Things to Do Near Bangkok Airport

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The Top Things to Do During a Bangkok Airport Layover

Do you have to spend a few hours at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport? Layovers at the airport can be really tedious and are regarded as an unavoidable inconvenience. Still, there are ways to make the most of your spare time there. Get to know the bustling aviation hub, exploit its services and amenities, and enjoy your Bangkok airport layover to the fullest. Here, you can check out the top things to do at Suvarnabhumi Airport during an inevitable layover:

Our Tip: Bangkok International Airport consists of one huge terminal and a satellite building, handling (at least for the moment) flights operated by Thai AirAsia X and Thai Vietjet. The two terminals are interconnected via an APM (Automated People Mover). Hence, you should be sure of your departure terminal.

BKK Airport features all the necessary services and facilities to meet the needs of travelers with disabilities.

Spend your Time Exploring the BKK Airport Shopping Options

Bangkok International Airport features a wide array of retail stores. Thus, passengers can fling themselves into a shopping spree, uncovering high-end stores and budget options, big international retail chains, local providers, and designer brands. Duty-free products are also available. Are you looking for some souvenirs? Do you want to buy gifts for your loved ones or even treat yourself to something special? Your layover at Bangkok Airport is the perfect time to indulge in shopping. On the other hand, you might be on a tight budget. Window shopping is also an option. Check the latest fashion trends and stay updated with the latest styles. In detail, the following retail stores are to be found inside the vast BKK airport terminal:

Explore the BKK Dining and Drinking Options

Whether you want to delve into the local cuisine or indulge in international dishes, you’ll find plenty of options at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai cuisine is, of course, the leading culinary attraction, but fusion dishes are also served around the airport, and local fast-food chains, along with international providers (such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, etc.), are also present at BKK Airport. On the other hand, travelers wishing to enjoy a refreshing beverage or a delectable drink can take their pick among the numerous options as well. Overall, the food court on the terminal’s 1st Floor is a widely favored area by the airport’s passengers, while several dining facilities are also scattered around the other levels of the BKK airport terminal.

Thus, the available eateries, restaurants, cafes, and bars at Bangkok Airport are:

The Airport’s Free Wi-Fi is in Your Hands

You can use the airport’s free Wi-Fi and spend your Bangkok airport layover productively, finishing your latest work project or even participating in an online meeting. Conversely, if you are traveling for pleasure and don’t feel like dealing with work, you can always check your socials, call your friends or loved ones, or even watch a movie or stream something you’ve been wanting to see for a long time but never really got the chance. Moreover, you shouldn’t worry about running out of battery, as you’ll find numerous charging points around the airport to charge your phone or device.

Muslim Prayer Rooms are Also Available

Three Muslim prayer rooms are located inside Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. They are to be found on the second and third floors of the terminal building. Thus, passengers who want to perform their religious duties are free to use the airport’s facilities. It’s important to remember that prayer rooms are sacred places and can’t be used for sleeping or resting.

Relax Yourself Watching the Aircraft Movements

The last level of the BKK airport terminal houses an observation deck. Overall, it is an area that doesn’t usually get crowded. Thus, you can sit on one of the available benches and watch the planes taking off and landing around the clock. Moreover, the last floor offers seamless views of the vast Departures zone of the Main terminal building. Hence, if you are an aviation enthusiast or are just looking for a quiet place around the busy Bangkok Airport, all you’ll have to do is take the stairs to the last floor.

The Top Things to Do at Bangkok Airport with Children

Truth be told, Suvarnabhumi Airport doesn’t house a wide variety of facilities for children and families. It goes without saying that it features all the necessary family amenities (restrooms, baby care areas, etc.). What’s more, some play areas are also to be found close to some of the airport’s gates. That being said, you won’t find fancy playgrounds or other kids’ activities organized by the airport.

Enjoy the Airport’s Outdoor Space

The airport boasts one park right outside the food court. If you are an outdoorsy traveler who enjoys green spaces, that’s perhaps one of the top things to do at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The park is well-maintained but is mostly recommended for a stroll as it has few seating areas. In general terms, it is a quiet part of the airport, mainly used by the staff members. Therefore, this would be an excellent suggestion if you want to spend a serene layover at Bangkok Airport.

Relax during your Bangkok Airport Layover

Travelers who want to relax during their airport layover and regain their strength before their upcoming flights typically settle on one of the airport’s lounges. You’ll find plenty of lounge options around Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Airline lounges and independent facilities are situated around the Main terminal building. Some of them can only be accessed by travelers with a membership card, but others are accessible by all passengers as long as they display a boarding pass and pay the relevant fee.

Spend your Bangkok Airport Layover at a Hotel Facility

Do you want to rest during your spare time at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport? You should choose one of the Bangkok airport hotels. Two facilities are to be found on the basement level of the terminal. However, please keep in mind that one of them offers sleeping pods, and the other has simple rooms consisting of just one bed and one folding table, while neither of them features private or even shared restrooms. On the other hand, the only transit hotel (located airside at the International Departures area, on Concourse A) has available rooms for 4 to 12 hours. Some have ensuite bathrooms, while others share the hotel’s restroom facilities.

If you feel like exiting the terminal, you can easily reach the luxurious 4-star Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. It lies a 5-minute walk from the exit doors, linked to the terminal via an underground passageway. You can book one of its spacious rooms and use its numerous services and facilities (a spa area, a health club, a large outdoor swimming pool, 8 dining facilities, and an exotic garden). Alternatively, you can opt for the Day pass and use the pool facilities, relax in the garden, or head to the fitness center (using its shower premises as well), or just pay to use the fitness area and the shower facilities. Hourly rooms are also available.

The Best Things to Do Near Bangkok Airport

If you have a long layover at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and don’t feel like wasting your time at the bustling BKK terminal, you can leave the airport and visit one of the nearby sites and attractions. Expectantly, you’ll have to go through immigration control and customs and potentially retrieve your luggage as well. In that case, you’ll need to store your luggage. You’ll find several luggage storage providers, mainly located in the terminal’s Basement level. Once you return to the airport, you’ll have to re-check in for your upcoming flight. Therefore, you should plan your layover wisely, as the check-in and security control procedures at Bangkok Airport can be really time-consuming.

So, are you up for exploring the airport’s surrounding areas? Here are the top things to do near Bangkok Airport:

• The Mega Bangna Shopping Mall: A vast shopping mall lies a 25-minute ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thus, you can catch one of the airport taxis and start your journey towards a phenomenal shopping spree. The shopping mall houses more than 400 retail stores along with countless dining facilities. Still, despite its large size, it is considered very easy to move around.
• The Central Village Shopping Mall: A premium and luxury outlet shopping mall -the Central Village- is Thailand’s first international outlet, housing 130 shops and more than 300 high-end brands. The outlet mall is situated about 25 minutes from Bangkok International Airport and resembles an actual village, reflecting the local architectural traditions. If you want to benefit from not-to-be-missed deals and discounts, you should definitely consider visiting the Central Village Shopping Mall.
• Terminal 21: Situated a bit further from the airport (about one hour away), Terminal 21 is in total sync with the airport vibes as it actually resembles an airport terminal building. Modern and unique, Terminal 21 doesn’t host big brands and international retail chains but mainly features local providers and boutique stores. Each floor is decorated with references to some of Bangkok’s main attractions, while its food court is widely favored by the mall’s visitors.
• The Ancient City: Located in Samut Prakan (a 35-40-minute drive from BKK Airport), the Ancient City is an attraction utterly worthy of your time. It is the largest outdoor museum in the world, spreading over 200 acres (80km). It is said that when visiting the Ancient City, you feel like you’re taking a glimpse of the entire Thailand at once. It is divided into regions, allowing visitors to delve into the country’s history and traditions. You’ll come across temples, palaces, sculptures, and remains of ancient cities while strolling around the open-air museum. You can rent a bike to explore it, take part in one of the many organized tours, or even opt for a boat excursion.
• The Khlong Suan Market: One of the most authentic markets in Bangkok lies relatively close to the airport. Indeed, the Khlong Suan Market is to be found within a 35-40-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is known for its gastronomic options. Here, you’ll find all the traditional Thai flavors, from street food to local dishes and mouthwatering desserts, prepared in the authentic Thai way. Various souvenir shops are also scattered around the market.
• The Siam Serpentarium: The place-to-be for snake fans. The museum hosts more than 70 species of snakes and is a multi-awarded establishment. A visit to the Siam Serpentarium will enable you to learn everything about the world of reptiles. Furthermore, you’ll experience the most captivating snake shows and performances. Do you want to fully live the adventure? Head to the onsite cafe where you can enjoy your drink with a (non-venomous, of course) snake wrapped around your head!