started building up behind.

The airport is built within huge glass-and-metal tunnel structures, but it’s not until you reach the departure hall that the immense, cavernous size of these really hits you. It did stop me in my tracks, and if you were there you'd've heard me murmuring appreciative noises. It’s here that I found the first brief but welcome glimpse that I was in Thailand: a golden tower surrounded by a display of Avatar-style giant bonsai trees (was too tired to work out whether they were real or not).

 

There were only a few small shops on my route: one looked like a sweet stall, one duty-free selling perfumes, watches and sunglasses, and a couple of designer boutiques. These were up the top of the escalator, so while there may have been others if you were staying longer, presumably you could only access them with right boarding pass.

 

The first set of toilets I came across looked like a long shipping container, decorated with frangipani flower artwork, and having a definite air of VIP lounge from the outside. Half expecting to be turned away at the door, the inside turned out to be spacious and well kept with mellow lighting. The cubicles were big enough to wheel a small suitcase into with a little shuffle ‘round the door, and there were two staff present, cleaning cubicles and restocking paper. Based on other travel in Asia, I was a bit flustered that they might ask for tips as it dawned on me far too late that I had no Bhat or dollars, so it was a relief when they didn’t. The second set of toilets at the departure gate were smaller, still clean despite being busy, and just standard grey and white décor this time.

 

Nearer the gate there were long stretches of firm but comfortable seating - without an armrest in sight - so it’s really easy to stretch out properly and have a doze (at 2am local time, might not be as quiet during the day). Although there weren’t any signs for free/official WiFi, there were a number of networks available if you’re happy to take a chance with your details. There were also computers and power columns with USB charging points (BYO cable).

 

Overall verdict, good for a couple of hours, especially if you’re not fussed on shopping and want a nap.
 
Summary

Time at airport: about 3 hours
Max time I’d want to spend there: 3 hours
Shops: Snacks, perfumes, sunglasses 2/5
Facilities: Lots of signs but not the right ones, wouldn’t write home about the toilets (just a blog post maybe?) but they were fine 3/5
Comfort: Seats you can lie down on, no WiFi advertised, charging stations and computers with internet access 3/5
Extras: Some indoor bonsai trees 1/5

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
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