So there you are, backpack slung over your shoulder, passport in hand, standing in the arrivals hall of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport with nowhere to sleep tonight and a wallet filled with only 1 baht coins and a couple of Minion stamps from 7Eleven. You could drop some serious baht on a taxi into the city to find a hostel with a bunk the size of a matchbox, but why bother when you’ve got a perfectly good airport right here? Sleeping in airports is a time-honoured travel tradition, a rite of passage that separates the amateurs from the pros. Close your wallet and enjoy a complimentary night’s rest in the city that never sleeps (because its airport never closes).
Why pay for accommodation when you can sleep for free at the airport? As a budget traveller, you know that every baht saved means more Chang beers, I mean… money for other expenses. Spending the night at Suvarnabhumi Airport means you:
- Save Money. Accommodation in Bangkok ain’t cheap, save yourself the few hundred baht and a disappointing sleep in a hostel and spoon your backpack instead of a stranger tonight.
- Avoid traffic and transit hassles. Forget battling your way into the city centre after a long flight. You’ll face the train with so much more enthusiasm after a couple hours shuteye.
- Enjoy amenities galore. Suvarnabhumi Airport never closes, so you’ll have constant access to bathrooms, WiFi, device charging, and most importantly, 24-hour food options.
- Meet interesting people. I wouldn’t be going out of my way to make friends during an airport night, I’d rather roll up in my rip-off North Face jacket and wait for sleep to take me. However, you never know who you’ll meet at an airport. You might meet a stranger to bond with over your shared love of questionable life choices.
My Experience Sleeping in Suvarnabhumi Airport
For me, it was a late flight from Chiang Mai to BKK and because the flight only got in to BKK airport at midnight, I decided it really wasn’t worth the time or money to search for a place to stay that night. The ground of the airport was looking awfully comfy. I did the traditional walk up and down the airport, scouting all the best spots. Eventually I settled on a bench nearby Burger King. I had a pretty decent setup, a veggie burger from Burger King, a charging station right behind me, and two benches to stretch out across. The family next to me were quiet and seemed like a safe bunch to huddle up near and fall asleep. I slid my backpack under my chair, wrapped my rain jacket around me and used a packing cube as a pillow before I eventually nodded off. I woke every hour or so but was able to drift back to sleep. There is something quite settling about waking up to the constant drone of suitcase wheels, excited chatter, and walkie-talkie radios. It sounds just as loud and busy every time you wake and soon your sense of time becomes so warped you decide to give up altogether. In all seriousness though, I’ve definitely slept in worse places and I actually almost enjoyed my night in the airport that never sleeps.
Best Spots to Sleep in Bangkok Airport
Best Spot #1: First Floor – Exit 4
Head as if you’re making your way to the basement and by the time you reach exit 4 you’ll see a bunch of empty seats and plenty of floor space. Best part of all? It’s so much quieter here during the night. Sure, it’s not the Ritz, but it beats paying for a hotel.
Best Spot #2: Arrivals Floor by Exit 1
There are a great number of seats over here with padded cushions. It’s one of the quieter areas of the airport but unfortunately not many charging ports around. Look for a row of three seats together, or if you’re lucky, snag a whole bank of seats to yourself. Prop up your bags as a makeshift pillow and you’ll be living the high life.
Best Spot #3: Second Floor Restaurants
Yes it’s not the best spot for sleeping however if you’re wide awake, hungry, and in need of a power station, there’s a spot next to KFC with your name on it. Sometimes the hustle and bustle of people can be quite therapeutic, no one notices a little backpacker tucked into some benches when there are planes to catch and burgers to eat.
What You Can and Can't Do for Airport Accommodation
Sleeping in an airport isn’t ideal, but when you’re stranded in Bangkok without a place to stay, or looking to save some money, the airport can actually make a half-decent free accommodation for the night.
What you can do
You’re allowed to lounge around in the common areas of the airport, so feel free to park yourself in one of the many seating areas after the shops close. Pro tip: Head to one of the upper levels for more secluded seating.
Many budget travellers recommend bringing a sleeping bag, pillow, eye mask and earplugs to help you get comfortable on the hard airport furniture. I managed just fine with a jacket and a BUFF neck scarf.
What you can’t do
Unfortunately, you can’t camp out in front of the check-in counters or boarding gates. Airport staff will move you along if you’re obstructing any areas or being a nuisance to other travellers. You also can’t access any of the VIP lounges or hotels within the airport without paying or being a member.
While the airport may feel safe, don’t leave your belongings unattended or fall asleep completely exposed. As in any public place, there is a small risk of petty theft if you make an easy target. I always put all my valuables into my bumbag and strap that across my chest. Just be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll be fine.
The airport tries to move people along, but as long as you’re respectful of the space and other travellers, you should be able to spend the night for free without too much hassle. An airport sleepover may not be glamorous, but it beats paying for a pricey hotel room in Bangkok!
FAQ on Free Airport Accommodation
Before you nestle in for a long night of uncomfortable sleep and annoying announcements, you might have a couple of questions?
Can I really sleep here for free?
Yes, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport never closes, and sleeping in the terminal is allowed as long as you’re not loitering or causing trouble. Find an out-of-the-way spot like near a charging station or in a quiet gate area and make yourself at home on the floor, chairs or even under the seats. Just don’t hog too much space or the security guards may ask you to move along.
What about my luggage?
Unless you want to cuddle up to your carry-on all night, it is possible to check your bags. Head to the left luggage service counter in the arrivals hall and pay a small fee to have your bags stored until your next flight or the next morning. Make sure any valuables stay with you.
How do I avoid stiff necks and screaming kids?
You won’t avoid a stiff neck. Airport seating was designed by someone who hates the human body. Your best option is to scope out the terminals for any available lounge chairs, couches or slightly padded benches that don’t make you feel like you’re sleeping on a bed of nails. Remember, a night on the floor is always a good option.
Choose a spot away from busy areas like near gates or baggage claim. The upper levels and corners of the terminal tend to be quieter. Bring earplugs and try to avoid sitting near families with young grumpy-looking kids.
Can I freshen up in the morning?
There are a number of restrooms throughout the airport if you just need to splash some water on your face and brush your teeth.
Conclusion
While sleeping in the airport may not be ideal, it’s good to know you have options when your travel plans run long. With a little planning and common sense, you can find a quiet spot to rest your head and be on your way again in the morning. The key is to be courteous of others and remember airport staff are just doing their jobs. So keep your belongings close, try to sleep lightly and you’ll be back on your feet in no time. With a bit of luck and comfort from knowing you saved some money, your airport sleepover may end up being more pleasant than you thought!