All of my friends will definitely agree to the fact that it is the Airport , railwaystation and other infrastructure available in a city will help a new comer to the city to build an initial and long lasting image about the city.
I landed in Pune for the first time and seeing the railway station I thought it would be a low class city! But after exploring other parts of the city - well my opinion changed.
Out of the several airports I have seen - Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok is close to my heart because it is so charming. It is not because of the infrastructure only which is obviously fantastic - but the way in which the charm is added to the Airport is worth mentioning.
This is the new international airport of Bangkok that was opened in 2006 and I should say that the authorities have done their best to make it as one of the most fantastic airport in Asia Pacific. Might be they want to break the Hong Kong / Singapore Hub and give Bangkok a new identity. Well - Changi Airport of Singapore is also equally good - but for several other reasons I rate Suvrnabhumi a bit higher - Because
a) Look at the name - Suvarnabhumi - Dont you think it is a beautiful Indian Name!!!! Yeah - Thanks to Gautam Budha
b) Fantastic color combination - All thai people will have an affinity to yellow colour as their beloved King (whom they consider as god) loves yellow. So, predominantly you will find yellow and yellow shades around the airport
c) Importance to tradition - You will find some buddist shrines also with in the airport which add to the beauty of the airport - they realised the fact that if we go back to our roots, our natural beauty wiill appeal the mass
d) Fantastic maintenance - You wont find dust , litter around the airport
e) Shopping - Shopping with in airport is a good bet as there are lots of duty free shops. Also, lots of refreshment corners, book shops
f) Hospitality - Thai people are well known for their hospitality - they will bend and fold their palms to say namaste and hospitality is in their blood
Also - some other facts which every one should note about this airport and thailand are ---
Thailand’s political system was not very steady like India and they were having lots of issues. Amidst of all this - they found a way to come up with excellent infrastructure with in the city and was able to convert the same as tourist’s paradise. Yeah - some may have doubt that they compromised a lot so that they got the label as the Sex Tourist Capital - but there are lot more to it.
If you ever done a foot massage in any ordinary parlour in Thailand - well - that is something which you should experience.
You will find professionals around who will woo you to approach brothel, sex shows but no compulsion. For them, it is their profession and they dont consider it as a matter of shame. They will not force you to do anything. And every tourist taxi operator himself is a guide for you and believe me 90% you will be safe.
Coming back to airport - there were several issues with the airport in the beginning (when they commenced operation) but now, I am sure it is one of the best airport in Asia Pacific.