Phuket Thailand: Suvarnabumi

Crustasian · #1 09-10-2007, 22:51

It has been opened a year and I think it is about time we put together helpful information for BMs that might have to use it.

I arrived Thai domestic flight.Led in from bus into ground floor.International depertures is on fourth floor.You can get the lift direct or just wander up using the various moving walkways floor by floor.

Second floor and third floor have a lot of small designer cafes and coffee shops book stores etc.They sell beer but I did not find a real bar per say.

Went through to the International departures and had a long walk around.In the main big corridor there are several artsy fartsy bijou bars all selling food and beer.These again were not real bars.Average price for a bottle of Heiniken was 180 Baht.!!

Walked back along to a big corridor intersection where the Gates E and C and D all spring from.Just beside there is a group of food outlets with cans of beers for only 100 Baht per can.

In same area is the Bangkok Cafe and Bar which I found to be the best place around.

They have six draught taps and a pint of Tiger draught was only 160 Baht.Draught Chang was even cheaper.They have a good mixed pub menu and two big screen TVs.There are toilets just out the back on the right.The girls there were fun and smiling.

In summary I believe that there is a lot of good things now available in the airport.If you know of any more add to the thread.

Tarzan · #2 09-10-2007, 23:01

Here is a link about Taxi service Taking a taxi

And one about bus Airport bus routes

Another that covers travels downtown Ways downtown

dawsey · #3 09-10-2007, 23:06

Good thread Paddy with some useful info for even regular users.

One bit I can add is that although I couldn't find the smoking room, whilst awaiting transfer on 4th floor, just nip outside the revolving glass doors and smoke outside.

I'll make this thread a "sticky" to keep its prominence at the head of the section.

Yahooka · #4 09-10-2007, 23:08

.........and don`t forget some BIG smoking rooms near most of the gates

.......if somebody could open a bar in conjunction with these smoking rooms

,I wouldn`t mind spending the night there....honest

!!!

Kerbin · #5 09-10-2007, 23:19

Arrived sunday night via jet* from OZ, processed very well. Around 4-5 people inline for immigration. 5 mins wait tops. Unless you were Indian. Not sure what happens to this lot, but from experience's in Beiging, KL, HK, and sunny melbourne, they always seem to hold the cue up PLENTY.
By the time I walked the 15km's to get to the baggage carousel my bag was proudly awaiting me. A smooth process. Alot smoother than when I went through last April. Experience I guess.
Asthetically, I am not into the concrete "look", KL is rather special, and I beleive the new Airport is working.

Kerbin · #6 09-10-2007, 23:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yahooka

.........and don`t forget some BIG smoking rooms near most of the gates

.......if somebody could open a bar in conjunction with these smoking rooms

,I wouldn`t mind spending the night there....honest

!!!

Your correct Yahooke, there are smoking rooms. I had a laugh as they are laid out like a waiting room at a surgery. With what appears to be yellow floor tiles. Each to thier own.

Sham69 · #7 10-10-2007, 01:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerbin

Your correct Yahooke, there are smoking rooms. I had a laugh as they are laid out like a waiting room at a surgery. With what appears to be yellow floor tiles. Each to thier own.

I think the tiles were white originally

sishow · #8 10-10-2007, 02:59

There is a nice(ish) bar and massage place opposite the entrence to C gate, behind where you come up from domestic to international transfer.

Although they are both more expensive than outside the airport, both are very reasonable.

IJ · #9 10-10-2007, 03:00

good tread..always nice to have some info for the new airport.............ij

dennisinkamala · #10 10-10-2007, 03:52

Been there 4 times in the last couple of months and the airport is efficient and aesthetically pleasing.

Im waiting for them to open a proper bar with BG's so the welcome and goodbye from LOS is perfect!!

Good thread Crusty.

Thai Kwan Do · #11 10-10-2007, 05:23

NOTE : they moved the meter taxi stand place , from ground floor to the first floor .

And , i was talking to a airport official, and she told me there was a Thai restaurant , on the ground floor , near entrance 1.
its dirt cheap , and mostly airline/airport staff go there to eat.
So, went there with G/F and both had a really nice diner for about 70 thb!

you have to buy coupons when you enter. BTW

fotonut · #12 10-10-2007, 13:23

I don't remember where it was or how much it cost but there was an internet cafe near my departure gate, complete with webcam's, voip, etc. which was fun at the time!

midnightsun1 · #13 10-10-2007, 13:41

If you are packing light. You can get anywhere in BKK and to Pattaya very efficiently.

Take the free shuttle from the airport to bus/minivan staging point. easy to see where u want to go. In english and thai. and there is an information booth there as well.

paid 40 baht for a mini-van to the don mueng area. many other minis going to various places in bkk and pattaya.

nelsonone · #14 11-10-2007, 09:13

there is a Burger king on the interrnational departures level....I'm always ready for one of those to readjust on my way home.....

and there is only one internet spot down on the first level (or maybe second).....which you can't go back to once you've gone through customs/immigration etc

Simbo · #15 12-10-2007, 00:26

Some peeps have complained that its like a prison and very stark. I've been through there and it seems practical once you find your way around. OK there are long walks but there are moving walkways to alleviate this. At the end of the day its there to move people from A to B, and after the teething troubles its seems to be doing that OK. Yes there are issues with the runway etc but try to bring a new international airport online anywhere in the world without some problems, especially with the pressure the last gov't was putting on AOT for political reasons. I seem to remember the doom sayers comments about Jungceylon as well and that's worked out OK.

sishow · #16 12-10-2007, 02:18

The only problems I have with it is in the smaller domestic lounges/departure areas.

I have never seen a gate number highlighted, or a proper sign out to which flight goes from which doorway! The crews must get annoyed by alot of people asking where there flights are going, or which gate is which!

On two occasions, the gate numbers were cunningly placed behind turned off TV screens, so no-one could tell at all! GENUIS!

the bigboy · #17 12-10-2007, 05:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsey

Good thread Paddy with some useful info for even regular users.

One bit I can add is that although I couldn't find the smoking room, whilst awaiting transfer on 4th floor, just nip outside the revolving glass doors and smoke outside.

I'll make this thread a "sticky" to keep its prominence at the head of the section.

so far the only smoking rooms i found are in the restricted area ,the free zone u can only smoke outside as far i know. it would be nice if they put some chairs outside like they had at don muang ,
the tax free shops have little to choose out .was better on don muang .here they have more shops but all the same to bad .but so far i have not had any delays or problems on suvanabumi, but i miss don muang always liked that airport.

MassMoose · #18 12-10-2007, 07:12

I like the big statue that I can cry to just before I leave LOS.

I take pictures of it every time so the camera is in front of my face and no one sees the river of tears streaming down my cheeks.

MrDK · #19 12-10-2007, 07:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by the bigboy

so far the only smoking rooms i found are in the restricted area ,the free zone u can only smoke outside as far i know. it would be nice if they put some chairs outside like they had at don muang ,
the tax free shops have little to choose out .was better on don muang .here they have more shops but all the same to bad .but so far i have not had any delays or problems on suvanabumi, but i miss don muang always liked that airport.

Did you miss out on the title of the thread: Suvarnabumi - Good Things

White Nancy · #20 12-10-2007, 14:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterhol

NOTE : they moved the meter taxi stand place , from ground floor to the first floor

Now that's useful to know, as I fly in on Sunday am.

steve w · #21 12-10-2007, 17:47

both times i came thrugh last winter immigration was a lot smoother and quicker than don muang.

MrDK · #22 14-10-2007, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bono

I realy like the airport fast and easy, but can anyone tell why there are no internationla louges, other than the Thai ones, pretty stange when they have been open for a year!!

There are plenty of lounges. Down by the junction of the last 3 concourse (E F and G) there are many, including the Skyteam, ANA, United, and Asiana lounges. They are all down one level and they have their own security screening area.

sishow · #23 15-10-2007, 03:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bono

Okay did not see them, but find it stange that there not are a sas, lufthansa, SIA

There are at least 2 areas where these lounges are. They are benath the main area's. At opposite ends of international. Took me a while to find the Bangkok Airways in Feb, 'cos I was in the wrong area of the lounges. Had to walk from one side of the airport to the other (C gate) to find it.

They are around, its just the airport maps dont show them very clearly.

MrDK · #24 15-10-2007, 03:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bono

Okay did not see them, but find it stange that there not are a sas, lufthansa, SIA

I can't say for sure, but the one I saw for united may have been for SAS as well ... speaking of shouldn't the Thai lounge be for SAS as well (Star alliance).

Sirgezza · #25 17-10-2007, 17:24

Is there a lounge for Etihad or Qatar?

If you have a stopover on the way back home, you cannot buy duty free drinks at BKK, you have to get them at your stopover airport.

pablo · #26 17-10-2007, 22:12

If you like to travel and enjoy the exploration of new places...then Suvarnabhumi, is your place. Cause' they always seem to be relocating taxi's, rental cars, etc. 5555

It's a new adventure, ever time I arrive. 5555

Also, I like the fact that they have excellent (ID camera's) at immigration.

Great for spotting the shifty "paedo's".

dawsey · #27 18-10-2007, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirgezza

If you have a stopover on the way back home, you cannot buy duty free drinks at BKK, you have to get them at your stopover airport.

Never used to be like that at Don Muang. Always got duty frees despite a stop over going home. Another new rule?

Captain · #28 18-10-2007, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsey

Never used to be like that at Don Muang. Always got duty frees despite a stop over going home. Another new rule?

I think he means if you buy drinks in BKK, and you have a stopover/flight change in Europe, your duty free will be confiscated due to the new European laws regarding fluids you can bring on board a plane. For transiting in Frankfurt all fluids bought in BKK duty free will be confiscated.
I suppose you have a direct flight from BKK to your end destination (Heathrow?), so you will have no problems.

faultytowers · #29 18-10-2007, 01:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsey

Never used to be like that at Don Muang. Always got duty frees despite a stop over going home. Another new rule?

Due to restrictions on "carry-on" liquids a lot of airports will only allow you to take on Duty Free purchased at their airport. So , if you buy some booze at Bangkok and then have a stop over in another country they (may) not allow you to take it through security as hand luggage.

Edit: This can also apply if you buy booze outside Thailand , arrive at Bangkok and then have to catch an "internal" flight.

dawsey · #30 18-10-2007, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by faultytowers

Due to restrictions on "carry-on" liquids a lot of airports will only allow you to take on Duty Free purchased at their airport. So , if you buy some booze at Bangkok and then have a stop over in another country they (may) not allow you to take it through security as hand luggage.

OK, point taken and understood. Thanks for the info Sir Jizz and Faulty.

mars · #31 18-10-2007, 03:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirgezza

Is there a lounge for Etihad or Qatar?

Etihad use the same lounge as KLM called skylounge.

Been in there a couple of times, Plenty of free booze.

luv u long time · #32 18-10-2007, 10:58

Im waiting for them to open a proper bar with BG's so the welcome and goodbye from LOS is perfect!!

It would be handy wouldnt it. something to put you to sleep in the plane on your depessing flight home..

albinon · #33 04-12-2007, 07:14

Suvarnabhumi seems a great airport yet not as good as HKIA despite HKIA being built back in 1999.

What looked strange to me though was the luggage check while departing which was just before going to the gates and not somewhere just before or after passport control. The staff seemed extremely friendly and smiling (which surprisingly wasn't the case in the old airport the year before). They did check every single piece of luggage by actually opening it which again was a little strange... although just after opening it and taking a quick look the girl said "thank you, it's ok" like if she could see what was inside (even if there was a 5kg explosive she would have not seen it because my bag was stuffed with all sorts of junk). Just a little funny since it looks like a show off about how much they "care" about security by "checking" every single bag but not actually checking it after all, just being very polite and nice to the passengers

aussie45 · #34 04-12-2007, 08:50

On my recent trip through Suvarnabhumi the only thing I didn't like were the immigration people, they all looked miserable.

jim robb · #35 05-12-2007, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by sishow

There is a nice(ish) bar and massage place opposite the entrence to C gate, behind where you come up from domestic to international transfer.

Although they are both more expensive than outside the airport, both are very reasonable.

I`m going via Hong Kong in January and now I learn there is a massage parlour in Bangkok airport!