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Counterflow lanes in Bangkok, Thailand
I almost forgot again about this set of photos showing the implementation of a counterflow scheme along a long stretch of road in Bangkok. Heading out of Bangkok, I was able to take photos of the counterflow lanes and variable traffic signs used for this purpose. We were northbound meaning we were traveling outbound of the metropolis and opposed to the peak direction (southbound was inbound to Bangkok).
Approaching an overpass where variable traffic signs are installed overhead (i.e., on a gantry).
It is easy to see which lanes are assigned for our direction and which ones for the opposite flow.
On the overpass, you can see that the variable signs are installed at regular intervals. There are a few cones that act as physical separators (not really barriers) between opposing flows.
Sort of a close up of the variable signs and a cone. I assume the cones are placed there by traffic authorities. They might be transferred to the other side of the overpass if the counterflow was in favor of our direction.
Another photo showing the installed variable signs towards the other end of the overpass.
Four lanes are assigned to inbound traffic while only two are for outbound traffic.
At the foot of the overpass is a pedestrian overpass. The stairs appear to be quite steep based on the photo. I’m not aware of criticisms of the pedestrian footbridges in Bangkok. I would have to ask my Thai friends about their designs.
Another overpass where all lanes are assigned to the southbound direction
The parked vehicle on the chevron is with the traffic authority of Bangkok.
I actually started writing this in April last year. I will try to finish some drafts I started last year this month while also posting about my recent travel to Bicol.
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Back in Bangkok
We’re back in one of our happy places to be in again. Bangkok’s been one of our favorite destinations since the 2000’s. There was a time when we were here twice a year. Those trips were mostly business, actually academic-related as from 2001 to 2008 we had collaborative research network among ASEAN Universities hosted by Chulalongkorn University. I’ve returned several times after but the last time I was in Bangkok was in 2018 for a seminar on road safety. This is the first time we are in Bangkok with our daughter (her second ASEAN country) so we’re only very happy to share with her the experiences in Thailand.
Clearing immigration at Suvarnabhumi Airport
Where to and how to get there? We decided to take the airport taxi to our hotel.
Marveling at the spacious terminal.
I will post about Bangkok and transport in Thailand in the next posts probably after we return from this trip.
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Another look at Suvarnabhumi Airport – departure, Part 3
Here are the rest of the photos for this series on Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Here’s another look at some of the shops inside the terminal
Here is a view of the grand display at the departure concourse after you clear immigration.
For those who did their shopping in Thailand, VAT refund is available at the airport. Just make sure you kept your receipts.
King Power duty free shops
Information boards
I like to say that a highlight of my recent travel to Bangkok was enjoying mango with sticky rice at the airport. Bangkok is famous for its street food and this is comfort food for me.
More shops greet you on the way to the boarding gates. These are actually the last ones prior to the boarding gates and present the last chance for some shopping.
A view of one of the piers (there are 6) of the airport terminal.
Moving walkways help passengers get to the boarding gates along the long piers emanating from the main terminal building. But if you want to have some exercise and increase your step count then you might opt to do some brisk or relaxed walking.
There is always these cultural-religious elements inside this modern terminal that remind you that you are in Thailand.
I enjoyed my mango with sticky rice while waiting for my boarding call.
Ramp to the pre-boarding lounge before the gate
I’m looking forward to traveling to Cebu soon. Although the new terminal is for international flights, I hope to get some photos from the tarmac. And who knows if there is a chance to take a few opportunistic shots of the interior?
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Another look at Suvarnabhumi Airport – departure, Part 2
Previously, I posted on my arrival at the airport prior to my return to Manila. Here’s a continuation with more photos of the terminal at the departure level of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Display depicting a temple greeting people as they enter the terminal
Travelers check the information board for their designated airline check-in counters
Direction signs and luggage wrapping services at the airport
Somebody said it is easy to get lost in a terminal this spacious.
Just follow the signs and the information boards
Here’s a closer look at one of the information boards showing departing flight information such as the status of outbound flights and the designated check-in counters.
Among my favourites at Suvarnabhumi Airport are these sentinel-like figures “watching over” the busy airport.
Thai Airways check-in counters designated for my flight back to Manila – there were no queues as there were more than enough counters and staff to handle passengers as of the time I checked-in. It helped that I checked-in online so I went directly to the bag-drop counters for my luggage and my boarding pass.
Going up the escalator for the final airport security check and the immigration counters, I took this photo of the spacious terminal.
Here’s another shot just before I placed my phone in my backpack prior to the security check.
Upon clearing immigration, one is greeted by yet another display. I already featured this in previous (old) posts on the airport where I showed some close-ups.
The ways to the boarding gates are lined up with shops.
Here are more shops along the way.
There are the usual souvenir shops, boutiques, and the cafes and restaurants for those who need refreshments.
More photos in the last instalment of this series!
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Another look at Suvarnabhumi Airport – departure, Part 1
My recent trip to Bangkok allowed me to take more photos of Suvarnabhumi Airport. I already posted on my arrival at the airport and this time, I am posting on my departure. The following photos were taken as we approached the airport and upon my entry to the terminal.
On the elevated expressway link to the international airport. The signs are obviously in Thai.
A view of the control tower
The taxi driver proceeds towards the departure level driveway to the left of the expressway link. The exit ramp to the right is for vehicles heading towards the arrival level driveway.
Speed limit for this section is 40 kph.
The airport terminal is at left and at the foreground is the multi-level parking facility
After alighting from the taxi, I took this photo of the luggage carts neatly filed and ready to be taken to the terminal.
Taxis unloading passengers and their luggage along the driveway designated for public transport.
Airport departure level driveway with a view of the control tower and the multi-level parking building
A properly and conspicuously marked pedestrian crossing at the airport
The driveway designated for private vehicles is more crowded
Sign for the national flag carrier whose hub airport is Suvarnabhumi.
More photos next time!
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Another look at Suvarnabhumi Airport – arrival, part 2
Here are more photos taken when I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in early July.
Duty free shop at the baggage claim area
Exit through customs
Travelers and their companions meet-up right after passengers exit the arrival area
It can get quite crowded at some areas of the concourse especially near the airport/tourist information and the currency exchange booths where people usually congregate.
Another photo taken on my way to the escalators to get to the taxi stand at the lower level of the airport
Escalator to the lower level of the airport where one can get a taxi to the city centre.
A view of the ground level where there are seats for people waiting for arriving passengers or passengers biding their time before taking a taxi.
The area is much less crowded than the upper levels
Here is another photo showing the spacious area with few people.
Entry to the taxi stands – note the distinction among regular taxi (middle), large taxi (right)
Typical regular taxis at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The large taxis are generally AUVs.
Travelers are issued this ticket showing the lane where the taxi is parked, the name of the driver, car type and license plate number. You can also get a receipt from your driver upon arrival at destination and payment.
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Another look at Suvarnabhumi Airport – arrival, part 1
Here are photos of Suvarnabhumi Airport upon my arrival in Bangkok earlier this month. Here’s the first set of photos taken upon my arrival at the international terminal.
Moving walkway/ Walkalator
Artwork along the way to immigrations
Directional signs are quite important for an airport of this size
More directions and a map
Another artwork
Digital/electronic information board
Information board on aircraft arrivals and departures
Entry to the immigrations area where photographs and video are not allowed. I dare not be caught violating this rule in a foreign country.
Baggage claim area
Information on which carousel to go to pick-up your luggage are on this board. There are so many arrivals at the airport and so many carousels so its important to look it up for reference and direction.
More artwork, this time at the baggage claim area
Luggage going around on the carousel
Here are more artworks – I think this is a good idea to showcase the country’s artists at its main gateway. Perhaps Philippine airports should also make a similar effort? I recall Mactan Cebu International Airport featuring a local artist Boy Kiamko’s work at the terminal.
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The busy Chao Phraya
The Chao Phraya is a very busy river as traffic along this body of water is quite heavy. There are lots of vessels including those used for commuting and tourism. Here are a few photos I took from my hotel room.
A couple of commuter boats going on opposite directions
A river cruise vessel that’s popular with tourists. They serve meals on the upper deck and there is entertainment as well as a guided tour of the attractions along the Chao Phraya.
River traffic is heavy even during night time. Attractions such a the Grand Palace are nicely illuminated at night so these make for impressive sights. Perfect backgrounds while having dinner or perfect subjects if you’re into photography.
The Chao Phraya Princess (one of many princesses) docking at the Shangri-la
I wonder if the Pasig River can be developed to this level in terms of commuter and tourist traffic.
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Musings while waiting for a delayed flight at Suvarnabhumi Airport
I’m writing this short post as I wait for our overly delayed flight back to Manila from Bangkok. Next to Changi, this is my next favorite airport and I always marvel at the expanse of the terminal everytime I am here. There were management or operations issues when the airport was newly opened (I think I have a post on this years ago) but I guess these have been resolved. Here’s a few photos of Suvarnabhumi International Airport I took while walking away the time until we board the plane.
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Caught (up) in traffic 