In Bangkok, there are 2 international airports…. Don Meung and Survanabhumi International airport. Both caters to international flights…. and which airport would depend on the airline.
Don Meung is located within Bangkok town center. Survanabhumi on the other hand is on outskirt area and is a much larger airport.
In this post, I would show an overview of Don Meung airport for the benefit of visitors who may be unfamiliar with the airport. View a short video followed by the full post below:
International Arrivals – Level 1
Passengers who arrive from other countries would exit at the Arrivals at level 1 of the airport.
Note: Apologies for the error- arrivals is located at 1st floor and not 2nd floor as per the slide
Electronic arrival card
Non Thai residents need to fill up the electronic arrival card within 3 days from arriving Thailand. The electronic card can only be filled up within 3 days from arrival and not earlier than that. Fill it up before arriving to prevent delays at the Thai Immigration as you would not be allowed to pass the checkpoint if the electronic arrival card is not completed.
After exiting the Customs, you have the option to turn right or left. Usually the default is to turn right which would head towards the gate 3 exit and it is actually more crowded. Another option is to turn left which would lead towards gate 6 area and to the domestic flight and food court.
Getting mobile data package.
There are 2 service providers- AIS and True Move. If you turn right after exit Customs, you would see AIS counter and if you turn left and walk further you would see True Move counter. The package pricing differs based on duration of stay and there are unlimited data offered. You may also buy a SIM and prepaid top up from the 7 Eleven stores which are found on both sides (there are two 7 Eleven on both ends of the arrival floor).
However, the counter at the mobile service provider would be able to provide a more personalized service and explain any queries in English. They can also help you to activate and put the SIM inside your phone. Do note that you would be asked to have your passport photocopied as the application of Thai SIM card requires identifcation.
International Departure- Level 3
International Departure is located at level 3 of the Don Meung International airport. After checking in your baggage, you can proceed to Immigration check-in.
Domestic Flights
Above and below are photos of the Domestic flight section. This caters for flights within Thailand.
Free refills of water
You can keep your empty water bottle for free water refills when you arrive in Bangkok. There are a few refill stations available for you to refill water.
Food and dining
There is a food court located at the 4th floor of the Don Meung airport. This foodcourt is located in between the international and domestic sections. There are also McDonalds and Burger King as well as a 24 hour food court.
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Another alternative is the 7 Eleven – there are two of such stores located on both the left and right side of the exit (on the left side, you need to walk a short distance to see it).
At first I had expected the items would be much more expensive compared to the outside 7 Eleven but was surprised to find that it is only slightly more expensive. There are ample of pastries, buns, burgers, drinks and instant meals that you can purchase to eat.
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Don Meung airport – memories
When I first come to Bangkok more than 20 years ago, the airport’s setup was much simplier but it was very crowded. The initial years, when I arrive I would immediately take the overhead bridge to head on to the train station to buy a ticket to go to Northeast Thailand. I would usually arrive in the afternoon and as the train to Northeast only departs at night, there would be a few hours which I would spend exploring the areas around. I would leave my luggage at the luggage rental in the train station and then head on to explore the area.
But eventually, I no longer go to Northeast but instead come to stay in Bangkok and sometimes Chiang Mai. Now I am based in the outskirts of Bangkok. Recently when I have the opportunity to go to the airport, I went around to explore the surrounding areas. Nothing much has really changed….. except a number of shops have changed ownership. I would do a simple video of the snapshots of the areas around the Don Meung airport.
