Layovers can be very tedious experiences, especially if the airport is small with little amenities. However, if you're traveling in Asia, you're in luck.
Asian airports have consistently been ranked as top airports because of the amazing features and amenities they offer to passengers waiting to board their planes. Of course, not everything is as international travelers may expect.
That said, you'll definitely be intrigued. Some of the features may even remind you of home!
Here are twenty "unusual" things to find in Asian airports. You may be surprised by what you find!
20 Golf Course (Don Mueang International Airport, Thailand)
If you're a golf aficionado and you have a long layover, why don't you hit the golf course? The Don Mueang International Airport in Thailand has been famous for two reasons: being one of the oldest international airports and having a golf course BETWEEN TWO RUNWAYS!
19 Waterfall (Changi Airport, Singapore)
The Jewel Rain Vortex was designed by the LA design firm, WET. It is seven stories high and uses rainwater to create a waterfall. After the sun sets, it becomes the background for a light show. If you're traveling at night and have a few hours of waiting time, then come take in the sights and sounds of one of the world's tallest attractions.
18 25-foot lap pool (Hamad International Airport, Qatar)
No better way to pass the time than by taking a nice dip in a pool! Hamad International Airport has a 25-meter lap pool that is temperature-controlled and open to the public. You can comfortably have a swim while you're waiting for your flight. As an added bonus, for only $35, you can take advantage of the gym and a Jacuzzi.
17 Indoor gardens (Incheon International Airport, South Korea)
Taking a nice walk through an indoor garden is a nice way to combat the hustle and bustle of the airport with elements of nature. This garden has contributed to Incheon International Airport being rated as one of the top airports in the world.
16 Aviation Museum (Hong Kong International Airport, China)
What better place to learn more about airplanes than in an airport? Hong Kong International Airport has an amazing aviation museum known as the Aviation Discovery Centre. You can learn about Hong Kong's aviation history through a lot of visual displays and interactive exhibits, including flight simulators.
15 Skating rink (Incheon International Airport, South Korea)
Why not indulge in some skating if you have some time to kill? Incheon's Airport in South Korea has many amenities in its airport, including a casino, a museum, and a skating rink. Take some of the stress off of your waiting time by doing a few laps on the ice. Like Elsa said, "Let it go!"
14 Six Story Restaurant (Haneda Airport, Japan)
Restaurants can be experienced in themselves. And if you're in Haneda Airport, you'll get one. This airport boasts a six-story restaurant affectionately called "Big Bird." Not only can you indulge in some delicious food, but there's also a large rooftop observation deck and a rooftop cafe. While you're taking a load off your feet, you get dinner and a view!
13 18-hole golf simulator (Hong Kong International Airport)
Ok, so Hong Kong International Airport doesn't have an actual golf course. But, they have the next best thing. If you need to scratch your golf itch, then there's an 18 hole golf simulator. You can spend a few hours practicing your swings and your techniques. Or if you've never played golf in your life, this would be a pretty safe place to start!
12 Bath House with massage (Chubu Centrair International Airport)
Chubu Centrair International Airport has a bathhouse where you can take some of the stress off by relaxing in warm and comfortable temperatures. The bathhouse comes with a few pools, saunas, and even cold pools. What's even better is that you have the perfect view to watch the planes as they land and take off.
11 Pet Hotel (Kansai International Airport, Japan)
Want to pamper your pet while you're off traveling? Kansai Airport in Japan actually has its own pet hotel. You need to make a reservation four months in advance, of course. But afterward, your pet will be comfortable and looked after while you're off destination hopping!
10 Squash courts (Hamad International Airport, Qatar)
Hamad International Airport provides the public with squash courts where you can exert some of your pent up energy. The squash courts are well built, well lit and are made with high ceilings in order to absorb the shock of higher traveling balls.
9 Kabuki Gate gallery (Narita International Airport, Japan)
Whether you're landing in Japan or departing, you can partake in the culture. By Terminal 1 in the airport, there is a concept gallery associated with Kabuki. You can see the traditional wardrobe on lifesized mannequins as well as a gift shop where you can grab select products and souvenirs. Who says that you can't become cultured at the airport?
8 Calligraphy lessons (Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan)
The cultural theme continues at the Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. There are several areas that have been set up throughout the airport to expose the public to various Taiwanese traditions and practices. One of these areas is traditional Chinese calligraphy.
7 Free blanket lending service (Osaka Kansai International Airport, Japan)
Sleeping in an airport is a rite of passage among frequent fliers. But Osaka Kansai has you covered! They have special rest zones for early birds or red-eye passengers. The areas are open 24 hours and there are coin-operated showers nearby. But an amazing service that they offer is a free blanket service that operates from 11 PM to 6 AM.
6 Indoor rain forest (Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia)
Didn't get a chance to hit the zoo on vacation? The Kuala International Airport in Malaysia can give you the next best thing! You can walk through the Jungle Boardwalk in their Satellite Terminal gardens and enjoy the greenery. There are even palm trees in these gardens, so you can take yourself back to the beach resort you just left.
5 Sleep Cabins (New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, India)
Sleep is a constant theme in airports. Most airports offer comfortable benches and maybe a few open areas. But New Delhi International takes it one step further. You can reserve individual sleeping pods that come equipped with outlets, WIFI, a minibar, and even a TV. It's like reserving a hotel room in the middle of the airport.
4 Imax Theaters (Hong Kong International Airport, China)
If you're traveling with your kids and you need to entertain them, Hong Kong International Airport has everything you need. One of these amenities is an IMAX theater. Yes, you can catch a movie while you're waiting for your flight. To top it off, the theater is the largest in China.
3 Robot fleet (Incheon International Airport, South Korea)
It's official. The robots are taking over! Incheon International has created a robot fleet to help with customers and generally help around the airport. These LG manufactured automatons known as "Troika" help people through the use of their smartphone-style displays on their "face."
2 Slides (Changi Airport, Singapore)
Yes, you read this right! Changi International export in Singapore is considered one of the best airports in the world for a reason. They literally have EVERYTHING! One of those things in a four-story slide. This will entertain your kids (and you, if you care to admit it) for however long you're spending at the airport.
1 Dry Cleaners (Narita International Airport, Japan)
Ever been on a layover and thought "Hey, it would really be great if I could get my clothes dry cleaned"? Well, Narita International Airport heard you. They offer dry cleaning services between 9 AM and 8 PM. You're now able to land at your destination with clean, fresh clothes!