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Thailand still has a lot of beautiful places, Pattaya, Bangkok and Phuket not
being one of them. Normally, you have a connecting flight in Bangkok. This
is a modern airport where people know how to work, so nothing much to say here.
Just make sure you don't leave for Bangkok - as everything oriental, this is
a big, ugly and dirty Asian mega city. Don't spoil your mood. And in Bangkok
airport, try not to be late for your flight! The building is very, very long,
and it may take 40 minutes to get from international arrivals to domestic
departures gates. So make sure you have enough time and remember - travelator
walkways are made for walking, not standing like an idiot.
But how to survive in Phuket international airport? Phuket is second Pattaya,
where market starts right after airport doors with cabmen shouting at you to
get into their taxis. Do not exit the airport. Before leaving international arrivals, make
sure you find your luggage. Even if your bags are stamped correctly for connecting
flights, that doesn't mean they will be loaded to your next plane. Phuket
staff just do not get connecting flights luggage, and your stuff will be dragged
to the wall and left there for good. So locate them, tear of all labels and
check in to your domestic flight. Then go straight to domestic departures through
screening. Hopefully, your next flight is Bangkok Airways. They have a lounge
near domestic departures gates, where you can comfortably wait several hours
till your next flight. Show your boarding pass at the reception to get WiFi
password. You may also take a cup of tea or coffee, a glass of water or juice
and some fruit, pastries or pizza. They have power sockets so you can charge
you devices, or use the computers if you don't have one. Fresh newspapers are
available in several languages. Everything is free, so enjoy yourself. Don't
miss your plane though - the girls sometimes show around the departing flight
number, and sometimes they don't. So don't miss your flight.