Jazmin Li
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport is a bustling hub, with plenty of amenities to keep travellers entertained during layovers. The airport is known for its delicious food options, ranging from authentic Thai cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants. For those seeking relaxation, there are massage parlours and an outdoor park. When it comes to navigation, the airport is generally considered easy to get around, with clear English signage. However, it is recommended to arrive early for international flights, as security and passport control can result in lengthy queues. If you're considering venturing into Bangkok city during a layover, it's best to have at least an 8-hour gap between flights, and it's recommended to hire a local guide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) |
| Airport Code | BKK |
| Airport Location | 24 miles from Pathum Wan |
| Currency | Baht |
| Food Options | Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice, meat broths, Thai omelets, fresh fruit, tom yum pork noodle soup, Thai basil shrimp with fried egg, crab omelets |
| Attractions | Outdoor park, massage parlors, Magic Food Point |
| Transportation | Grab service, Airport Rail Link |
| Safety | Generally safe, but keep an eye on belongings |
| Dress Code | Modest dress with covered shoulders and knees when visiting temples |
| Costs | Street food: 40-100 THB, Restaurants: higher prices, Massage: 45-minute oil massage for 1600 THB, Shower: 400 THB, Hotels: 2000-5000 THB |
| Visa | Visa-free entry for up to 30 days for citizens of the US, most European countries, and other regions; Transit Visa for up to 30 days; Visa on Arrival (VOA) for up to 15 days |
| Recommended Arrival Time | 2-3 hours before an international flight |
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What You'll Learn
- Currency: Get baht at the airport, 500 for food, 1000 for shopping
- Food: Try authentic Thai food at Magic Food Point for 80 baht
- Relaxation: Treat yourself to a massage, 45 mins for 1600 baht
- Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights
- Exploration: If you have a long layover, explore Bangkok's temples and markets
Currency: Get baht at the airport, 500 for food, 1000 for shopping
When you arrive at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you will need to exchange money for local currency, Thai baht, as other currencies are not accepted in the country. You can exchange money at the bank booths in the Customs Hall. However, the exchange rates offered by the banks at the airport are not as good as those you can find elsewhere.
If you want to get the best exchange rate at Bangkok Airport, go to the underground floor (B Floor) next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. There are several currency exchange counters in this Suvarnabhumi Airport Exchange Zone, and they offer fair rates with no commission or fees. The exchange rates might vary between the booths, so it is recommended to shop around. You will usually get slightly better rates for larger notes in Thailand.
If you are only buying food and snacks, 500 baht should be plenty. If you want to buy other items, it is recommended to get 1000 baht. You can easily exchange money at the airport, but it is advised to bring Australian dollars with you and exchange them for baht at the airport.
There are also several SuperRich exchange booths in central Bangkok, offering rates close to or identical to those at the airport.
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Food: Try authentic Thai food at Magic Food Point for 80 baht
Bangkok Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), is a large airport that can get surprisingly busy, especially between midnight and 2 am. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before your flight, and 3-4 hours if you want to grab some food or do some shopping.
If you're looking for authentic Thai food at Bangkok Airport, Magic Food Point is a great option. Located on the Ground Floor of the Arrivals Section, where the buses depart for Pattaya, it is a basic but decent food court with a variety of Thai food options at reasonable prices. The food court operates with a coupon or cash card system, where you buy a card at the entrance and choose your food from various stalls.
At Magic Food Point, you can find classic Thai dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Green Curry, Fried Rice with Shrimp, noodles, and smoothies. There are also Chinese and Vietnamese food options available. The prices are similar to what you would find at street food restaurants outside of the airport, making it a budget-friendly choice.
One of the popular restaurants within Magic Food Point is SIAM IM-AROI, which offers Tom Yum noodle soup and Pad Thai with shrimps. Another highlight is the Zeed Zaad restaurant, which specializes in Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad). You can find a wide range of variations, including plain, with fermented fish, salted crab, dried shrimps, rice vermicelli, fried chicken skin, or crispy pork.
With 80 baht, you should be able to purchase a meal at Magic Food Point, as prices for dishes range from 50 THB to 110 THB. However, do keep in mind that some travellers have mentioned encountering dishonest staff at certain food counters, so be sure to keep an eye out for any potential issues.
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Relaxation: Treat yourself to a massage, 45 mins for 1600 baht
If you're looking to treat yourself to a massage at Bangkok Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a variety of massage services to help you relax and unwind during your layover.
One popular option is the Sensib Thai Massage, located conveniently in Concourse E on Level 4. They offer a range of Thai massage treatments, including oil massage, neck and shoulder massage, as well as manicure and pedicure services. Treatment sessions are flexible, ranging from 30 to 120 minutes, so you can choose the duration that best suits your schedule.
For a 45-minute oil massage, you can expect to pay around 1600 baht. This is a great option if you want to freshen up before your flight, as you'll also have access to a shower. If you're only interested in the shower, it will cost you 400 baht.
Bangkok Airport also has massage chairs located airside outside the Miracle Lounge in Concourse D and F. These can provide a quick and convenient way to relax and unwind without the need for an appointment.
Additionally, if you have some extra time, you can walk to the nearby Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, which offers sauna and massage facilities. The hotel is just a seven-minute walk from the airport, and you can inquire about their spa services at the check-in desk.
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Timing: Arrive 2-3 hours early for international flights
Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), advises international passengers to arrive at the airport and be ready to check in up to three hours before their departure time. This is to account for the time needed to check in, go through security, and handle any unexpected delays. The airport has outlined certain peak times, such as between 3 pm and 3:59 pm for arrivals and 11 pm and 11:59 pm for departures, when there are a large number of scheduled departures and arrivals, resulting in long lines. During peak times, the immigration and security screening process can take up to 45 minutes.
It is important to note that there are two airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport, located around 22 miles (35 kilometres) east of the city centre, and handles most long-haul international flights. Don Mueang is situated around 15 miles (25 kilometres) north of central Bangkok and primarily handles regional international flights, with airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air operating from this airport.
If your travel plans involve transferring between these two airports, it is recommended to allow a minimum of four to five hours between flights. This is due to the time required to travel between the airports, which can take approximately one hour, as well as the time needed for clearing immigration and collecting luggage. However, if you are just using Bangkok as a connection point for your next international flight without entering Thailand, the connection times are typically quicker since you won't need to go through immigration or collect your luggage.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is advisable to arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport at least three hours before your international flight. This will provide sufficient time to navigate through the check-in and security processes, which can be time-consuming, especially during peak hours. Additionally, being prepared by familiarising yourself with the airport layout, having your arrival card ready, and following security guidelines can further enhance your experience at Bangkok Airport.
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Exploration: If you have a long layover, explore Bangkok's temples and markets
Bangkok is a city with over 300 temples, and if you have a long layover, it is worth exploring some of them. Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. It is located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River and boasts fine craftsmanship and unique architecture. The intricate decorations on its spires and the majestic ordination hall with a golden statue of Lord Buddha and beautiful mural details make it a must-see. The Wat Traimit temple is another popular choice, featuring a six-ton Buddha statue made of solid gold. It is the largest golden statue in the world and was once disguised from invading forces by being covered in stucco and plaster. The temple complex also houses the Bangkok Chinatown Heritage Center, a small museum that displays the original plasters and the story of the Golden Buddha statue.
If you want to delve into the religious significance of temples in Bangkok, Wat Bowonniwet is an important temple with long-standing connections to the Royal Court. Many Thai Kings have been ordained here, and it features a beautiful ordination hall with intricate carvings. The Wat Mahathat is another significant temple, serving as an essential learning centre for Buddhism and Vipassana meditation. It is one of the oldest royal temples in Bangkok, built to house a relic of the Buddha.
Bangkok also offers a variety of markets to explore, including the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the night food market at Talat Phlu, and the amulet market held every Sunday near Wat Bowonniwet, where various religious trinkets and amulets are sold. The city's street food scene has shifted towards food courts in shopping malls, but the longstanding mom-and-pop shops that line the city's streets still survive.
To get from the airport to central Bangkok, you can take the Airport Rail Link, bus lines A1 and A4, or a metered taxi. The journey will take around 40-50 minutes by state rail network or about an hour by bus.
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Frequently asked questions
500 baht should be plenty if you're just buying food and snacks. Bring 1000 baht if you want to buy other items.
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has a wide variety of food options, including a small food court filled with stalls serving authentic food from provinces around Thailand, such as Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice, meat broths, Thai omelets, and fresh fruit.
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport has an outdoor park with lush trees, a field of white grass flowers, and conical-shaped structures. There are also massage parlors.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours early for an international flight. The security and passport queues can get pretty long, and the check-in desk typically closes 1 hour before departure.
If you have a long layover in Bangkok, you can visit the city. It is recommended to have at least an 8-hour layover if you want to leave the airport. You can visit the Pak Khlong Talat, a famous 24-hour flower market, or take a stroll through the lively streets of Chinatown.
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