Unexpected Layover in BKK

[BFish]

I'm about to do a quick trip to the Philippines tomorrow for a weekend getaway. Somehow, I pathetically did not pay close attention to my trip and have found out I have a nice 7 hour layover in BKK on Monday with Thai Airways. I've never actually got to play in Thailand before but wanted to post to be sure with the vets that this is doable.

 

On a layover are you allowed to leave the airport if you are a US passport holder? And is 7 hours enough time to umm find something close and fun to the airport? I'm an expert at the Philippines but have zero Thai experience so trying to figure out if I can leave the airport without issues and how much fun I can burn in about 4-5 hours before I have to be back.

[sonny]

What time do you get in Bkk ? 7 hours is very tight. Have you factored in immigration control x 2. That could swallow up a couple of hours.Plus the requirement for checking back in xx hours before onward flight. Depending on time you arrive in Bkk ! may determine your mode of transport, downtown taxi V train.Blah blah blah..forget it.

[momo5]

Yes, with a USA passport you can enter the Kingdom for up to 30 days without a visa. Easy peasy.

 

Depending on the time of day and preferred method of transit, plan for 90 minutes from wheels down into Bangkok. Another 90 minutes back to arrive 90 minutes prior to your departure, having already been checked through to your final destination (ie, have boarding pass) - this should give you 2-1/2 to 3 hrs in Bangkok. Enough time for a soapy/oily massage if you know ahead of time where you are going and get to it.

 

Closer to the airport will be Samut Prakan - Erawan Temple and Ancient City/Siam - about a 30-45 min ride by taxi. Could spend all day at Ancient Siam, but a 2-3 hrs be fun too.

 

Whatever you do, if you plan ahead and maximize your transit through the airport and to/from your destination, you could easily have 2-4 hrs to enjoy a teaser for a future trip.

[momo5]

What time do you get in Bkk ? 7 hours is very tight. Have you factored in immigration control x 2. That could swallow up a couple of hours.Plus the requirement for checking back in xx hours before onward flight. Depending on time you arrive in Bkk ! may determine your mode of transport, downtown taxi V train.Blah blah blah..forget it.

If it's a layover on a single PNR, he should already have his boarding pass for the onward flight. If so, no need to check in, only need to worry about passing through immigration and security prior to arrival at the boarding gate. Baggage should be handled automatically too.

 

I'm not sure though if BKK has a left luggage office or lockers to store any carry-on while is way from the airport.

[BFish]

Since it's a weekend trip I'll have no luggage just a book bag for carry on. I have to do a bus trip in PH to Angeles and cannot stand having luggage for it. Sounds like this is a go just gotta figure out where now

[bgtp]

Take the airport train to Ramkhamhaeng Station, visit a nearby soapy on New Petchaburi Rd, take the train back. That's probably the quickest way to some fun. Still with immigration and security to deal with, it could be tight.

[soi16]

Buy a VIP ticket for immigration.

 

You will save all the immigration queue times.

 

200b each way, I quess?

[Sick Water Buffalo]

What time is the layover, is the important question.

 

This will determine how busy Immigrations will be, and whether the Airport Rail Link is operating.

 

Also as stated above, helps if you already have your boarding pass for the departure flight.

 

Best case scenario, it's during the afternoon and you can just hop on the Airport Link (with a transfer to Sky Train or MRT (subway) if necessary) to head into Bangkok proper and patronize a 'massage' establishment.

 

Others will have to advise you on what places are open during your timeframe.  

[BFish]

It's this afternoon from like 3 pm to 10 pm

[soi16]

Take the airportlink to Makkasan then motorbiketaxi to Nana Plaza.

You are there in 30min.