Welcome to Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, where ancient traditions meet modern flair. Get ready to immerse yourself in the street markets, savour the mouth-watering street food, and marvel at the temples that decorate the city. As a vital gateway to Southeast Asia, Bangkok boasts three major airports. Each has a unique charm and convenience. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these airports and help you choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you’ll be greeted by the buzz of activity as travellers from all over the world converge in one place. The stunning glass and steel terminal building is a marvel of modern architecture. But that’s just the beginning of what this airport has to offer.
Inside, you’ll find comfortable facilities and amenities. With a variety of restaurants and lounges, you can have a meal or a drink before your flight.
The airport even has an on-site museum dedicated to Thai culture and history that will deepen your understanding of Thai heritage. Also, the airport’s rooftop garden offers stunning views of the city.
As for getting to your destination, Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to the city centre by public transportation, including a train service that’s both efficient and affordable.
Pros:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport offers a wide range of flights to many international destinations.
- The airport has excellent facilities and amenities, including a range of shopping options and comfortable seating areas.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport boasts unique features such as an on-site museum and a rooftop garden with stunning views.
- The airport is well-connected to the city centre by public transportation, including a train service, making it easy to reach your destination.
Cons:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport can have long queues at immigration and security checkpoints. This may be time-consuming for travellers.
- The airport can become crowded, making it difficult to find seating or quiet areas to rest.
Don Mueang Airport
This hub for budget travel is located 24 km north of downtown Bangkok. Once the main airport for the city, it now mainly serves low-cost airlines and domestic flights. But this doesn’t mean travellers have to compromise on quality, as recent renovations have modernised the airport’s facilities.
The amenities at Don Mueang Airport include numerous restaurants and shopping options. For those looking for something unique, the airport also boasts an on-site golf course, offering the opportunity to practise their swing before or after their flight.
However, you should be aware that the airport primarily serves low-cost airlines, meaning the range of flights may be more limited than other airports. Additionally, the airport can become crowded at peak times, leading to long queues at immigration and security checkpoints.
Pros:
- Don Mueang Airport is a hub for budget airlines, so you can often find cheaper flights.
- After recent renovations, the facilities are more modern and comfortable.
- The airport is conveniently close to the city centre, making it easy to reach your destination.
Cons:
- This location primarily serves low-cost airlines, so the range of flights may be more limited.
- The airport can become crowded, sometimes having long lines at immigration and security checkpoints.
U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport
This airport isn’t located in Bangkok but is around 140 km southeast, primarily serving the Pattaya area. When arriving at the airport, you will be filled with excitement as you anticipate exploring Pattaya and its surrounding areas. The airport’s runway actually intersects with a public road, requiring the road to close each time a plane takes off or lands.
The airport offers easy access to popular attractions, such as the nightlife and beaches of Pattaya, the historic temples and markets in nearby Rayong, or the lush jungles and waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park. You may be interested in attending the annual Pattaya International Fireworks Festival. Another popular attraction is the Sanctuary of Truth, a wooden temple built entirely without metal nails.
Pros:
- U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport is convenient for travellers visiting Pattaya and the surrounding areas, including Bangkok.
- The airport is less crowded than the two major airports in Bangkok.
- After extensive renovations, the facilities are modern and comfortable.
Cons:
- U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport is kind of far from Bangkok, so it may not be the best choice for travellers visiting the city.
- The airport primarily serves domestic flights and some international flights to nearby countries.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right airport for your trip to Bangkok, it all depends on your preferences. Suvarnabhumi Airport is perfect for those seeking international flights, while Don Mueang Airport is great for budget travellers. For those heading to Pattaya and its surrounding areas, U-Tapao Rayong Pattaya International Airport is the most convenient option.
No matter which airport you decide on, the wonders of Bangkok and its surrounding areas are waiting for you. Visit the street food markets, explore temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, and shop for fresh produce and souvenirs at the floating markets while cruising on a traditional long-tailed boat. Outside of Bangkok, you can visit elephant sanctuaries and sunbathe on pristine beaches.