My credit cards give me a membership in the Priority Pass program which allows me to use lounges all over the world. But Don Muang International in Bangkok, the discounter hub is not where you’d expect to find one. We were surprisingly impressed.
If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com.
If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today.
Location
Airside – Departures, 3rd Floor, turn right after Security Checks, proceed to Gate 51. The lounge is located on the right. Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, and a few others offer entry into the lounge including Lounge Buddy for a cost of $38.
The Best Lounge Internet I have Ever Seen
It’s rare that I find any level of internet speed above, serviceable. In many instances, I use my phone’s LTE connection to deliver faster service than those available in clubs and lounges all over the world. Imagine my shock and amazement to find that the lounge had unbelievably fast internet.
Home internet speeds in the US average 64 Mbps Download and 22 Mbps Upload, we pay extra at home just to get up to 100 Mbps and even that’s not guaranteed. So, to find I could download an entire film in under a minute before my flight was shocking.
Congratulations Coral Executive Lounge Don Muang International Airport, you beat the very best in the world. If anyone finds better internet at another lounge, leave in the comments. Until then, I am crowning you the undisputed champion.
Food
Continuing the trend of providing surprisingly good options, the food did not disappoint either. A handful of dessert options from chocolate to cake to local Thai specialties filled a cold case near the base of the escalator. Cold drinks that could be taken away filled another case next to the desserts.
I counted at least half a dozen hot buffet items from noodles with mixed vegetables to fried rice, and even pasta carbonara or marinara.
The cold savory items included individually wrapped sandwiches and salad offerings.
Seating
There was seating sufficient for the half a dozen guests in the lounge when we arrived, though it looked like around a hundred guests could be accommodated. A variety of seating options including communal tables, dining tables, and work stations fit every requirement.
Bar
We didn’t partake during our short visit, but a full bar with a staffed bartender was at the ready. For those who do not want to utilize the self-service coffee machine, a proper espresso machine was behind the bar too.
Conclusion
The Coral Lounge was one of the better experiences I have had in the Priority Pass system. It might not have been the most up-to-date, but it was attractive and delivered in all the right areas, punching way above its weight. I planned extra time to visit again upon my following departure from DMK.
As a side note, we weren’t aware at the time but included with admittance was a 15-minute massage. If you’re in Bangkok already, you’ve probably already had a ton of massages, but if you’ve nothing better to do, why not?
Have you tried this lounge at Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport? Have you ever seen faster internet in a lounge? Where is your favorite?
I was there in July. Even without any membership or special credit cards, most airlines have a slightly discounted entry rate. I was flying Lion Air, i paid 25.5USD, 840 thai bhat. Totally worth it, a really great lounge. Theres no separate room for massage, the therapist does it right where you sit, and includes a head, neck and shoulder massage. Wifi is fast yeah. But in some smaller european airports, (BUD, VIE, TLL, WAW) i saw similar or faster wifi. Also in ICN.
Chang soda water is a bargain: go into any convenience store in the country and get one, ice-cold, for 9 Baht ( 26 cents). The bottle has been the same for 40 years or longer, although the label has changed recently. They have a (relatively) good recycling program. Rock, the competition, is only 8 baht.
Aside from the internet speed, the only reason to use these lounges is for some peace and quiet. I don’t know this one, but I use Louis Tavern at BKK quite often ( now called CIP, IIRC), and it looks very similar: a good place to sit but not great food.
Everything looks so appetizing!
showers ?
United Club at SFO in the international terminal had about 150 mbps, literally spit out my water when i saw it
As much as I hate DMK, this lounge was a total delight compared to the airport! God forbid I have have to arrive at DMK ever again, the immigration line is ABYSMAL. Tip for those who do have to arrive into DMK from an int’l flight, RUN! Run, and if you’re lucky during the peak times, your wait may only be an hour or so.
This was the best lounge out of the 4 I visited in Houston, Bangkok, Saigon, and Toyko recently! Pretty cool to see the pictures and read your comments as I felt the same way.
The entrance to the lounge is a bit of a mess though. Its right beside the VAT refund counter, so the tourists all queuing up to get their refunds + re-packing their hand luggage crowd at the entrance of the lounge.
Definitely the best place to be in DMK, when you want to be far far away from the maddening crowds, the bus shed terminal gates and the general cacophony.