I’m in Thailand, the coast and for the last 35 years. I was in the Bangkok Post in the early 70s and I always leave before the 2 or 3 times per year. In all these trips, I knew that the international airport of Bangkok, like the back of my hand.
In September 2006 the new airport Suvarnabhumi (su-war-na-Poom), and the end of the era of Don Muang was near sweet-sour. Suvarnabhumi is the responsibility of the international airport, Don Muang in Bangkok, and was relegated to domestic flights. I had to learn to surf on the new monsters made of metal.
Suvarnabhumi, which means “Golden Land” is about 30 km east of Bangkok in an area under the name of Nong ngu Hao, or “Cobra Swamp.” The complex are 32 square kilometers, and the world, the tower to the highest (132 m). The passenger terminal has 360 records, 120 doors, and the accommodation for the treatment of 45 million passengers per year. Around the airport, the rice fields are flooded.
The new airport is a masterpiece of architectural metal and glass and is aesthetically beautiful. My only complaint is that there is a long walk from the arrival to the door, you actually reach the guidelines for immigration. It seems that Miles.
On the other hand, once you turn off the immigration, it’s boards, which tells you where your luggage. There are a lot of baggage carousels and know exactly what is happening in your life a little easier.
Once you have your luggage, customs is a breeze. I have never once been checked more than 35 years of flight in Bangkok. The next thing you see, the face is by taxi mafia glove.
Handbags, you go into a mass of humanity – some waiting for the members – most annoy you wait. There are the famous clipboard toting taxi mafia. They are you worried that block your way, ask where you are going, and never give up, no matter how often you do not, and regardless of the number of languages you swear its po
After all your best football moves, you work your way past the clipboard and rogues at the top of the escalator. This will lead to much more reasonable legal and taxis. You pay a small sum – but you have a back rest. Taxis are registered, the girls in the state to speak English, and you do not have anything to do, as the negotiations on the use of these taxis counter.
If your driver you suggested, and not the counter, to agree on a price and what cost for the toll. This is your first opportunity to experience bargaining in Asia. Have fun.
I can not guarantee for all taxi drivers, but I have a very honest use of the service last year. I have my credit card wallet in the cabin and the pilot, my hotel and back to my plastic intact. It was rewarded deals and saved me a lot of trouble and possibly a lot of money.
Now you can experience the leadership-controlled chaos in Bangkok. It is indescribable and must be known. Say a prayer and hope for the best.
If you plan to go anywhere in Thailand, you will appreciate the advantages of flying in the old International Airport – Don Muang. It more like a ghost town, from an airport, but I have hundreds of memories of traveling in Thailand. If the first thing that you are in a foreign country, you have an inclination to the airports.
I suppose that I know about and learn to accept and treat Suvarnabhumi International Airport this new as a new friend. I’ve been twice and will again in March 2008 for another holiday. And fortunately, I visited my old friend, Don Muang, the next day, which I chair in Khon Kaen. It is good to see old and new friends.
Tags: airport, bangkok, don muang, international, international airport, suvarnabhumi, taxi, taxis, Thailand