On my recent trip to Bangkok, I took Jin Air flight LJ003, which departed from Incheon at 8:30 AM and arrived in Bangkok at 12:00 PM. When I arrived at Incheon Airport at 5:50 PM, I quickly completed the ticketing process at the K counter without any waiting. During the ticketing process, I confirmed my round-trip flight tickets and vaccination certificate. Since it was early in the morning, I walked to the F counter near the open bank to wait and took about 30 minutes to find the Thai baht that I had exchanged in advance. (Shinhan Bank is much closer to the departure lounge.)
After going through baggage inspection and departure immigration at the departure lounge, I entered the duty-free area at 6:50 PM. I entered the Sky Hub Lounge at 7:00 PM, had a quick meal, and then took the Skytrain to the boarding gate.
Regarding the lounge, children under the age of 10 are charged a reduced fee. Since my child was born in 2011, which was more than 10 years ago, I presented only the boarding pass to check if they would grant the discount. As expected, they asked for the passport confirmation. Fortunately, I was able to receive a discount and made a payment of 28,600 KRW (approximately 25 USD).
The Jin Air flight had a 3:3 seat configuration, and although it wasn’t fully booked, I didn’t see many empty seats. I was aware beforehand, but the lack of individual screens made the 5 hours and 30 minutes flight a bit boring. Just in case, I downloaded some videos on my iPad and phone to watch during the flight, and I also brought a portable charger since there were no USB chargers available on board.
The meal served included a muffin, porridge, Petit Chel, and water, as shown in the photo. Although I didn’t eat much as I was already full, it was sufficient for a simple meal.
Upon arrival in Bangkok, when I reached the immigration counter, there were only three people ahead of me. I completed the immigration process within 10 minutes, but I had to wait for quite a while until my baggage was released. It was my first time experiencing such a delay. Since the Thai immigration card that was previously used on board was no longer required, it made the immigration process in Thailand much more convenient.
That’s the end of my personal review.
If you’re staying in Bangkok and looking for nearby tourist attractions and activities, there are plenty of options to consider. Bangkok is a vibrant city with a mix of historical sites, cultural landmarks, and modern attractions. Here are some recommendations:
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is a must-visit attraction. Explore the stunning architecture and intricate details of the palace, and don’t miss the famous Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew.
2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): Enjoy a riverboat ride and visit Wat Arun, known for its beautiful porcelain-encrusted spires. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline.
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market: If you’re a shopping enthusiast, head to Chatuchak Market, one of the world’s largest weekend markets. Browse through thousands of stalls offering clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and delicious street food.
4. Chinatown: Take a stroll through Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown area and experience its vibrant street life. Sample authentic Chinese cuisine, visit ornate temples, and browse through the market stalls selling everything from herbal medicines to gold jewelry.
5. Jim Thompson House: Delve into Thailand’s rich silk industry and visit the Jim Thompson House, a museum showcasing traditional Thai architecture and a beautiful collection of Southeast Asian art.
6. Chao Phraya River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, passing by some of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks. Opt for a dinner cruise to savor delicious Thai cuisine while enjoying the city’s illuminated skyline.
7. Ayutthaya: Embark on a day trip to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, marvel at the impressive ruins, and learn about the history of the Kingdom of Siam.
8. Floating Markets: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok’s floating markets, such as Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa. Hop on a boat and immerse yourself in the lively scenes of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and local delicacies.
9. Thai Massage and Spa: Indulge in a traditional Thai massage or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Bangkok is renowned for its spa industry, offering a range of rejuvenating experiences to relax and unwind.
10. Street Food Tour: Venture beyond the popular tourist areas and explore the city’s street food scene. Join a guided tour to taste a variety of local dishes, from flavorful curries to mouthwatering snacks.
These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Bangkok has so much to offer in terms of cultural experiences, historical sites, and culinary delights. Remember to plan your itinerary according to your interests and make the most of your time in this vibrant city.