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Suvarnabhumi International Airport The region’s newest major airport is flush with duty-free—but often at the expense of passenger comfort and convenience. By PHIL MACDONALD Opened to much fanfare in September 2006, Suvarnabhumi quickly plummeted into a sea of troubles, from charges of corruption to faulty air-conditioning. To their credit, officials managed to keep the airport open and soldier on, slowly fixing the building’s numerous problems (though we still have serious concerns about the lack of public seating areas).
dishes up morsels of this Japanese favorite in a chrome-and-frosted glass ambience. Volare (3) has readymade sandwiches heaped high behind glass counters. Opposite, the well-regarded international Mango Tree (4) restaurant chain serves up tasty pad thai, fried prawns with tamarind sauce and noodle soup with roast duck. For a viscous Thai brew, try Doi Tung Coffee (5). ■ WHERE TO SHOP
■ WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Most of the food and beverage outlets are at the eastern and western ends of Concourse D in the departures area. However, along this concourse are a few island-style kiosks, where you can sit on a bar stool and enjoy a snack or drink, including the Reef (1), which sells hearty salami and cheese baguettes, pastas and decent lattes. It also has a full bar. Nearby, the Sushi Bar (2)
The departures area is basically a glitzy 500-meter-long luxury-goods strip mall. But if you are looking for something a little more Thai, there are a number of outlets—clustered together at the western end of Concourse D—selling quality locally made goods that make ideal souvenirs or gifts. Chitralada (6) sells upscale, high-quality silk goods. Mae Fah Luang (7) has hand-woven rugs, textiles and fashions produced by
Bangkok’s Hub Above: Outside Suvarnabhumi. Right: A map of Suvarnabhumi.
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Thailand’s hill-tribe minorities, while at Sai Yai Rak (8), you can find contemporary Thai art and design. ■ WHAT TO DO
Just about every available square meter in the departure area is crammed with duty-free outlets, with little consideration given to the comfort or amusement of passengers. There are no public seating areas, no free Internet—not even windows to watch aircraft take off and land. However, if you get the sudden urge to sing karaoke, you can wander into an entertainment center (9), where you’ll also find video games and a bar. Next door, it’s a little quieter at another multipurpose center (10) offering—at a price—a fitness center, spa, day rooms, business center and bar. For those with tired appendages and an hour or so to spare, Chang Foot Massage (11) is the rub.
Key: Eat and Drink Shopping What to Do
C O U R T E SY O F A I R P O R T S O F T H A I L A N D . M A P BY WA S I N E E C H A N TA KO R N
■ OVERVIEW