Closed for a few months due to renovations after last year’s flooding, Don Mueang Airport re-opened in March and began its role as Bangkok’s low-cost carrier hub last week. After a quick international trip this past weekend, your Coconuts correspondent is happy to report that the old airport is up and running remarkably well.
A 25-minute taxi ride from the north side of town cost THB150, less than half the typical fare to Suvarnabhumi and certainly a more pleasant experience than rushing to the AirportLink, hoping it’s running on schedule and then sitting in the sweltering outdoor waiting area. I breezed through check-in, passport control and security. In less than 10 minutes I went from paying the taxi to standing at the gate. I didn’t have to set foot on a single escalator nor moving walkway nor one of those godforsaken escalator walkways for carts. I didn’t get lost trying to find something as simple as the check-in counter. I’m looking at you, Suvarnabhumi.
Don Mueang’s new restrooms are already getting media attention, and deservedly so. The immaculate, hands-free facilities – in stark contrast to the otherwise uninviting old airport architecture – include a sliding-wall entrance and the always delightful Airblade hand-drying system.
Arrival is equally effortless. Touchdown to taxicab took less than 15 minutes. I didn’t have to get on any silly buses, and the only wait was in the taxi line, which moved fast. I was home and unpacked less than 40 minutes after landing.
The “new” Don Mueang was one of the most painless airport experiences I’ve had in ages. The lack of public-transportation access and the enormous distance for Suvarnhabhumi transfers will always draw criticism, but otherwise it seems that there are still a lot of lessons shiny new Suvarnabhumi can learn from ugly old Don Mueang.
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Correction: This post originally reported that Don Mueang re-opened last week. It actually re-opened in April, while all low-cost airlines began operating from Don Mueang last week. We apologize profusely.
