There are two major airports serving Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves most major airlines and international flights, and Don Mueang Airport, which has become the low-cost carrier (LCC) airport in the past decade.
For this journey, I was flying AirAsia from Singapore to Chiang Mai. AirAsia Thai is based in Don Mueang airport, and my friend and I transmitted through the airport on our way to Chiang Mai. I went in thinking there wouldn’t be a lounge in an airport that primarily serves low-cost carriers, only to be (gladly) proven wrong. It turns out, the Coral Executive lounge opened just a few months prior to my visit, and it was a pretty good one!
This trip report/review is part of a series. See also:
- 1. Trip to Southeast Asia – Introduction
- 2. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia (King Room)
- 3. Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia (Junior Suite)
- 4. EVA Air Royal Laurel (Business Class) “Hello Kitty” Jet Houston-Taipei
- 5. Grand Hyatt Taipei (Haunted?) Grand Suite
- 6. InterContinental Hong Kong Patio Room
- 7. Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang
- 8. AirAsia “Premium Flex” Chiang Mai to Bangkok-Don Mueang
- 9. Conrad Bangkok (King Room)
- 10. Conrad Bangkok Executive Lounge
- 11. Conrad Bangkok Presidential Suite Bedroom
- 12. Grand Hyatt Bangkok Grand King Room
- 13. Thai Airways 777-300ER Royal Silk Business Class Bangkok to Stockholm
- 14. Park Hyatt Istanbul Park Deluxe Twin Room
- 15. Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul (“July 15 Heroes of Democracy Lounge”)
- 16. Turkish Airlines A330 Business Class Istanbul-Washington DC
Access
The Coral Executive Lounge in Don Mueang Airport is part of the Priority Pass network. I had my Priority Pass membership card that came with my Citi Prestige card, so I was able to bring my friend in as well. You can also get a Priority Pass membership with a number of other credit cards.
The Lounge
Don Mueang airport was pretty rundown, and with water leaks and tan brown walls, I wasn’t expecting a super nice lounge. To my surprise, however, the lounge had a very clean, almost Parisian design that exudes some sense of understated luxury.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang
The lounge was subtly divided into a few areas by wooden screens or thin pillars, with the central buffet and reception desk tying them altogether. Turning left first, there wast a dedicated restaurant-style seating area.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Restaurant-Style Seating
Towards the terminal end, there were armchairs arranged in fours, as well as couches lining the wall. In the center, a bar-height table with stools complete this end of the lounge.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Seating
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Seating
One thing I did notice was signs on almost every coffee table saying “sleeping is prohibited.” I am not sure if they’ve had a problem before, but most flights to/from Don Mueang are usually pretty short, so that shouldn’t be a huge issue.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang No Sleeping Sign
In the middle of the lounge was the buffet area. It was marked by a giant center table with cookies, other sweets, and coffee.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Center Table
Behind the table were refrigerators with a variety of beverages and desserts. I didn’t see any alcohol selection, but I also didn’t ask whether they offer any on request.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Beverages
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Dessert
On two sides across the center table were hot and cold food options. They offered pasta, fried rice, grilled chicken, and a soup during my visit.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Hot Food Option
There were also salads, finger sandwiches, and fruit skewers. The sandwiches and canapé were saran-wrapped; I know some people think that’s cheap looking, but on the up side it’s (hopefully/usually) sanitary.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Cold Food Option
There were also other beverages available, including orange and guava juice, a selection of tea.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Juices
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Coffee
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Tea
Turning right from the buffet tables, there was a similar seating area with chairs in fours. The were also bathrooms were also in this area of the lounge, though there were no showers.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Seating
I settled down after grabbing some dessert, which were surprisingly good.
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Dessert
I also grabbed a Fanta that totally shocked me upon pouring. It was delicious and refreshing, but it sure looks like it should be on the set of Wicked or something!
Coral Executive Lounge Bangkok-Don Mueang Fanta
Overall Impression
This lounge is a nice addition to a otherwise pretty depressing airport. It was truly an oasis, and made me glad about my Priority Pass membership. It wouldn’t score very high as a international First or even Business Class lounge. As a lounge serving mostly low cost carriers though, it’s absolutely stellar. If anything, I know wouldn’t purposefully avoid AirAsia Thai because I know I’d have a place to recharge when transmitting in Don Mueang!
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2 comments
I was here last month and was also pleasantly surprised by the physical state of the lounge, how uncrowded it was, and the food and beverage selection, which I thought was pretty decent for a Priority Pass lounge. My only complaint was that that there were glass walls separating the lounge from the terminal area (which in itself is good as it lets light in), but they didn’t do enough soundproofing so the gate announcements from the adjacent gates seemed to be as loud in the lounge as in the waiting area!
hey, were you on an international or domestic flight? priority pass says domestic only, but i’m hoping that’s not strictly enforced..