Bangkok has two airports – BKK and DMK are two unique facilities in completely different parts of the city, separated by dozens of busy kilometers, which take at least an hour to cross.

Unfortunately, many first-time visitors to Thailand are unaware of this, and they land in Suvarnabhumi (BKK, where they probably arrived in the Kingdom) only to find that their flight to Chiang Mai or Phuket departs from DMK, also known as Don Mueang.

In the following sections, I will explain the main differences between the two airports in Bangkok and give my subjective assessment of which one is "better". (Your assessment may differ.)

Why I prefer BKK to DMK

For me, there's really no comparison between Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. While Bangkok Airport does have its problems (many expats call it "the swamp," and not just because it was built on a former marshland), it's still a modern, efficient airport that's easily accessible from Bangkok's city center. Using Suvarnabhumi (pronounced: Su-wanna-poom) is generally smooth.

The same cannot be said of Don Mueang Airport (DMK). I find it hard to believe that before the opening of Bangkok Airport (BKK) in 2006, it was Thailand's most important international hub. Don Mueang is located north of the city in a densely populated area and is accessible via a highway that is almost always congested. It is one of the oldest airports in Asia – and it shows. In addition to the worn-out facilities, delays and bureaucracy are commonplace here, assuming you arrive in time for your flight.

Options for comparing DMK and BKK

Location

The locations of Bangkok's airports are difficult to compare for two reasons. First, while both are equidistant from Siam Railway Station (generally considered the center of modern Bangkok), not all travelers live nearby. Second, Bangkok Airport (BKK) is connected to the city via the Airport Rail Link, making transportation less of a factor. This means that, in terms of travel time, it is closer (or at least more convenient) for most travelers within the city.

equipment

In this category, there's really no comparison between DMK and BKK. While the Priority Pass lounges at DMK, like the Coral Lounge, are certainly presentable, regular travelers have little choice but to sit in run-down waiting areas. The food and drink selection is adequate by Thai standards, but significantly below average compared to the first-class offerings at BKK. Not to mention the quality of duty-free shopping at Suvarnabhumi Airport compared to Don Mueang, although I personally don't use either very often.

Airlines

The vast majority of international airlines flying to Thailand land exclusively at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Don Mueang, on the other hand, is primarily served by low-cost carriers, exclusively Thai or Southeast Asian airlines. Generally speaking, if you are flying to Thailand from North America, New Zealand, or Europe, you will land in or depart from Bangkok (BKK). From Australia, there is a limited chance of reaching Don Mueang (DMK) via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore with a low-cost carrier.

Connections

Therefore, your choice between Bangkok (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) depends less on your personal preferences and more on your departure and destination cities. If you are traveling to specific cities within Thailand, such as smaller towns in Isaan or to southern airports like Chumphon or Ranong, Don Mueang is your only option. However, if you are flying to destinations like Sukhothai or Koh Samui, Suvarnabhumi is the only airport in Bangkok offering flights to and from these locations.

Security and immigration

To be honest, the security and immigration checks at both Bangkok airports are utter chaos. Don Mueang simply doesn't have enough checkpoints, leading to incredibly long queues. Suvarnabhumi has sufficient staff and space, but the fact that you have to go up one level and then down another to get to security and then immigration is unnecessarily complicated. Not to mention how excessively meticulous I found the security personnel at Bangkok airport to be.

Reasons for using Don Mueang Airport

I'm not a big fan of Don Mueang, but the airport certainly serves its purpose. Here are some reasons why you might end up using DMK Airport sometime:

  • Your destination is not served by flights from Bangkok.
  • DMK offers cheaper prices or better timetables.
  • You were already in the north of Bangkok anyway.
  • You want to see DMK yourself

    • More frequently asked questions about Bangkok airports

    Are BKK and DMK the same airport?

    BKK and DMK are two completely different airports in Bangkok. While BKK (Suvarnabhumi) is a modern, sprawling international airport located about 30 minutes east of Bangkok's city center, DMK (Don Mueang) was once the country's international gateway and is an aging airport used mainly by low-cost carriers for domestic and regional international destinations.

    Which airport in Bangkok is better?

    Although Bangkok-Kingdom Airport (BKK) is newer, more comfortable, and better connected internationally, Bangkok-Kingdom Airport (DMK) also has its place. Ultimately, your assessment of which airport is better will depend on your destination, budget, and other travel-specific factors.

    Which airport in Bangkok is closer to the city?

    Technically speaking, DMK Airport is closer to Bangkok's city center, being only 22 km from Siam Station compared to 28 km for BKK Airport. However, it's not quite that simple. While you can take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) from Phaya Thai Station to BKK Airport and thus avoid the traffic, DMK is actually closer if you're staying in the northern parts of central Bangkok, for example, near Victory Monument, Chatuchak Market, Lat Phrao, and the Rama IX district.

    Conclusion

    The question of which airport is better than another isn't easy to answer. While Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is a newer and better-equipped airport with better connections to Bangkok's city center, Don Mueang (DMK) certainly has its merits. On the other hand, based on my personal and professional travel experience in Thailand, I tend to avoid DMK – for reasons many of you will surely understand if you have to fly from there. No matter where your next trip to Thailand takes you, consider letting me handle the planning. With my personalized Thailand travel planning service, you can focus entirely on your trip instead of worrying about tedious details like choosing the right airport in Bangkok.