Flying in and out of Thailand is pretty easy when you consider that the international airport is a modern, well-designed transport hub that not only gets you on a plane but also provides a wealth of shops, restaurants and facilities for your use. Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok’s international airport and is used by travelers accessing airports across the world. Here’s what you need to know about Bangkok Airport, and how you can make the most of your time there.
Bangkok Airport Important Information
The airport code for Suvarnabhumi is BKK, which is taken from the Bangkok Don Muang International Airport, which previously operated as Bangkok’s international air traffic hub. The airport is located around 30km from the center of Bangkok, in the eastern Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province. The airport is open 24 hours and flights leave and arrive all day and night.
Flight Facilities
Bangkok International Airport has a total of 130 passport check control points for passengers arriving at the airport, and a total of 72 for those people exiting the country. In customs, there are 26 control points in the arrivals area and 8 in departures. The airport has hundreds of check-in desks – over 300 to be precise – with many of them specifically for passengers checking in without luggage. Passengers are taken throughout the airport on 107 moving walkways.
Flight Capacity
There are two runways and two taxiways at this international airport which allow the airport to accommodate departures and arrivals at the same time. There are 120 parking bays, some of the large enough to accommodate the Airbus A380. The flight capacity of the airport is 76 flights per hour and more than 45 million passengers use the airport every year.
Airport Hotel
There is a hotel in front of the passenger terminal called the Novotel Suvarnabhumi, which has more than 600 rooms. Passengers connecting or taking an early or night flight can stay in the hotel for the convenience of being on the airport’s doorstep.
Shopping and Restaurant Facilities
If you’re looking for duty-free goods then the airport offers plenty of choice and shopping opportunities. Buy perfume and cosmetics from all the major brands in a long shopping street with open-plan shops selling toiletries. There is plenty of choice in fashion brands for clothing and shoes, and you can also find a wide choice of liquors, wines, spirits, beer, and cigarettes. If you are looking for some exclusive stores then you can find designer brands like Dior, Cartier, Bvlgari, Bally, and Burberry. Boutique shops offer a more personalized and exclusive shopping experience while you are at the airport. You can also find Thai handicrafts, art, and crafts on sale which make ideal gifts for family and friends back home.
The airport has over 50 dining spaces, many of which are sit-down restaurants with table service while others are fast food or canteen style premises. You’ll find all styles of food, from Asian to Western, and most of the dining establishments are open for 24 hours – handy if you have a late flight to catch. Wine bars and coffee shops complete the food service offerings.
Airport Transportation
The airport is linked by road to the center of Bangkok but traffic is heavy and the route can be congested at peak times. There is a high-speed rail link into the city which is located next to the arrivals terminal. The journey time is around 15 minutes and there are limited stops before you arrive.
Did You Know?
The name Suvarnabhumi was picked by Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej and it means “the Golden Land” or, specifically, the “Golden Peninsula” which refers to the traditional name for the region of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.
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