Dok Rai Airport, TH.
Based on available traveler reviews, primarily from 2016 and 2018, traveler sentiment regarding what appears to be U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (likely referred to as Dok Rai (TH-0045) in the prompt) is mixed. While some found the experience relaxing compared to larger airports, significant issues, particularly with immigration, led to considerable dissatisfaction.
What Travelers Love
- Convenient Location: The airport is noted for its relatively short travel time to Pattaya City, approximately 35 minutes, which is appreciated by residents.
- Relaxed Atmosphere (for some): Some travelers found the overall experience to be more relaxing and preferable to the larger, more impersonal Bangkok airports.
- Compact Terminal: The small size of the terminal means short walking distances to check-in desks and immigration control.
Common Complaints
- Immigration Delays and Staff Issues: A major point of contention was the long wait times at immigration, with one traveler reporting a 90-minute wait due to only four of six desks operating for a large number of passengers. Staff at passport control were described as "terrible," and there was a lack of clear communication during these delays.
- Outdated Facilities and Comfort: The terminal is described as "tiny and very old," with issues like weak air conditioning and the presence of flies within the airport area.
- Limited Amenities: A notable complaint was the absence of money exchange facilities after passport control, forcing travelers to carry local currency or go without.
- Noisy Lounge: The lounge area, while offering views onto the airfield, was sometimes filled with "very noisy Chinese tour groups."
Overall, while U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport offers a potentially less hectic alternative to major hubs for those traveling to Pattaya, the older facilities and particularly the reported inefficiencies and poor service at immigration were significant deterrents for travelers in the reviewed period. It is important to note these reviews are not recent and current conditions may vary.
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Where is Dok Rai Airport located?
Dok Rai is located TH, at an elevation of 186 ft. Its IATA code is — and ICAO code is TH-0045.