THAILAND

BANGKOK-SUVARNABHUMI (VTBS/BKK)

There are two observation galleries high up in the roof space looking out on to the main pan. The general layout is like an H shape with the cross bars extended so that you have two bays down each side and one in the middle. The decks overlook the latter, the main pan. The construction is steel and glass and you have large beams going through your sightlines. There are two runways either side of the terminal and everything goes across the main ramp at some stage. Right hand side of departure hall at the rear is a viewing deck on level 7 with good views or the lounge bar on level 6 is just as good. On left hand side, no viewing deck but there is a restaurant with good views as long as the odd coffee and sandwich are purchased. The Novotel has rooms overlooking the commuter ramp and the low cost aircraft parked next to them. Rooms on floor 4 and 5 have views of landing and some taxiing aircraft but not line up for departure. The hotel has two wings, west and east, it has been suggested that room 2549 is the best with 2547, 2545, 2543, 2541, 2539 as alternatives. On the other wing, rooms 1539 etc have views of the domestic ramp, and are closer to the take off runway so landing traffic is at a more

obscure angle. All these face away from the terminal building. If like the old airport the landing direction remains fairly stable eg. towards the terminal, the above will apply. If not then views will be restricted to taxiing aircraft. The hotel is linked to the main terminal by a tunnel. Overground just come out of the terminal, cross the road to the car parks and go through them or take the courtesy bus. The hotel is across the road from the other side. For more information visit http://www.aircraftspotting.net/airports/BKK_new.html and http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/.

Added 14 October 2006