23 October, 2009
Overlooked Asian airport 'attractions'
Asia has the most passenger-friendly airports in the world. From koi ponds to robot helpers, these attractions prove it
Life’s certainties: death, taxes, and getting stuck at the airport. But in Asia, missing a flight need not be a hair-pulling experience. Six major airports have some interesting features, from the practical to the downright bizarre. Instead of slouching in an uncomfortable seat bolted to a concerete floor, why not pass the time by checking them out?
Incheon International Airport: Happy robot helper
Among the sea of weary travellers in the departure hall, there’s one face that won’t stop smiling. Samsung’s Greeter Robot slides along, blue eyes twinkling, until you tap him on the shoulder. His chest is a touch screen that provides real-time information about flights and amenities at the South Korean hub. Sorry, he won't carry your bags.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport: Hello Kitty gate
Terminal 2 could pass for a Hello Kitty theme park -- there’s a nursery and play area and last-minute store, guarded by a winking Kitty statue. The pink seats near C4 have cat faces and bows. Nearby, round picture windows show Sanrio characters sightseeing in Taipei. The uncanny Kitty cuteness never stops.
Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport: Hindi statues
If you have time to kill in Bangkok’s international airport, you can play 'find the Hindu statue.' Towering, gold-trimmed replicas are scattered throughout the terminals. Look for gods and demons incongruously 'churning of the ocean of milk' next to the Gucci and Chanel stores.
Singapore Changi International Airport: Koi pond and gardens
Need a moment of Zen? Terminal 1 has a bamboo garden and a cactus garden. Terminal 2 is a veritable Shangri-La -- lush ferns and orchards surround a wooden bridge and koi pond. Just don’t get lost in the Sunflower Maze before final boarding call.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Needle-light ceiling
Imagine thousands of giant needles hanging from threads, strung across the ceiling of a vast departure hall. The sleek rods are actually light tubes, a signature modernist spin from architect Richard Rogers. For a fun photo op, cover your head and pretend to cower. Or don't.
Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport: Tortured English donation box
There’s no escaping tortured English, not even in Hanoi’s international terminal. The “Charity Box For Especially Difficult Children” has amused and befuddled plenty of visitors. We presume the money raised will not go toward ice cream and toys.
Seen anything interesting at airports around Asia? Tell us where in the comments section.
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