Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok

A "Thai touch" on the modern concourse intersections.

 
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport replaced the old Don Muang Airport, which was one of the world's oldest continuously operating air fields. The new Suvarnabhumi (it's pronounced Suwannaboom and means "Golden Land") opened in September 2006 to much trepidation.

There is one huge passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi. In plan, the terminal forms a giant "H" shape, with the main terminal building at the crossbar and concourses fanning out in four directions. Domestic flights use concourse A and B, while international departures use concourses C, D, E, F and G.

Bangkok Airport Arrivals

Arriving planes will usually park at the airport terminal, although some international flights may park at the tarmac. If parked at the terminal, passengers enter a lower level of the concourses, separate from departing people. Follow the signs to immigration. If you are flying Thai Airways and connecting to a domestic Thai Airways flight, you probably do not need to go through immigration if your bags are checked through. Instead, go to the transfer desk to find out where to board your flight.

If your plane parks on the tarmac, a bus will bring you right to immigration. After passing through immigration, proceed to claim your luggage. Once you have collected your bags, exit through customs to the arrivals hall. There are money exchanges and limousine counters in the arrivals hall. Once you get to the greeting area, you will likely be approached by a lot of touts, including ones for taxi services. Under no circumstances should you accept a ride from any touts or "unofficial" taxi services. Real taxis have a red and white TAXI-METER sign on the roof. All Airport Taxis are white with green plates. Many people have been robbed by seemingly friendly people offering them a ride to "a good cheap hotel they know." The official looking touts work for the airport limousine service, which will cost you twice as much as a regular taxi.

Bangkok Airport Transfers

You can book the following airport transfers in advance:
 

	Bangkok Airport Arrival Transfer Shuttle	From: $ 16.31
	Ensure your trip to Thailand is free of hassle by booking your Bangkok airport transfer now. Travel from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to your hotel in the city of Bangkok. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choose between a shared vehicle transfer or your own private vehicle transfer. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your Bangkok accommodation details. Your Bangkok airport to hotel transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver in Bangkok. Vehicles used: SHARED - Air-conditioned Minivan / Minicoach PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Standard Sedan Car (1 to 2 people) PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Minivan (3 to 6 people) PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Minicoach (7 to 9 people) At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details: Arrival Flight Number Arrival Time Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off) Hotel Address Don't forget to book your Hotel to Airport transfer! More information & booking »
	Bangkok Airport Departure Transfer Shuttle	From: $ 16.31
	Why not plan your airport departure transfer from your Bangkok city hotel to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport now? Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choose between a shared vehicle transfer, and your own private vehicle transfer. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. 24 - 48 hours prior to your Hotel to Airport transfer, you will be required to reconfirm exact pick up times and places (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher). Vehicles used: SHARED - Air-conditioned Minivan / Minicoach PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Standard Sedan Car (2000cc) (1 to 2 people) PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Minivan (3 to 6 people) At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details: Departure Flight Number Departure Time Hotel Name (where you would like to be picked up from) Hotel Address Don't forget to book your Airport to Hotel transfer! More information & booking »

Bangkok Airport Departures

Bangkok departures are fairly easy. After checking in for your flight, you must purchase a departure tax coupon for 500 Baht (13.30 USD) per person, either from the automated machines or the booths just outside of immigration. You must pay for these coupons in Baht, so be sure to set this amount aside for your departure. After passing through immigration, you enter the departure hall, with all of its duty free shopping opportunities.

Bangkok Airport Duty Free Shopping

Don Muang Airport features a lot of duty free shopping opportunities. While there is a wide selection of the standard duty free items - booze, cigarettes and perfume - there isn't much depth or variety. Don't expect a good selection of wines or liqueurs. You'll also find a lot of other kinds of goods, such as electronics, watches, books and luggage. There's also a selection of over-priced Thai products.

Duty Free Benchmark Prices

See our duty free guide for full price comparisons.

Food choices at the airport are limited inside the departure hall. There are many dining options above the check-in area of both international terminals, but only a couple of fast food restaurants, along with some Thai Airways operated restaurants in the departure area.

For business and first class passengers, there are a large number of lounges operated by most major airlines.