Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the main entry point for most visitors to Thailand, and the second largest terminal building in the world. The new and very spacious passenger terminal handles all domestic and international flights to Bangkok, with connections to all airports in Thailand, and most major regional and global destinations.
The airport is serviced by a large number of the world’s major airlines including Thai Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Emirates, and is a hub for many visitors to South East Asia as well as a stop-over point for those continuing on to Australia and New Zealand. Accordingly, there are plenty of flights originating in Europe as well as a number of flights either originating or ending in Bangkok that stop in Japan en-route to and from the west coast of the US and Canada.
Bangkok International Airport has one very large passenger terminal, with seven levels and seven concourses. Level 1 houses the bus lobby; Level 2 is the Arrivals area, with Immigration and Customs, Baggage Claim and transfer services; Level 3 contains most passenger facilities and amenities; Level 4 houses the Departures areas; Level 5 is occupied by airport and airlines business offices; Level 6 has restaurants; and Level 7 boasts an observation deck. The seven concourses are labelled A through G, with A and B servicing domestic flights, and C through G handling all international services.
Food and beverage outlets abound and you’ll find restaurants offering fast-food and Thai specialties as well as bars that are open round-the-clock. There is a Thai food court located on the mezzanine level between the Departures and arrivals floors. Duty-free shopping options are plentiful, as are shops specialising in Thai products and handicrafts, and others offering clothing, gift items, jewellery, books and other reading material.
On arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, nationals of most countries will be issued a 30-day tourist visa. It’s best to check visa requirements beforehand to be sure about current requirements, however. Baggage Claim is located on the same level, immediately after the immigration point. The Customs area is situated just beyond the baggage carousels, and only spot checks are conducted.
After leaving Customs, you will enter the Arrivals Hall and will likely be overwhelmed by the barrage of transport representatives and freelancers offering you special deals on transportation to Bangkok or other destinations. It’s a good idea to ignore them and head to Level 1 for the shuttle bus that will take you to the airport’s Transport Centre, from where you’ll find a selection of express buses, public buses and taxis.
ATMs and currency exchange counters are located throughout the passenger terminal, and are open 24 hours. There is also internet service available, although it’s rather expensive.
When you exit from Arrivals you can expect a crowd of ‘meet and greet’ people and will unfortunately be accosted by taxi and tour operators. The area isn’t especially roomy, but press on straight ahead to the exits for taxis. You’ll also immediately notice counters and shops running the length of the ground floor where you can get tourist information, arrange hotels, transfers, hire cars or simply withdraw cash at an ATM and purchase snacks.
Facilities and services at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport
Bangkok’s new airport has been described as one large shopping mall, and indeed you might feel suspicious when you see how much walking you have to do through duty free areas to reach your departure gate. Aside from very aggressive commercialisation, and teething problems when it opened in September 2006, the airport is world class and provides its 40 million annual passengers with most facilites expected of international travel.
The focus of passengers needs is the mezzanine Level 2 between Arrivals and Departures which has a good selection of eateries, a pharmacy and convenience shop, toilets, a prayer room, clinic and newsagents. Internet is provided both by wireless (purchase access cards - not particularly good value), and public ‘on the fly’ terminals similar to pay phones which are located here and on the lower levels. There is an internet café in the far rear corner of the check level (to your right as you enter the building). Escalators, elevating travelators and lifts - as well as a large open plan and vaulted reception area - make it relatively easy to navigate your way around.
All airline representatives are lined up along the entrance side of the Departures area (level 3), with domestic and busier airlines located to your left as you enter (the first section the drop off ramp). Left luggage is operated reliably by Chubb on level 1 (arrivals area), costing 100 baht per item per 24 hours.
There is however, limited seating and comfort areas pre-security and very little shopping. It’s advisable to pass through to the depature side of the terminal to relax and pass time. VIP lounges are all situated here, and some more expensive eating options. Once you’ve reached your departure gate lounge you’ll find very little in the way of refreshments on sales, and it’s a long walk back!
Scam alert! Since its opening the airport has been plagued with poor management issues and a lack of will to deal with scammers and corrupt officials, resulting in some horrid experiences for selected visitors. The moment you step out of Arrivals you might be confronted with a barrage of ‘freelance’ taxi guides, who are unregistered and often over charge (the metered taxis nearby are safe and cost about 250 baht). Fortunately efforts were made in mid-2009 to clamp down on them. Far more serious but less prevalent is the ‘zig zag’ scam in which some individuals have been accused of shoplifting by the King Power duty free operator and turned over to the police. They are then ‘persuaded’ to pay a hefty admission of guilt ‘fine’ (about $5,000) or else be detained on bail in the country for several months waiting for a court hearing. The best remedy is to avoid stepping into the vaguely marked domain of these shops altogether.
Transportation from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Inexpensive metered taxis are by far the easiest, most popular and convenient option for getting into Bangkok, costing about US$10 per journey, and these can be caught outside the main exits of the terminal on the ground floor. We don’t recommended the heavily advertised AOT limosine service, which is marginally more comfortable and safe but a ripoff costing three times more. The long overdue overhead rail shuttle is due to open in mid 2010 and will make the journey into central Bangkok quicker, safer and cheaper. There is also the slow option of airport buses, and four buses a day to Pattaya, or a valet service from your hotel. The airport is located 18 miles east of the centre of Bangkok, and several major divided highways and expressways link the airport with the rest of the country.
Car hire at Bangkok airport: this is provided by many of the major car rental companies such as Hertz, National, Avis and Sixt, at prices similar to Europe. You’ll need a bit of nerve to drive into Bangkok but for those travelling up country a hire car is a good idea for freedom of travel. The road network is good, even if the local drivers are a little indisciplined. It’s advisable to reserve a rental in advance by using an online comparator to book a hire car from Bangkok airport.
If you choose to travel by public transport, there is reliable and inexpensive service on express and regular public buses that operate from the airport to most of the city’s popular tourist destinations. You’ll need to hop on a shuttle bus at Level 1 first, which will take you to the bus terminal at the airport’s Transport Centre.
The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Bangkok is located in the airport complex, directly across from the passenger terminal, and is connected by a walkway. The hotel features over 600 guest rooms and business and conference facilities. You can find other airport hotels here.
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