Date: October 15, 2013
The SleepingInAirports community has voted the following airports as the Best Airports in Asia.
When selecting an airport to declare as the “best”, travellers were asked to consider the four C’s: comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.
- Comfort: Armrest-free seating and quiet/rest/relaxation zones.
- Conveniences: Free WiFi, 24-hour food, showers, pay-in lounges, and activities to do on a layover.
- Cleanliness: Clean floors, bathrooms and food courts.
- Customer Service: A smile and friendly attitudes go a long way. We are so thankful for the kind airport workers who help us when we are lost and give us blankets and pillows when we’re stranded.
There is no denying that the airports in this region are leaders when it comes to providing traveller comfort and services during a layover. In other regions, where respondents would list “comfortable seating” as something that would improve their airport experience, respondents in the Asia survey would request things like “lockers beside lounge chairs” and “personal tvs at lounge chairs” as services that could improve their airport experience. Its certainly a different world in Asian airports….
Here are the Top Ten Airports in Asia as selected by SleepingInAirports voters.
1. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
They have dedicated comfortable sleeping seats and plenty of shops. It is a 24 hour airport and you will never be bored because there are movie theaters and “The Slide@T3” which is the worlds tallest slide in an airport. ” – survey respondent
For 17 years, Singapore Changi Airport has been voted as the SleepingInAirports Best Airport. With its facilities and variety of services, Club Changi seems to have been made for our travelling (and napping) pleasure.
The zzz Factor: Travellers rave about Changi’s 6 rest zones with special reclining sleep seats. They are popular, so if you can’t get a seat, you can still enjoy some quiet time in other cushioned seating and armrest-free seating areas throughout the terminal. Showers area available for a fee. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Rest/Relaxation Areas • Free WiFi • Luggage Storage ($) • 24-hour Food ($) • Prayer Rooms • Free city tour of Singapore • Cultural activities • Video Games • Slide ($) • Movie Theatre • Live Music • Gardens • Showers ($) • Transit hotels ($) • Hotel connected to the terminal ($). Explore our Singapore Changi Airport Guide for more airport info.
2. Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN)
we found a nice lounge in the rest & relax area, moving 2 seats next to each other it was enough sleeping room for 3 people.” – Phtraveler
Seoul Incheon offers Free WiFi, 24-hour food and comfy seats for transit travellers. When you are not napping you can enjoy the gardens, watch traditional dance performances and learn how to how to make traditional pencil cases, fans, and bags. There is even an Ice Skating Rink (landside).
The zzz Factor: Travellers love the comfortable rest zones. The airport also offers armrest-free seating.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounge ($) • Rest Areas + Free WiFi + Free Internet Lounges + Casino ($) + 24-hour food ($) + 7 gardens + IT Experience Center + Korean Cultural Museum + Laundry ($) + Showers ($) + Skating Rink + Transit Tours ($) + nearby golf course ($) + Transit hotel ($). Explore our Seoul Incheon Airport Guide for more airport info.
3. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
you will find a few ‘beds’ made of 4 seats together (no armrests). It was a real bed. I went to bed at about 11 PM and got up at about 9 am. It was a perfect place to spend the night.” – thisisme
Travellers at Hong Kong International Airport say they like the clean, comfy, easy-to-navigate terminal. Before or after your nap you might like to take advantage of the activities and cultural experiences offered at the airport. Airport amenities include: pay-in lounges and an IMAX theatre.
The zzz Factor: The area before security became too crowded at night, so security has increased and you will be asked to sit up. Once you get through security, look for the lounge chairs hidden behind shrubbery. Showers are available in one of the lounges for a fee. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Aviation Discovery Center ($) • IMAX ($) • Nearby golf course ($) • Video Games ($) • Gardens • Prayer Rooms • Showers ($) • Education park for children • Art Exhibitions • Luggage Storage ($) • Hotel connected to the airport ($). Explore our Hong Kong Airport Guide for more airport info.
4. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
Pleasantly long movable benches were available and we pushed some vacant ones creating a small bed. Slept awfully well with extremely quiet surroundings (except the flight announcements) and dimmed lights (after 12am). Woke up the next morning and felt refreshed!” – hilman91
There are two terminals — KLIA and the LCCT. The KLIA terminal is nicer and more comfortable. Airport sleepers like the airport’s long benches, reclining rest chairs and showers. Both terminals have 24-hour pay-in lounges that economy passengers can access. Travellers can enjoy the gardens or take advantage of the hotel facilities which include a spa, swimming pool and gym.
The zzz Factor: Overnight sleepers will find long benches that make perfect beds. You just need to make sure you don’t roll off.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • 3 hours Free WiFi • Transit Hotel ($) • Hotel connected to the airport has day packages for the spa and pool ($) • Gym ($) • Showers ($) • Free Trolleys • Prayer rooms • Luggage storage ($). Explore our Kuala Lumpur International Airport Guide for more airport info.
5. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Comfortable airport public areas, plenty of WiFi access and plugs everywhere. Nice staff to boot. The food court on level 1 of the airport is brilliant for a cheap meal.” – coolbananna
A modern terminal with plenty activities to keep you entertained. There are lounges with showers that economy class travellers can pay to use.
The zzz Factor: Travellers will find armrest-free seating throughout the airport and comfortable padded leather chairs in the relaxation zones.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • 15 minutes Free WiFi • Free Internet Kiosks • Rest/Relaxation zones • Prayer Rooms • Day rooms ($) • Luggage Storage ($) • Sightseeing tours ($) • Spa ($) • Showers ($). Explore our Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Guide for more airport info.
6. Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
It was so modern, so spacious with beautiful architecture and mood lighting. When I approached the staff for directions, they were so friendly and helpful. ” – worldtraveller328
With its museums, interesting cultural activities and 4 themed waiting lounges (including Hello Kitty and a Library), there is plenty to keep you entertained during your layover at Taipei Taoyuan.
The zzz Factor: Airport sleepers in transit can enjoy comfortable seats and relaxation chairs throughout the airport. Free showers are available in the transfer service area. They even provide you with a free towel and shower kit containing products such as Kiehls or L’Occitane. If you are not in transit, there are showers in the pay-in lounges.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • 24-hour food ($) • Designated Rest Zones • Luggage Storage ($) • Showers • Themed Waiting Lounges • Museum and Exhibits • Prayer Room • Free Computer Stations • Free Cultural Activities • Transit Hotel ($). Explore our Taipei Taoyuan Airport Guide for more airport info.
7. Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT)
Slept on a bench that had 3 seats together with NO armrests, so I was able to stretch out.” – tomkhagai
In addition to an Oxygen Bar and pay-in lounges, Tokyo Narita Airport offers travellers free cultural activities such as hands-on Kokeshi and Origami making session.
The zzz Factor: Overnight sleepers camping before security should be prepared for an “interview” with security. Once you pass, some armrest-free chairs await you in a designated sleep area. Showers are available before and after security.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Day rooms ($) • Changing Rooms • Luggage Storage ($) • Oxygen Bar ($) • Showers ($) • Silence Rooms • Cultural Activities. Explore our Tokyo Narita Airport Guide for more airport info.
8. Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
At the information desk on the 2nd floor you can get a blanket for the night. You have to return it by 6 am. ” – maddy
Travellers say they like Osaka Kansai for its comfort and friendly staff.
The zzz Factor: Airport sleepers in transit will find armrest free seating. Security will check your tickets and wish you a good night. Travellers sleeping before security complain about bright lights and announcements, so bring a sleep mask and ear plugs. If you are looking for more comfort while you wait, the airport has an 24-hour pay-in lounge. Showers are available.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Internet Kiosks • Rest/Relaxation lounges • Day Rooms ($) • Change Rooms • Luggage Storage ($) • Prayer Room • Showers ($) • Hotel connected to the airport ($). Explore our Osaka Kansai Airport Guide for more info.
9. New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Wow. This place has really changed. What you have right now is a brand-spanking-new state-of-the-art world-class international airport ” – sergein
The zzz Factor: The airport has some free rest chairs near the gates. Travellers will also find sleep pods, 24-hour pay-in lounges with showers and a transit hotel, but you’ve got to pay for those. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Rest Areas • 20 minutes Free WiFi • Luggage Storage ($) • 24-hour food ($) • Prayer Room • Transit Hotel ($). Explore our New Delhi Airport Guide for more info.
10. Hyderabad Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
this was my first time at the T3 terminal and I was really glad to see what an amazing terminal this was. The chairs are quite comfy which can give you a nice nap.” – Aryan
The zzz Factor: Travellers willing to part with some money find that the best place for a nap is one of the 24-hour pay-in lounges located before and after security.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • 45 minutes Free WiFi • Prayer Room • Showers ($) • Luggage Storage ($) • Spa ($). Explore our Hyderabad Airport Guide for more info.
Have Your Say!
Your votes and feedback are essential to the SleepingInAirports annual Best and Worst Airports survey. Now it is your turn to tell us which airports deserve to be included on the 2014 list. There are a few ways to participate:
Survey: If you have a bit more time, leave some comments on the Airport Surveyso that we know why you like this airport.
Polls: The easiest way to participate is to vote in the quick poll at the bottom of each regional page. Even if an airport is not listed, write it in the “Other box” and it will be included in the total count.
Airport Reviews: Your airport reviews are the most important contribution that you can provide to the community. Write an airport review.
About the results
- these results are based entirely on user votes in our site polls and surveys between the period September 2012 – August 2013.
- information about airport services and facilities comes from the airports web site in October 2013.
- photos are from airports, users, and creative commons sites such as flickr and wikimedia. If they are outdated, email us and we will update the images presented.
- some user quotes included in the survey results have been edited for grammar and English translation issues.