Ever wondered what it’s like to be standing in an airplane crash site? To be walking through wreckage and debris of a plane’s former self is something not many of us would dream about.
Believe it or not, but one exists right here in Bangkok, nestled away from the hustle and bustle of downtown city. Although most people come to Bangkok for its food, culture and nightlife but for the intrepid traveler, deep within Ramkhamhaeng district, lies a fascinating airplane graveyard, ready to explore.
While I might have hooked you in with calling it an “airplane crash site”, the so-called airplane graveyard is in fact simply a private field where decommissioned planes are brought to and stripped for parts.
But don’t let that take away from its uniqueness and captivating persona.
What could possibly be a travelers’ worst nightmare to be stranded in a pile of airplane rubble is in reality, a makeshift home to a family who reside within them.
I had been hearing about this place for quite some time now but recently when I saw it pop up on my social media newsfeed, it lighted up my adventurous soul. I just had to go here.
The way there
After reading a few blog posts about how to get here, I had a few options – take a taxi, a bus or the canal ferry. I opted for the ferry because I know how bad traffic can be in Bangkok.
I got on the ferry at Asok/Petchburi pier and took it all the way down to Wat Sri Boonruang. After about 25 minutes or so, I arrived at the temple grounds parallel to the canal. I walked through it to the main road of Ramkhamhaeng and took a right towards soi 101. I was at 107.
After about 5 minutes of walking and crossing a small bridge, I was there. On the right lay the planes in their former glory. At first I was a bit underwhelmed. This is it that everyone has been going crazy about?
Enter the field
I walked up to the gate that separated man from machine. It was locked. I couldn’t see anyone despite reading that there are people who live here and charge you for entering.
“HELLO. Swasdee Khrup” I gently exclaimed. A woman and her daughter peaked out. I asked if I could enter and approached the gate, saying 400 Baht.
400 Baht? I reiterated.
300 Baht, she corrected.
I nodded and she opened the gate. Upon entering I walked towards the planes while trying to be as responsible and respectful as I could be.
The more I explored the field, the more my perspectives changed. It was surreal as I climbed into and onto different-sized planes. Yes! You can actually go inside them and climb onto the wings, although I didn’t do the latter with a fear that I might break it.
My favorite experience was climbing into the large Boeing 747. I started by sneaking into the baggage compartment area and making my way up to the second and third level.
Boeing 747 second level
Almost everything in the planes were stripped apart – the seats, overhead cabins and the food cabinets. Laying among the wreckage were toilet seats, some passenger seats, oxygen masks and God knows what else.
Tip: be careful walking around for a couple of reasons. For one, people live here so don’t trample on the fallen debris and secondly, there are lots of jagged edges and scrap metals that could cut you. You’re going to need that tetanus shot!
The cockpit on the third level
Although the urban exploration is the highlight of this place, you can not ignore the irony. While for many of us who take flying for granted, whether for pleasure or work, these decommissioned airplanes are used as shelter and a vessel for the basic need of survival. It’s truly a perspective-changing experience.
There is an amazing article by upworthy that focuses on the lives of the families living here rather than the airplanes themselves. Be sure to check it out.
Have you been here or any other airplane graveyards? Would you go?
That’s pretty neat. Also, thanks for linking that Unworthy article – it’s always great to learn about the people around an “attraction” and not just the attraction itself. I’ve seen a lot of these old airplanes turned into luxury hotels and quaint restaurants. They can definitely be salvaged for a greater purpose.
True. Well said. So how do you geto to know their story if you don’t speak the language by the way?
This seems like an interesting place to go for a photographer to have a hayday. I would feel bad disrupting people living there though, but it seems like you weren’t bothering anyone. Like you said, this is definitely an interesting activity in Bangkok most travelers don’t know about and a great way to make your trip unique. We will check out the upworthy article as well, thanks for sharing!
They only have to open the door and they are making money so I think it is OK. Plus I never went into their homes. I think definitel if it became touristy with dozens of people coming everyday, they would be disturbed quite a bit.
Anyhow, at the moment it is a quiet place and no harm done. Worth going at least once.
What an interesting place to explore. I’ve never seen any airplane graveyard here in the US but it definitely looks like a nice setting for photographs.
I have never been to an airplane graveyard site before- well, I didn’t even know about them till I read this article. And people actually live here? Jeez. Well coming from India, I can understand – with 70% people below the poverty line, its a constant struggle.
I didn’t either till earlier this year. Pretty neat, eh?
Btw, I was surprised to learn you’re from India. I though you’re Filipino (wander with Jo) tipped me that way. You have a great blog by the way and really doing well on social media I see.
Keep in touch.
Its first time i hear airplane graveyards exist! its probably interesting to see the remains of aircraft, but i would probably not go, as i have seen remains of an airplane in San Andres, they had it right at the airport!
Oh wow, really? Like from a crash or just unused plane? I want to see the one in Iceland…I believe it is an actual crash but wonder why no one cleaned it up.
It was a plane i supposed to sit on, but destiny didnt let me book that flight – my credit card was rejected for some mysterious reason. I remember how pissed i off was:) The plane was stroke by lightning and thorn on half before the landing. I arrived with next available flight in few days after the accident.