[mjochim]

Hey, all...

I'll be making my way to Phuket for the first time in December.

My problem/question is that I'll have a long layover at BKK -- my Air Canada flight arrives at 22:30 one night and my Nok Air flight to Phuket leaves at 10:15 the following morning.

The last time I had a layover at BKK was during SARS in 2003 and I spent 18 hours in the ticket counter area (flights were getting cancelled left and right and the check-in agent for the one I finally got on didn't show up until an hour before departure time). All I remember is wandering around, pushing my luggage cart and trying to sleep; aside from a KFC, the currency exchange booths, and a bookstore, nothing else was open. Plus, I was out of money as it was the end of a long trip. A miserable time that I don't want to repeat.

My questions are: I really don't want to leave the airport area overnight so are there good/recommended places to catch some sleep there? Would I be better off staying in the gate area of the International Terminal for the night (more comfortable seating, air con) and then passing through Immigration early in the morning before going walking to the Domestic gates? Or, is there an attached (and very cheap) hotel I could stay at (I'd rather not pay for a room for such a short time, though)?

Thanks...and I'm sure I'll be asking a few more questions about other parts of this trip!