5 Best Things To Do at Bangkok International Airport

Bangkok is projected to receive over 21 million international overnight visitors in 2016. This Asian city is officially the world’s most popular destination for travelers this year. If you are among the lucky passengers transiting through this airport, what exciting experiences would you like to include in your 12-hour layover in Bangkok?

Below are a few suggestions for the best things to do at Bangkok International Airport, also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport. Read on for five helpful tips to make your 12-hour layover a blissful experience.

12 Hours in Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Check out luxury and boutique shops
Tourists rave about fantastic shopping areas in Bangkok, but considering traffic (Bangkok is among the most congested cities in the world), it might save you a significant amount of time if you shop at the airport. Luxury brands, such as Bvlgari, Burberry, Chopard, Longchamp, Victorinox and more, await browsers and buyers who want a precious piece from BKK’s shopping venues.

If you’re after exquisite products that are unique to Bangkok, you will find a wide array of boutique stores and shops to choose special products, such as Thai handicrafts, artworks, and souvenir items. Some excellent selections are sold at Royal Project & OTOP, Chitralada, Sai Jai Thai, Mae Fah Luang, and Sai Yai Rak.

Sample Eastern or Western food without leaving the airport
With over 50 dining spots (mostly fast food restaurants) to choose from, Suvarnabhumi Airport is brimming with delicious varieties of Asian and European-style dishes. Among the must-visit dining venues are Kinramen (Japanese noodle corner), Mango Tree (Thai restaurant), and Tate Cafe by Le Notre. Groggy travelers have plenty of coffee joints to choose from, including Caffee Nero, Coffee World, Dong Tung Coffee and Starbucks. Not into coffee? Try some fantastic tea and pastries at Whittard of Chelsea.

Wine and cocktail lovers have swanky bars to look forward to: Reff Bar, Seafood Bar, and Glass Bar are noteworthy options. Unwind with a glass of champagne paired with scrumptious seafood small plates. Don’t leave the food hall without trying authentic Thai dishes, such as Pad Thai, Gaeng Keow Wan Kai, and Tom Yum Goong.

Enjoy pre-flight R&R at VIP lounges
When was the last time you truly enjoyed your airport lounge access? As a Priority Pass member, you have access to the best airport lounges in Bangkok. Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge (open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:30PM), for instance, offers daybeds with a partition where you can comfortably take a nap, showers, food spreads, lots of seats, a business center (to catch up on work), and more. If this lounge is full, you can choose from Louis’ Tavern CIP First Class lounges (Concourse A,C, G, F,) located on levels 3 and 4.

Meanwhile, Air France or KLM economy passengers can access the airlines’ joint lounge by paying at the check-in counter located on Level 3, departure hall area (Concourse G). First and Business class ticket holders can simply present their boarding passes to enjoy the lounge. Same-day passengers can make the most of these VIP lounge facilities, including massage chairs, shower facilities, private areas, buffet bar, and workstations, to name a few.

Have a pampering foot or full-body massage
Long-haul flights can be stressful to your body. Reduce that tension and pain by getting a proper foot or full-body massage. You can opt for a foot massage before going for a complete body treatment, if you want to size up the skill of the therapist first.

Thailand is famous for their soothing and healing Thai massage. Sample some of the world’s best massages at Thailand’s finest: Chang Massage and Spa, Bangkok Airport. When you visit, you can try other self-pampering services, such as pedicure, facial care, and aromatherapy.

Get some quality sleep at Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
If you arrive jet-lagged, and you’ve always been curious what it’s like sleeping in airport hotels, book a room at Novotel. This property has a dedicated help desk at the airport, which you can approach for directions and other inquiries. A mere 5-minute walk from the terminal, you’ll get there before you know it. There’s also a shuttle you can take, but it’s best to skip it as you can easily waste 10 minutes waiting before it leaves the airport.

The Novotel lobby has a lush and well-lit atrium you can lounge in while checking in. It’s best to book your hotel before arrival to gain significant savings (around $50 price difference when you book a room on the same day). Be sure to specify your preferences when booking in advance. A king bed and room location can be requested at this property. As a guest, you can luxuriate in your room’s spacious bathtub and use hotel amenities, such as the fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and Vous Spa, all of which are located on the second floor.

Bonus: If you don’t want to leave the airport, and you only need a couple of hours of sleep before your next flight, day rooms are available at Louis’ Tavern Transit Hotel for a cheaper rate than average hotel stays.

Have you been to Bangkok International Airport lately? What travel experiences can you recommend to first-time transit passengers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.