It had been several years since I last flew with Thai Airways, so I was quite excited to use the services of this airline again, which also happens to be the national flag carrier of Thailand. From its main hub at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the three-and-a-half-hour flight would take me directly to Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport. I had planned to take the BTS from Krung Thonburi Station, right in front of my hotel, to Phaya Thai Station, which connects the BTS Sukhumvit Line to the Airport Rail Link linking Suvarnabhumi Airport with the city center. However, since my Rabbit Card was empty and my baggage was heavier than expected, thanks to a shopping spree at Big C for snacks and souvenirs a couple of days earlier, I decided to use a cab-hailing app to get directly to Phaya Thai Station instead. There, I bought a ticket from a vending machine for the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The train arrived on time, and the carriage was a typical rapid mass-transit coach, not too different from the regular BTS trains. In less than half an hour, the Airport Rail Link—which first opened in 2010—covered the 28.6 km of elevated track, making several stops before arriving at Suvarnabhumi’s underground station.
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| Suvarnabhumi Airport's modern passenger terminal complex blends glass walls and a steel framework |
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| The airport first opened in 2006 and has since become one of the largest and busiest in the world |
Suvarnabhumi Airport is Thailand’s main international gateway, serving the capital city of Bangkok—though it’s actually located just outside the city, in the neighboring province of Samut Prakan. The city’s other international airport, Don Mueang (DMK), is older and now primarily handles low-cost carriers and domestic flights. Suvarnabhumi (BKK), on the other hand, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the region. It currently holds the distinction of the worlds most airline-connected airport, being served by the most airlines in the world with 113 carriers, surpassing other major airports like Paris Charles de Gaulle and Dubai International. Construction of the airport began in 1996, but a series of financial setbacks, technical issues, and corruption allegations delayed its opening until 2006. The name Suvarnabhumi was bestowed by the late King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej). Derived from Sanskrit, it means “Land of Gold,” a name inspired by ancient references in Buddhist and Hindu texts to a rich and prosperous region believed to be located somewhere in Southeast Asia. The term reflects Thailand’s historical role as a cultural and trade hub in the region, welcoming travelers and merchants from across Asia for centuries.
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| This Samudra Manthana depiction stands as the centerpiece artwork in the airport’s departure terminal |
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| The airport serves the highest number of airlines globally with 113 carriers and over 51 million passengers annually |
While waiting to board, I took some time to explore the airport’s International Departure Terminal. Designed by German-American architect Helmut Jahn, Suvarnabhumi Airport's passenger terminal complex combines modernist architecture with Thai cultural elements. Its vast terminal, bathed in natural light through sweeping glass walls and a steel framework, creates a sense of openness, while subtle traditional motifs pay homage to Thailand’s heritage. Just beyond the Immigration and security check area stands a striking Thai-style sculpture depicting Samudra Manthana — the “Churning of the Ocean of Milk” — from Hindu mythology. This grand artwork portrays the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) using the serpent Vasuki and Mount Mandara to churn the ocean in their quest for Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Considered one of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s most photographed landmarks, this majestic display offers travelers an instant taste of Thai culture. Beyond this impressive centerpiece, the International Departure area houses numerous luxury brand boutiques, a variety of dining outlets, and an extensive range of duty-free shops, most of which are operated by King Power, Thailand’s largest duty-free retailer.
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| Our flight from BKK to CGK was operated by a rare Thai Airways Airbus adorned with the Star Alliance livery |
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| As I looked out the window, dark clouds began to gather in the sky moments before our scheduled departure |
While picking up a few more snacks from the duty-free shops, I spotted a Moo Deng doll and couldn’t resist taking it home. This viral pygmy hippopotamus, a resident of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi, has captured the hearts of many with its sassy personality — and I wasn’t about to miss the chance to own a souvenir of this beloved little celebrity. Upon reaching my departure gate, I discovered that I’d be flying on the larger Airbus A350-900, an aircraft that typically accommodates over 300 passengers. Even more exciting, the plane turned out to be one of only two in the Thai Airways fleet sporting the special Star Alliance livery. The flight was full, with most passengers being Indonesian travelers returning home from their trips to Thailand. Although the afternoon was slightly overcast, the sun still blazed with intensity. As I boarded, the clouds thickened, and by the time we began taxiing toward the runway, a heavy downpour had engulfed the airport. Nevertheless, the flight went ahead as planned, and we took off smoothly—only about 15 minutes later than scheduled. Once airborne, the aircraft quickly climbed above the storm clouds, revealing a calm expanse of blue sky and marking the start of a pleasant journey home.
The flight itself was pleasant and smooth, with Thai Airways’ in-flight entertainment offering a generous selection of movies, TV shows, and music to keep passengers engaged throughout the journey. Lunch was served shortly after take-off — a boxed Thipsamai Chicken Pad Thai, a nod to one of Bangkok’s most famous street food institutions, accompanied by a fresh salad, bread roll, and a delicate Thai dessert with coconut strips and jelly. The flavors were satisfying and distinctly Thai, a comforting reminder of the city I had just left behind. The cabin crew were friendly and attentive, living up to Thai Airways’ reputation for warm, gracious service that made the journey feel even more enjoyable.
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| For lunch, we were treated to chicken padthai from Thipsamai, one of Bangkok’s most iconic eateries |
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| Through the window, a mesmerizing rainbow-like halo of light encircled the shadow of our aircraft |
Between bites and bouts of entertainment, I found myself lazily gazing out of the window when something unusual caught my eye — the shadow of our aircraft projected onto the clouds, perfectly encircled by a rainbow-like halo. This is known as a glory, and when combined with the visible plane shadow, it’s referred to as a Brocken spectre — a rare and beautiful sight best appreciated from the air. Moments like these remind me that traveling is not only about the destinations and attractions, but also about the journey itself — the moments in between that make the experience truly memorable. As Ursula K. Le Guin once said, “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
Although scheduled for three and a half hours, the flight made excellent time and touched down in Jakarta a full thirty minutes ahead of schedule. As I stepped back onto Indonesian soil, I felt the familiar humidity wrap around me like a welcome-home embrace. This brief Bangkok getaway had been a whirlwind of flavors, culture, and small adventures — from an extended layover in Singapore turned into short city exploration, to exploring new spots in Bangkok and a day trip to neighboring Samut Prakan. With my suitcase much heavier and my camera roll far fuller, I returned to Jakarta with a refreshed mind, already plotting the next escape.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
IATA: BKK
Location 999 Mhoo 1, Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan, Thailand
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