I arrived at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) early ahead of my flight to Kuala Lumpur, using the extra time to visit every Star Alliance Lounge on the international side of the airport.

I Went Star Alliance Lounge Hopping In Bangkok (BKK)

BKK is a hub for Thai Airways, featuring four Thai lounges, two Royal Orchid and two Royal Silk lounges, an EVA lounge, Singapore Airlines lounge, and Turkish Airlines lounge (note that one of the Royal Orchid lounges appears to be permanently closed, though the signage is still up…I’ve reviewed it in the past).

Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge – E Concourse

I started at the Royal Silk Lounge in the E Concourse and found it virtually empty. Seating was comfortable and a mix of Asian and Western food was available, including a noodle bar. This lounge also had showers.

EVA Lounge

Next, I stopped at the EVA lounge nearby. EVA offers many flights from Europe to Taipei via Bangkok and has maintained its own lounge here for as long as I can remember. It’s a modern lounge with distinct mood lighting, though I’m not sure the food was any better than the Thai lounges. Alcohol is self-serve and there are shower suites available.

Turkish Airlines Lounge

The Turkish Airlines lounge was empty…I had it all to myself (unfortunately, the airport authority recently decreed that this lounge could no longer be part of the Priority Pass network in order to protect its own network of inferior airport-operated lounges). There was “pide” available, but sadly it tasted nothing like the pide available in Turkish’s flagship Istanbul lounge. But what I love about this lounge is that guests can take advantage of a complimentary 15-minute neck and shoulder massage, which I did.

Singapore Airlines Lounge

Next, I stopped the Singapore Airlines lounge, which was fairly crowded. I noticed barista coffee was available and had a flat white, though sadly it was not very good (too weak). Even so, I appreciate that like the Seoul lounge, there is at least an effort to provide better coffee. The food looked pretty good too and there are shower suites available.

Thai Royal Orchid Lounge – Main Terminal

I was very pleasantly surprised to check out Thai’s flagship Royal Orchid Lounge in the Main Terminal…not only was it beautiful with the “hanging gardens” throughout, but it was huge and there was a wide selection of food and much better barista-made coffee here. For first class passengers, there is a separate first class area (the former first class lounge has been closed and sadly, the Royal Orchid Spa remains closed).

Thai Royal Silk Lounge – Main Terminal

Next door is a Royal Silk lounge that, while nice enough, really feels like an ugly stepsister to the next-door Royal Orchid Lounge. Much of the food is the same (including the very unpleasant smell of sambal petai) but I prefer the ambiance in the next-door lounge.

CONCLUSION

BKK is a great airport for Star Alliance flyers with a wide variety of lounge options. The Thai Royal Orchid Lounge in the Main Terminal is your best choice, but do stop by the Turkish Airlines lounge for that back and shoulder massage.

I’ll publish full reviews of each lounge in due time.

Next: Thai Airways 787-9 to KUL

I’m sharing about my whirlwind trip through Asia.