There's no there there around BKK.
They built the airport on a swamp in the middle of nowhere, so it's going to be hike to any kind of a market.
My friends stayed at a hotel near the airport for not too much money, and it included a shuttle.
If it were me, I'd hop on Airport Rail Link and go to town. For a couple of people it may make more sense in a taxi. You can leave luggage at the airport (I did it once with my carryon).