change planes Bangkok airport

ron123_2

Coming back to UK from Vietnam I have a stopover at Bangkok airport lasting nearly 14 hours (22.00 to 12.00 approx).
Do I have to stay in the airport - can I go to a hotel (approx £80 for the night) - is there anything to do? Any advice gratefully received.

fifeken

If you leave the transit area you'll have to get a 30 day stamp in your passport. This is free but you should fill in the immigration forms before you get there - they should be handed out on the plane. Fill in both arrival and departure sections and hand them to the passport control officer. This assumes you're a UK passport holder. If you need your hold luggage in this time make sure it's only checked as far as BKK when you check in at Vietnam. Easier to take overnight stuff in hand luggage and leave your hold luggage for the airline to sort out.
If you're travelling on one of the of the LCCs you'll have to do the immigration bit anyway and you'll have no choice but to pick up your hold luggage.

ron123_2

Thanks for this, fifeken.
I have never travelled long haul before. Is there anything to do in the transit area?

fifeken

I don't normally transit in BKK - just get off and get out of the aiport so can't really say. There may be lounge access at a cost which might make the stopover more bearable. Here's one source http://www.prioritypass.com/ but they put time limits on any stay.

ron123_2

Thanks again - have just found a hotel (Silver Gold Garden) who will do me a room with transfer to and from airport for about £20 - I am assuming I am allowed to leave the airport.

Mr_Lahey

ron123 wrote: »

Thanks again - have just found a hotel (Silver Gold Garden) who will do me a room with transfer to and from airport for about £20 - I am assuming I am allowed to leave the airport.

Yes, once you come through immigration you can do whatever you want. I have connected all over the world and when i can i usually do this and get a few hours sleep at a local hotel. Many airport hotels across SE Asia offer 1/2 rates, when you get to BKK go to the hotel desk and you will get a good deal if you explain that given it is 2200 and you will be leaving first thing.
I did this in Tokyo and paid about 60% of the usual rate.

*edit* Just seen your post about the hotel being only £20, for this much id just book it and then get straight there for some sleep.