If you’re facing a long layover or overnight stay and wondering about things to do at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, the good news is that this is a large, modern hub with enough food, shopping, and rest options to keep most travellers reasonably comfortable. While it doesn’t offer standout attractions or entertainment features, it does the basics well, which is often what tired or jet-lagged travellers need most.
Suvarnabhumi is Thailand’s main international airport, handling the majority of long-haul traffic into and out of Bangkok. Everything is contained within one enormous terminal, which can feel confusing at first, but also means you don’t need to shuttle between buildings. Many travellers use longer layovers here to eat Thai food, browse shops, get a massage, or find a place to rest before their next flight.
1. Eat
Eating is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to pass time at Suvarnabhumi. You’ll find a mix of Thai, Asian, and Western food options spread throughout the terminal, ranging from quick counters to sit-down restaurants, bakeries, and convenience stores.
For familiar comfort food, there are well-known international chains such as Burger King, Subway, Starbucks, and various Asian café-style outlets. Prices airside are typical for a major international airport, but portions are generally decent.
Travellers looking for local flavours often head to the landside food court near ground transportation on the lower levels. It’s popular with airport staff and locals and offers a wide range of Thai dishes such as pad thai, green curry, rice-and-noodle bowls, and made-to-order street-style meals. Payment is handled through a coupon or stored-value system rather than paying cash directly at each stall, which takes a moment to figure out but keeps prices relatively low.
You’ll also find Thai snacks and sweets throughout the airport, including packaged mango sticky rice, coconut-based desserts, dried fruit, and local chips and candies, which make easy souvenirs or plane snacks.
2. Relax in an airport lounge
Airport lounges can be a welcome break if you want quieter seating, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning that isn’t quite as harsh, and a meal or snack. At Suvarnabhumi, several lounges allow entry regardless of airline or class of service, either through lounge memberships or by purchasing a one-time pass.
Amenities vary by lounge and may include light meals, drinks, showers, or rest areas. Availability and access rules change from time to time, so it’s best to check current lounge options in advance or through our Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide.
3. Shop
Shopping is one of Suvarnabhumi’s main time-fillers, particularly airside. The airport has a large duty-free presence alongside pharmacies, bookstores, convenience shops, and souvenir stores selling everything from postcards to Thai snacks.
For something distinctly Thai, Jim Thompson is a favourite stop for scarves, clothing, and gifts made from Thai silk. It’s one of the more recognizable local brands for visitors and offers products that travel well.
You’ll also find shops selling Thai spa products, herbal balms, aromatherapy oils, and natural skincare items, which are popular take-home items for tourists. Convenience stores stock familiar travel essentials along with local drinks, candies, and instant noodle cups if you just want something quick and inexpensive.
4. Head into Bangkok for sightseeing
Suvarnabhumi Airport sits about 30 km east of central Bangkok. If you have six hours or more between flights and immigration lines are reasonable, it can be possible to leave the airport, but timing and traffic are critical factors.
Some travellers choose to book organized layover tours, which in the past have departed directly from the airport and focused on temples, markets, or cultural highlights. Availability of these tours can change, so they should not be assumed without confirmation.
Independent travellers typically rely on taxis or rail connections to reach the city. Well-known attractions include the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha, though both require enough time to justify the journey and can be crowded. Areas like Khao San Road are popular for casual wandering, food, and people-watching, while large malls such as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld offer air-conditioned relief from the heat.
Always leave a generous buffer for the return trip, as traffic delays are common and security queues can be unpredictable. For more ideas, check out our Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Layover Sightseeing article or visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Bangkok.
5. Unwind in the spa
Thailand is known for massage and spa culture, and Suvarnabhumi offers a limited version of that experience. The Miracle Transit Hotel also operates spa and salon services, which can be appealing after a long-haul flight. Services and availability vary, and prices are higher than in the city, but for some travellers the convenience is worth it.
6. Surf the Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal and is generally adequate for messaging, browsing, and basic work. Time limits and login requirements have changed over the years, so don’t assume unlimited access without re-registering.
7. Get Some Sleep
Overnight sleeping is common at Suvarnabhumi, and staff are generally accustomed to seeing travellers resting in public areas. Seating without armrests can be found, though truly quiet or dark spaces are limited. Popular resting spots tend to attract crowds, especially overnight.
The terminal can feel cold and noisy, depending on where you settle, so layers and earplugs help. For travellers who want privacy, short-stay rooms are available at the Miracle Transit Hotel inside the secure area, and Boxtel sleep pods are located near the Airport Rail Link. The Avagard Capsule Hotel, located landside near the Airport Rail Link, offers compact capsule-style rooms for short stays without leaving the airport complex. Off-airport hotels are also plentiful and often reachable within minutes, with some providing shuttle service. See our Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide for locations and details.
Updated 13 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. Visit our Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.