Calling BKK experts!

[pauly7]

Hey guys

Have booked a last min trip to Thailand including BKK next week and have a few quick questions for those who frequent the place.

1 - Average time it takes to get through immigration. Last time I went it took over an hour.... Just wondering has it improved?

2 - Best lounge (for departing BKK on return). I'm a QF WP. Think the top two lounges are the QF and EK lounges from what I've read on here. Have only ever used the QF lounge.

3 - Most important - need a cool and funky restaurant with some wow factor to go out to dinner on a Sat night. Don't want a stuffy silver service place, my fave type of restaurants are like 'Chin Chin' in Melb and 'Mr Wong' on Sydney - pumping atmosphere, great food and the 'in crowd' Am staying at the new Hilton Sukumvit so anything reasonably close to that could be cool... Thinking something up a tower with a view could be good as a bonus.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[joyvee]

Getting through depends on number of flights to be processed at the time. If you arrive off peak it could take 20 mins. It is much longer to walk from plane to immigration.

I have only used TG lounge so can't comment.

Re restaurants try googling for expat forum. They might have some clues - I don't. JoyV

 

[Hvr]

Are you flying in on QFi? If so you might get a priority pass for BKK immigration. It's not in the same hall as the regular queue, just keep going and it's on the left. You'll be through in 5 minutes max.

Have only ever used the Qf lounge so can't comment on the EK lounge.

 

[JohnK]

Agree about trying to get an express card. If flying Qantas they should hand them out to premium passengers and those with status flying economy or if flying another carrier I have received them in business. The normal queues look awful.

It could be worth it to spend 700baht on an escort through immigration and luggage. Same on the way back. Needs to be booked in advance.

The Qantas Lounge is OK. I have not tried the Emirates lounge.

 

[Paul_PER]

On Sat 2 November it took me about 90 minutes through immigration. On Sunday 10 November it was about 45 minutes.

 

[pauly7]

Are you flying in on QFi? If so you might get a priority pass for BKK immigration. It's not in the same hall as the regular queue, just keep going and it's on the left. You'll be through in 5 minutes max

Yes flying QF - but in whY this time.... I'll def ask the CSM about a priority pass when they come and chat to me!

 

[pauly7]

It could be worth it to spend 700baht on an escort through immigration and luggage. Same on the way back. Needs to be booked in advance.

Thanks JohnK - where do I find out more about this?

 

[Hvr]

Thanks JohnK - where do I find out more about this?

Try here:
Bangkok Airport Fast track Immigration service with VIP Meet & Greet service.

I've never used them and have no experience as to their competence.

 

[pauly7]

Try here:
Bangkok Airport Fast track Immigration service with VIP Meet & Greet service.

I've never used them and have no experience as to their competence.

Thanks Hvr will have a look.

 

[travelislife]

For restaurants, the Long Table on the 25th floor of the column building on Sukhumvit 16 (not far from Asoke) does good food and is very nice but relaxed, need to book. As for 'in crowd', up around Thonglor is where the younger wealthy Thai crowd hang with a lot of 'funky' bars etc. like Fat guts, iron faireys plus some pretty nice restaurants. I can dig up a few more names for you when back in the office.

 

[BensAdventures]

For restaurants, the Long Table on the 25th floor of the column building on Sukhumvit 16 (not far from Asoke) does good food and is very nice but relaxed, need to book. As for 'in crowd', up around Thonglor is where the younger wealthy Thai crowd hang with a lot of 'funky' bars etc. like Fat guts, iron faireys plus some pretty nice restaurants. I can dig up a few more names for you when back in the office.

I agree about Thonglor! Love that place to eat! Wine Republic is always good, it has a chilled out atmosphere, and the food has always been excellent. Best wine selection I've seen in BKK too! Getting a drink in Iron Faireys is a must too... such a random funky place!

In regards to Lounges, the EK lounge is not too bad, but it really is no better than the QF lounge. So just depends on the gate really, both will do the job without being outstanding!

 

[pauly7]

For restaurants, the Long Table on the 25th floor of the column building on Sukhumvit 16 (not far from Asoke) does good food and is very nice but relaxed, need to book. As for 'in crowd', up around Thonglor is where the younger wealthy Thai crowd hang with a lot of 'funky' bars etc. like Fat guts, iron faireys plus some pretty nice restaurants. I can dig up a few more names for you when back in the office.

Perfect - sounds like a couple of great suggestions. Hit me with some more names if you have a second! Thanks

 

[moa999]

You should get a Priority Pass as WP on QF Y... But this means using the central immigration lines (a further walk again).

For restaurants in and around Sukhumvit.
Long Table as mentioned

But also a few new ones I would consider
Park Society - Sofitel So (haven't been but told it is good)
Red Sky - CentralWorld Silom
Above11 - Soi 11
Speakeasy - Hotel Muse --- In fact this little boutique hotel is awesome. Great vibe and a cigar bar as well.

And the old stayers (but further away)
Vertigo at Banyan Tree
Lebua at State Tower


Flying back on late QF flight (QF24) the EK lounge is empty and has better food, although is looking dated.

If you are flying in on QF23 (arrives 4pm) I would seriously be considering the train and BTS as Bangkok traffic is horrendous at that hour.
I think the new Hilton is only a short walk from Phrom Phong (sp)

 

[QF029]

On Sat 2 November it took me about 90 minutes through immigration. On Sunday 10 November it was about 45 minutes.

I went though QF23/24 on the same dates using an express card and it was only 2 or 3 minutes each way. As an SG in Y I used a stockpiled card inbound and on the way out the check in agent gave me one without asking.

 

[bertflyer]

Flying back on late QF flight (QF24) the EK lounge is empty and has better food, although is looking dated.

Definitely a better option than the QF lounge, I had the EK lounge pretty much to myself last month when leaving on QF24. Just be prepared to stand your ground when entering as they will suggest that you use the QF lounge...

 

[yohy?!]

Hey guys

Have booked a last min trip to Thailand including BKK next week and have a few quick questions for those who frequent the place.

1 - Average time it takes to get through immigration. Last time I went it took over an hour.... Just wondering has it improved?

2 - Best lounge (for departing BKK on return). I'm a QF WP. Think the top two lounges are the QF and EK lounges from what I've read on here. Have only ever used the QF lounge.

3 - Most important - need a cool and funky restaurant with some wow factor to go out to dinner on a Sat night. Don't want a stuffy silver service place, my fave type of restaurants are like 'Chin Chin' in Melb and 'Mr Wong' on Sydney - pumping atmosphere, great food and the 'in crowd' Am staying at the new Hilton Sukumvit so anything reasonably close to that could be cool... Thinking something up a tower with a view could be good as a bonus.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Depends on time of day..I haven't had more than 20mins wait arriving in the late evening from HK usually

QF/EK lounges will be best

https://www.facebook.com/notes/lebu...med-at-lebua-hotels-bangkok/10150182297233458

One of the chosen sites for many of the scenes was the Tower Club at lebua, and in particular the entrance to Sirocco, the world’s highest open air rooftop restaurant on the 63rd floor. The backdrop for many of the scenes is the dramatic and amazing view of Bangkok’s skyline which can be experienced from the renowned Sky Bar and Sirocco restaurant.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

otherwise I like vertigo on banyan tree

 

[Archphoto]

you may wish to eat here... Restaurant | Bed Supperclub for something totally different.

otherwise I like vertigo on banyan tree

Bed Supperclub closed August 31st - the owner is looking at a new restaurant venture (along with several of the staff). No indications yet of when/where/what, but the interview I read seemed to indicate he was ready to expand into another style, but still remain "cutting edge".

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Bed Supperclub closed August 31st - the owner is looking at a new restaurant venture (along with several of the staff). No indications yet of when/where/what, but the interview I read seemed to indicate he was ready to expand into another style, but still remain "cutting edge".

oh!! thanks for the update!

 

[Archphoto]

Nightclub and Restaurant Bed Supperclub Will Close August 31, 2013 | BK Magazine Online