The Philippines in 1996-1997, China in 2000, Vietnam in 2009, Japan in 2013 and 2025, South Korea in 2014 and 2024, Taiwan in 2017 (the starting point of Trip By Trip), Singapore in 2018, Hong Kong and Macau in 2023. I like travelling to East Asia. Yet I never visited Thailand, for many westerners the starting point of Asia travels. Unexpectedly, my request for time off in January 2026 was granted, so I decided to not stay home. I booked flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for a ten-day gay solo trip.
After a layover at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, it was time for the second flight, a three-hour-something hop to Bangkok’s BKK airport.
Hainan Airlines flight HU423.
23 January 2026.
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok).
Scheduled: 8:01 CST to 10:35 ICT.
Actually: estimated 7:59 CST to 10:35 ICT.
Aircraft: Boeing 737-84P; B-5520.
No long-haul, wide-body aircraft, but a Boeing 737-84P. One aisle, a 3-3 configuration. What we’re used to in Europe. The seats are firm, the legroom is nothing special. Neither is the recline.
I have no idea what the text on the antimacassar, the headrest cover, says.
In-flight entertainment? Non-existent. But I didn’t expect any.
Meal service
We did get a meal! I had the western-style omelet, spinach, beans in tomato sauce and tomatoes. It was okay. The cardboard box also included some fruit, a bread roll, butter, a cookie, and yoghurt.
Not bad for a three-hour flight.
So?
Not much to talk about, so a this is a short review. This time we had male flight attendants. And as with the first flight, there were calls for upgrades.
Bangkok & Kuala Lumpur 2026
- PREVIEW | Malaysia(n) Grand Prix 2026 Sepang Circuit behind the scenes tour.
- THAILAND + MALAYSIA | Questions for a first time in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
- REVIEW | The View lounge, Brussels Airport, B-Gates, extra-Schengen.
- REVIEW | Hainan Airlines: Brussels to Chongqing – Boeing 787-9 – economy.
- CHINA | Layover at the ambitious Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and a short visit to Plaza Premium Lounge at H-Gates.