Thai Airways First Class 777 Bangkok to Tokyo Review 2025

I returned to where my aviation journey began, flying Thai Airways First Class once again. My first ever first class flight in 2017 was on Thai, on a 747 from Bangkok to Sydney. Eight years later, I boarded their refreshed 777-300ER to Tokyo Narita to see how this once-fabled experience has evolved. It turned out to be one of the most polished, heartfelt flights I’ve taken in years.

Ground experience in Bangkok

I began at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi’s dedicated first class check-in area. It’s huge, calm, and beautifully designed. Staff take your passport while you sit down with an Evian bottle and a smile. There’s none of the usual counter stress—everything happens quietly in the background. The process took minutes, ending with an escort through priority security and immigration. My bags were rolled for me all the way to the lounge.

Lounge and facilities

The current First Class lounge sits across from the old one and feels more like a boutique restaurant than a lounge. It’s minimalist, calm, and empty. Only a handful of tables, plus showers and restrooms. The signature pandan-coconut welcome drink instantly reminded me that Thai knows sensory details better than anyone. Lemongrass-scented hot towels presented on little trees set the tone.

Breakfast was a blend of Thai, Chinese, and Western options. Everything came plated rather than cooked-to-order, a change from pre-pandemic days when a one-hour complimentary massage and a made-to-order Thai kitchen defined the experience. Still, the menu variety was striking: Thai iced coffee, butterfly pea juice, smoothies, and local dishes like pad thai and tom yam alongside shrimp cocktails and brownies.

I sampled spring rolls and steamed vegetables with tofu, both lightly sweet. The lounge stayed empty the whole visit, which gave the service team time to chat and personalize drinks. After about forty-five minutes, my escort returned to walk us directly to the gate. We skipped every queue and were pre-cleared for a tight connection in Tokyo. That’s true first class service.

Boarding and first impressions

Boarding Thai Airways’ 777 felt emotional. This aircraft is one of only three in the fleet still offering First Class. It has eight suites across two rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. I sat in 2K, while my travel partner Oscar took 1K. Only three passengers occupied the cabin.

Two lavatories are reserved exclusively for first class, giving a generous ratio and no waiting. The crew welcomed me by name, presented a hot towel with a smile and bow, and offered my choice of pre-departure drink. I chose the signature butterfly pea lime juice, intensely sweet and bright purple. It’s a Thai Airways classic and one of the most recognizable drinks in the skies.

Cabin and seat layout

The seat design isn’t ultra-modern, but it’s spacious and elegant. Each suite includes high side walls for partial privacy, plus a small retractable screen. There’s no door, but the cabin layout feels open and refined. The design language—muted tones, fresh orchids at every seat—creates a calm atmosphere.

Storage is smartly distributed. I had a full-height closet for a jacket, a deep compartment under the monitor, and smaller cubbies for headphones and the amenity kit. Seat controls are intuitive with both physical buttons and a touchscreen panel. Power outlets include two USB-A ports and one AC socket. No USB-C yet, but it covered the basics.

Comfort and bed setup

Halfway through the flight, the crew transformed the empty suite next to me into a bed. They laid down a mattress topper, two plush pillows, and a mustard-yellow blanket. The surface was wide enough to stretch comfortably. Despite no individual air vents, the cabin stayed cool and quiet. Even for a daytime sector, I could easily have napped for hours.

Amenity kit and sleepwear

This is where Thai absolutely astonished me. The amenity kit came from La Mer. Inside were three full-sized skincare products—the treatment lotion, hand treatment, and moisturizing cream—worth around $100 combined. On top of that, there was a voucher for a 45-minute La Mer facial in Bangkok valid through the end of 2026, valued at 5,000 THB. It’s one of the most luxurious inclusions I’ve seen from any airline.

The kit came in a gold-toned pouch labeled “Royal First.” The presentation was beautiful, and the contents genuinely useful. Thai also provided pajamas from Boggi Milano. They had a subtle sheen and zip-up top, lightweight but comfortable. Slippers were included, though typically small for larger feet. Everything reflected Thai’s mix of elegance and practicality.

Dining on board

Shortly after takeoff, breakfast service began. The menu opened with caviar service, followed by a morning meal. It wasn’t the most exciting timing for first class dining, but execution mattered more than variety. The fruit course was art on a plate: apples carved into flowers, dragon fruit shaped into petals, and a creamy muesli topped with berries. Every detail showed care.

For the main, I tried the vegetarian oriental meal with noodles, tofu, and mushrooms. Presentation was simple but flavor was solid—creamy coconut undertones and fresh vegetables. The crew also displayed the chicken lasagna and Thai dish from the “Anytime Menu” so I could photograph them, a small gesture that said a lot about their flexibility.

Dessert was a Thai platter with banana leaf base, gold leaf topping, and delicate sweets made from mung bean and coconut milk. Each bite balanced sweetness with texture. Later, they showcased the caviar setup even though no one ordered it, just so I could see the presentation. That kind of attention is rare.

Signature drinks

Thai Airways excels with beverages. The tamarind tea was a revelation—sweet, tangy, and better than the famous butterfly pea lime juice. Later I tried the RRVP rose champagne cocktail, made with Thai rose syrup and champagne. It was floral, slightly fizzy, and unforgettable. A box of Thai-Vela chocolates followed, with flavors like mango sticky rice, macadamia latte, and coconut pandan. Every drink and snack tied back to Thai culture, something I deeply admire in their brand identity.

• Butterfly pea lime juice remains the must-try Thai Airways signature drink.
• La Mer amenity kit adds real monetary and emotional value.
• Tamarind tea and RRVP cocktail highlight Thai’s creativity with local flavors.
• Service pace is quick but never rushed, even on a short six-hour flight.

Service and hospitality

The crew were flawless. Every interaction began and ended with a bow. They knelt when speaking at my seat and addressed me by name. Small things—refilling tea before I asked, offering to set up a photo of the meals, or coordinating the bed setup without being prompted—showed real initiative. Near the end of the flight, three attendants and the purser came together to kneel by my seat and thank me personally for flying with them. It was the most heartfelt farewell I’ve seen in the air.

In-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi

The entertainment system was functional but basic. The screen resolution was average and the content library modest. Headphones were AKG-branded, noise-cancelling, and clearly marked “First Class.” They sounded crisp and isolated cabin noise well. Free Wi-Fi worked reliably through the flight, fast enough to browse and message. I even tracked nearby aircraft on approach to Narita, my favorite use of inflight internet.

Cabin environment and lavatories

The two lavatories were spotless from departure to arrival. Proper towels replaced paper ones, and scented amenities matched the lounge’s lemongrass theme. The crew refreshed the space after each visit. Lighting in the cabin shifted softly between warm and cool tones, complementing the Thai silk accents. Noise levels stayed low, helped by a lightly loaded cabin and smooth cruise over the South China Sea.

Operations and schedule

Departure from Bangkok was punctual at around 7:45 a.m. We cruised smoothly for six hours and touched down in Narita around 3:30 p.m. local time. Taxi and descent were calm, and Wi-Fi stayed live until final approach. There were mild bumps early in climbout, nothing significant. This 777 is Thai’s most premium jet, used on select Japan and Europe routes. With just three in the fleet, you have to plan carefully to catch one.

Value and booking

The standard cash fare for this route runs around USD 2,500 one way. I paid USD 880 using a mix of advanced points techniques I teach in my Points Master program. No airline involvement, no sponsorship, just a self-paid ticket to ensure honesty. For under $900, this flight was outstanding value considering the La Mer kit alone is worth over $100 and the ground service rivals airlines charging triple that.

Traveler profile

Thai First Class suits solo travelers who value quiet and couples who appreciate personal service. Buddy dining and dual-seat flexibility make it ideal for two. Families would find less benefit since there’s no suite door or kids’ amenities, but the crew’s warmth makes any traveler feel welcome.

Quirks and notes

Slippers are small, and storage cubbies can’t fit larger backpacks. The seat doesn’t have a door, so privacy is moderate. Catering is pre-prepared rather than cooked-to-order, though flavor remains excellent. These are small tradeoffs for what’s otherwise a deeply premium product.

Ratings summary

Overall rating: 9.0/10

Final take

Thai Airways First Class on the 777-300ER is a rediscovery of what made this airline beloved. From the scented towels to the La Mer kit and tamarind tea, every element shows care. Service was among the best I’ve experienced, and the product feels premium even with a limited footprint. Thai may only offer First Class on three routes now, but those who catch it will experience something genuinely special.