I never enjoyed writing negative opinions of any places that I have visited although everyone bound to have a handful wherever you travel to. For me, Airplane Graveyard is one of them. This unofficial tourist attraction is not unfamilar to many for there is abundant information on the web with a quick search.
Having visited Bangkok for a couple of times, we were looking for something out of the shopping, eating, cafe-hopping routine we always followed. Airplane Graveyard captured the attention of one of our travel companions and so then we went.
It is worth visiting the
Airplane Graveyard in Bangkok?
I can answer it with a definite no, it is not. Fret not, I have an alternative suggestion of where to go instead but read on to know why I discourage visits to this place:
1. NOT for any good cause
The MOST IMPORTANT point: I find it atrocious to think that the exorbitant entrance fees of 200 (up to even reportedly 800) baht per person are donations to the homeless families who forcibly occupy the place.
Even if you want to help them, supporting them through this mean is not a long-term aid. It only encourages them to continue to avoid finding a job and make a living as long as they still get demands from visitors for this place.
Another deciding factor for me to write this article was that the children definitely way below 18, get cigarettes from visitors which is a horrendous act by both parties. I personally witnessed this.
These are the behaviour that you will be supporting with your entrance fees to this place.
2. Inconvenient location
It is about 20 minutes drive from the city centre or a tedious one-hour ride on public transport. Furthermore, there are no nearby attractions you can combine with for an efficient visit. It wouldn’t pose a problem if the attraction is well worth it but it is not. I recommend using your precious time in Bangkok to visit somewhere with more cultural value such as the Grand Palace or spend it wandering around Yaowarat Rd, the Chinatown of Bangkok.
3. Mosquitoes infested
I came from a tropical country – not that I would get fewer bites but I face these mosquitoes all year round. Many of us can’t stand the number of bites and left even without getting on the planes. This situation could have been better if the place is properly taken care of, which apparently it is not. The planes and the spare parts are left there for many years.
4. Not everyone is able to climb up the airplanes
All the breathtaking photos that you see on Instagram? The truth is, not everyone will be able to do it. Are your legs able to climb into the planes without much support? Are you prepared to fit through small holes to get to the top? Are you okay with getting dirty? Don’t waste your money if you aren’t prepared to go through that because then you aren’t going to get any “impressive” photos you see online.
5. It may pose serious danger
Dirty interiors aside, dangerous is a separate matter to deal with. The scrap metals inside and outside of the airplanes have turned rusty. Getting cuts from these dirty and rusty metals while climbing into the planes may put you at risk of a serious blood infection. Is it worth it? You may want to requestion your decision.
Best alternative: Chang Chui Creative Park
If you are keen to explore a decommissioned plane, Chang Chui Creative Park has a massive L10-11 plane. The interior is converted to a restaurant where you can literally slide down from the plane for an exciting exit.
Right underneath the plane, it is a lounge with retro foldable seats and sometimes live bands. Surrounding the plane, you can find everything art-related, local designer labels, interesting food stalls and a quirky insect fine-dining restaurant which I highly recommend.
Instead of supporting an imaginary cause, why not spend your money on more honest activities on the local art scene of Bangkok? Here is the Google Maps link to the park.
I hope this gives you an insight into what to expect if you are planning a visit to the Airplane Graveyard.
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