Surviving a Layover at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport is one of the busiest in Asia, having opened its doors to the new terminal in September 2006. The airport is a major hub for both Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways, as well as a focus city for airlines such as Cathay Pacific and EVA Air. As such, travelers might easily find themselves here with some time to spare.

The airport is several miles from the city and travel into town is not practical unless you have an extremely long layover; as well, Bangkok can be a complex and confusing city if you aren’t familiar with it. Thus, here are a few suggestions for ways to spend your time and make the most of a few extra hours in Bangkok!

Bangkok's new swanky airport. Photo credit - crazyegg95.

Things to do in Suvarnabhumi. Photo credit - eliodoro, Mani's lounging, pittaya.

Relax at Starbucks.
I’d normally not make such a blasé recommendation, as chain cafes aren’t my favorite, but on level 3 in the main terminal is a great Starbucks. Sure, the menu and offerings are the same as you’ll get anywhere, but there is a whole hidden café area which wraps around the side of the Starbucks with plenty of comfy sofas and chairs. It is a relatively secluded space and offers the peace and quiet that you’d only get in one of the expensive airline lounges.

Shopping.
As you can imagine, any new airport features plenty of retail space, and Bangkok is no exception. Concourse D on Level 4 is a luxury shopper’s paradise, with a seemingly endless array of brands, from Bvlgari to Mont Blanc. Squeezed in between are a few Thai handicraft shops as well as several food and snack shops.

Hit the Spa.
Foot and massage spa parlors are available in the Main Terminal Level 3, and in Concourses A and G on level 4, so there is no excuse for not checking out the facilities. You can get anything from a manicure/pedicure combo to an aromatherapy massage. At a minimum, I would recommend either the foot massage or the shoulder massage, but indulge where you can – the prices aren’t as extortionate as one might expect.

Have a Snack.
Most of Suvarnabhumi’s cuisine is unhealthy fast food junk. However, there are a few noteworthy stops if your stomach is screaming for nourishment. Kinramen on Level 4, Concourse D has always proved a popular choice for sushi or Japanese noodles. @ Bangkok Cafe and Bar, also on Level 4, is a fun choice for light and tasty fare. It should be said that you’ll pay far more in the airport for food than you would in the city, but as a captive audience, you don’t have much choice.

What’s your secret for surviving a layover in Bangkok? Got an interesting story that happened during one of those layovers? Share in the comments!

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