A few spare hours at Bangkok airport...

[Targarama]

OK, so I might soon be booking a flight landing at BKK around 15:30, and will then need to wait for a flight out to MCT at 20:45. Is is feasible to nip into the city for dinner and a quick look around? Local input appreciated. I'd rather not sit around for 5 hours.

Thanks.

[zbc]

It depends....

Traffic in and out of Bangkok can be pretty variable so personally I wouldn't recommend it. On a very good day it might only be about 30 minutes in a taxi but 2 hours is not unusual. I haven't used the new skytrain yet but it's supposed to be only about 30 minutes to the centre so might be worth a try. On the other hand there are some great restaurants within 10 minutes of the airport which can be a fun way to kill a couple of hours.

[carreauchompeur]

Skytrain maybe- IF you could get over to MBK shopping centre it's a good way to kill a few hours.

Do not under any circumstances try to do it in a cab- You'll miss your flight! Traffic is terrible, and it's unbelievably stressful to be sat in a car on a gridlocked multi-lane road watching the minutes tick down until check in...

[Targarama]

Thanks, I spotted the Skytrain on the web and would certainly use that.

[rsv gone!]

Skytrain airport connection is excellent. Just plan an itinerary not too far from that line. It goes from the basement in the airport (and was incredibly cheap, too).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suvarnabhumi_Airport_...

I think you'll be up against it time-wise, though.

[Nobby Diesel]

OK, so DUE to land at 15.30 and take off at 20.45.
If your bags are checked through, you will be ticketed CIQ which means you should be kept airside.
If you reclaim your bags, then you'll be free to leave the airport.
However, landing at 15.30 means with all the best will in the world, you won't be in the city until around 17.00 after disembarcation, making your way through the airport (which is BIG)and then catching the skytrain.
If you have to return to check in (which you'll have to do if you have been land side), then you'll need to present yourself at check in probably at least 2 hours before departure; 18.45. Take off the travelling time back from the city and making your way back through the airport.
I think you'll end up with about 30 minutes at your disposal in the city. Enough time for a little street food and and that's about it.
I really wouldn't bother. The potential for hassle and missing your onward connection is significant.

If you HAVE to get out the airport, stay local. As previously said, there are some great places to eat close by, but little in the way of things to do.

The airport is very big and there are many places to grab a meal, a beer or 2, shop etc etc. If you fancy something a lttle more "interesting", you could always visit Louis Tavern. It's in the airport, airside, level 4, concourse G. Rooms available "by the hour"............http://www.hotels2thailand.com/bangkok-hotels/Louis-Tavern-at-Suvarnabhumi-Airport-Bangkok.asp

Going into town with that amount of time to play with is asking for trouble IMO.
Safe travels.

[Targarama]

Thanks chaps, I hear your advice and won't push my luck.

[thehawk]

Pretty sure there are massage/spa places in the airport too, can think of worse ways to waste a couple of hours.

[Nobby Diesel]

thehawk said:

Pretty sure there are massage/spa places in the airport too, can think of worse ways to waste a couple of hours.

Yes - see my post 2 up. Louis Tavern.