As of 2025, this route is still available and is STILL at this great price under $650 USD one way! If you’ve read about Emirates first class flights (or watched the copious YouTube videos about them), you’ll know that the sheer amount of amenities and luxury seems to cost a huge amount of cash or points and miles.
I never thought that I’d experience that kind of luxury travel on a budget, unless I won the lottery. When I was in Asia recently, I read about the cheapest way to fly in First Class with Emirates, one of the best first class products in the world. And so I decided to give it a try!
What’s Included with Emirates First Class
Emirates First Class offers flyers a private suite, a shower spa, and top-notch dining, all at 33,000 feet! If you’re flying long haul, the experience will set you back thousands. In fact, the one-way price to fly first class in Emirates from Dubai to New York is a bit over $10,000. However, if you fly the same route that I did, a one-way ticket starts at around $615 USD.
On this shorter Bangkok-Hong Kong route, you’ll experience:
- Private suite with lie-flat bed
- Caviar and champagne service
- Hot meal service with multiple courses
- Premium amenity kit (if you ask nicely!)
- Priority boarding and baggage handling
- Access to Emirates lounge at Bangkok Airport
For the complete rundown of everything included in Emirates First Class on longer routes, check out my comprehensive Emirates First Class amenity checklist. You’ll be amazed at what they offer on 12+ hour flights!
Emirates First Class Price Comparison
Here’s how this Bangkok-Hong Kong route compares to typical Emirates First Class pricing:
Route
Duration
Price (USD)
Price per Hour
Bangkok-Hong Kong
2.5 hours
$650
$260
Dubai-New York
14 hours
$10,000+
$714
Dubai-London
7 hours
$8,000+
$1,143
Dubai-Sydney
14 hours
$9,500+
$679
As you can see, this route offers incredible value. You’re paying less per hour than any other Emirates First Class experience in the world!
TRANSFERS & WHERE TO STAY
Staying in Bangkok?
TRANSFERS
- The Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link is efficient and affordable.
- If you have luggage or want comfort, a private transfer through Klook is worth the extra cost for peace of mind.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR BKK
- The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected to the terminal.
- The Siam Mandarina Hotel Suvarnabhumi Airport has a free shuttle to/from the airport.
Where to Stay near Hong Kong Airport
At Hong Kong, the flight got in late in the evening, so I stayed at the Regal Airport Hotel, which is 5-star, and was very comfortable (also connected to the airport).
BROWSE CENTRAL HK HOTELS SEARCH AIRPORT HOTELS
Before Your Flight: Emirates Lounge Bangkok
Since you’ll likely have time before departure, I highly recommend visiting the Emirates Lounge at Bangkok International Airport. It’s a combined first and business lounge (you can watch my video about it here). Having reviewed this lounge extensively, I can tell you it’s one of the better airline lounges in Southeast Asia, with:
- A pretty decent buffet with Thai and international cuisine
- Premium bar with top-shelf spirits
- Shower facilities to freshen up before your flight
The lounge access alone is worth about $75, making your First Class upgrade even better value. You can read my full Emirates Lounge Bangkok review for all the details.
Don’t have Emirates First Class but want lounge access? Consider a Priority Pass membership which gives you access to Bangkok’s lounges and thousands worldwide. I’ve reviewed all the lounges at Bangkok Airport if you want to compare your options.
Should You Book One Way or Return?
It suited my journey to book one way to Hong Kong and fly onwards to Osaka with HK Express. However, many people enjoy the return flight with Emirates from Bangkok to Hong Kong (and back) in the same day. Honestly, I’d find that repetitive, but if you’re staying long-term in Bangkok, then it could be a cool way to experience everything. Remember the baggage allowance is lower in economy if you’re trying to keep the costs down on your return!
The return flight starts at around $950USD, less if you fly back in a lower class.
Pro tip: Some people fly out in first class and back in economy class to keep the price as low as possible while still experiencing the luxury. Smart move if you’re budget-conscious!
Practical Booking Tips
- Currency Considerations: If you’re booking from Thailand (like I did), remember you’ll be paying in Thai Baht, so it’s worth using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
- Open Jaw Tickets: To book different classes for outbound and return (like First Class out, Economy back), you’ll need to book an ‘open jaw’ ticket on Emirates’ website.
- Best Time to Book: I’ve found this route is consistently priced, but booking 2-3 months in advance gives you the best date and seat selection.
- Seat Selection: Window seats offer the best views of Hong Kong’s approach (on the A380 it’s in a 1-2-1 configuration). I’d change my date rather than take one of the centre seats.
For more detailed booking strategies on first class tickets, read my Emirates first-class pricing guide.
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What to Expect During Your Flight
- Boarding: You’ll board first, obviously, and the cabin crew will offer you a welcome drink (I recommend the champagne! Note: they will NOT serve you a G&T before take-off).
- Meal Service: Even on this short flight, you’ll get a proper meal service. The menu changes seasonally, but expect high-quality ingredients and presentation, but likely not steaks.
- Entertainment: The ICE entertainment system has thousands of movies and shows, though you won’t have time to watch much on this short flight. I set it to the tail camera, and then the map.
- Service: Emirates cabin crew are renowned for their service, and even on short flights, they maintain their high standards.
Other Emirates First Class Routes Worth Considering
If you’re planning more Emirates travel (I’d love to do more too), here are other routes that offer good value (though not quite as good as Bangkok-Hong Kong):
- Dubai-Kuwait: Often under $1,500 for 2 hours
- Dubai-Mumbai: Around $2,500 for 3 hours
- Dubai-Tehran: Occasionally under $2,000
For longer routes where you can truly enjoy all the amenities (like the shower and bed service), consider Dubai-London or Dubai-Sydney if you can find a good deal. I’ve got more advice on Emirates pricing in this post.
Bottom Line
The Bangkok to Hong Kong Emirates First Class route remains the best value way to experience one of the world’s top airline products. At under $650, you’re paying less per hour than any other First Class experience globally while still getting access to that famous private suite, gourmet dining, and exceptional service.
If you’re anywhere in Southeast Asia and want to treat yourself, this is the move. Just don’t expect the full long-haul experience - but for the price, you’ll still walk away impressed.
Ready to book? Head to the Emirates website and search for BKK to HKG in First Class. Your taste of luxury travel awaits!