Bangkok...Airport review

[QF WP]

Well, one I only get to once or twice a year...and it's changed for the better (well, only because of Qantas).

As usual, Check-in at Area 14 & 15 in Terminal 2 was great...remember that 500 Baht fee that needs to be paid (in cash only, mind you - unlike New Zealand!!!). Collect at the booths just prior to going into the immigration zone. Customs/Immigration is usually stress free (if you've filled out your departure card - remember the arrival card and departure card come together and the departure portion is stapled to a page in your Passport).

Now, the best news - Qantas opened brand new Qantas Club lounge on 1 January. Turn right after clearing customs and walk straight past the duty free shops (overpriced, buy that last minute perfume/alcohol in Australia!) and the two Money Exchange booths. You enter the newest wing of the airport and 300 metres on the right is sanctuary!! (just before the gates, which I think start at 52). Business/Gold/QC members have the left hand side, Platinum and First Class have the right hand side.

Another tip - if you are connecting from the domestic terminal to the international terminal, and you have luggage, do what my girlfriend (now fiancee) and I did - grab a trolley, get the lift and walk the air-conditioning walkway which is about 500 metres long and you get a good leg stretch).

 

[icemann]

Hotels ?

The Pathumwan Princess (is that the right spelling) is not bad, but is not a FF partner. It's got a very nice breakfast / restaurant, and the Japanese restaurant upstairs does good sushi.

I got in from LHR-BKK and sat there with a few Singha beers. Oh yes.

 

[Nick]

Yep, the spelling is a little tricky .... I stayed at the Pathumwan for 7 nights and had a wonderful time. Breakfast was always something to look forward to each morning, and the MBK shopping complex was so convenient next door, despite always being absolutely crowded Thai teenagers all the time. Nothing though could beat the massages from the Tantara Health Spa or like you said, having a few (or many) Singha beers in the bar

It really is a pity the hotel is not affiliated with QFF, I could have racked up plenty of points there if it was. Though the rates are pretty good and its worth the money

 

[icemann]

ahahahaha

I am very glad that someone else has found the Pathumwan as well. It is a great hotel, and you're right - breakfast is superb. I remember it as being the first place that I tried coconut jam - beautiful.

Also, if you're ever around BKK, ALWAYS get them to turn the meter on in the taxi, or they'll rip you off.

A great place to go is 'lumpinny' (literally sounds like that) plaza - where they have muay Thai boxing. A cheap night, even for ringside tickets, and a very entertaining spectacle.

I'm a thai boxer myself, so I'm probably biased. :wink:

 

[camoz1]

Mrs Camoz1 and I stayed at Royal Meridien (5+ *****) indeed. Right next door to Meridien President which is a little tired. Great location with MRT station right outside door and short walk to Pratunam day and night markets.

Were going to go back to Bangkok and coughet in September, however SARS and terrorism threats in Thailand scared us off.