Suvarnabhumi - Bang Poo

Today's a big day for folks involved in the construction of the Suvarnabhumi Airport . Unless there's a sudden change of plan, a couple of VIPs-loaded aircrafts will do test landings on Suvarnabhumi's runways late this morning.

Well, after having heard so much about this mega project, some of you might feel like seeing the real thing. And if you're already planning to visit the new airport, how about driving a little further to interesting sites nearby?

Once open, the Suvarnabhumi Airport can be reached both from the northern (Lat Krabang) and southern ( Bang Na-Bang Pakong Highway ) ends. But for now, it's easier to drive there via the southern gate which is only about three and a half kilometres from the Bang Na-Bang Pakong Highway .

After catching a glimpse of the new airport, it's time to visit the time-honoured charms along the Samut Prakan part of Sukhumvit, the road that, before the Bang Na- Bang Pakong Highway came to existence, once served as the main artery connecting Bangkok to Chon Buri and other eastern provinces.

From the Suvarnabhumi Airport, drive back out to the Bang Na-Bang Pakong Highway and go west towards the big intersection at kilometre 4 (Wat Si Iam intersection), then turn left onto Thanon Si Nakharind (Highway 3344). At the southern end of Si Nakharind, you'll find Sukhumvit Road . Turn left.

On your return trip from Bang Poo you can either drive back along the same route or go a little further east to Soi Wat Tamru then get back to Si Nakharind via Thanon Thepharak (Highway 3268).
Bangkok Post September 2005 www.bangkokpost.com