The left side tracks the mountainous southern edge of the route—Yunnan's ridgelines, the Tibetan Plateau's fringe, and finally the Tian Shan approach into Almaty—while the right side mostly overlooks flatter basins and desert with less relief.
Flown BKK to ALA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Almaty is 2,486 miles (4,000 km), a flight of about 5 hours 20 minutes.
Yunnan highlands, eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert margins, Tian Shan range approaching Kazakhstan
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTDeparting Suvarnabhumi to the south before turning northwest, the left side offers a brief view of the Chao Phraya delta and Bangkok's sprawling urban grid before the aircraft banks onto its northwest heading. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains with little to distinguish it.
Landing at ALA
LEFTAlmaty sits directly at the base of the Tian Shan's Zailiysky Alatau range, and the final approach typically gives left-side passengers a dramatic close view of these snow-capped peaks rising abruptly from the plain just south of the runway. The right side faces the flatter Kazakh steppe with little relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Almaty (ALA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Almaty. The left side tracks the mountainous southern edge of the route—Yunnan's ridgelines, the Tibetan Plateau's fringe, and finally the Tian Shan approach into Almaty—while the right side mostly overlooks flatter basins and desert with less relief.
What can I see during takeoff from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok?
During takeoff from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Suvarnabhumi to the south before turning northwest, the left side offers a brief view of the Chao Phraya delta and Bangkok's sprawling urban grid before the aircraft banks onto its northwest heading. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok skyline, Gulf of Thailand's northern edge.
What can I see when landing at Almaty in Almaty?
When landing at Almaty (ALA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Almaty sits directly at the base of the Tian Shan's Zailiysky Alatau range, and the final approach typically gives left-side passengers a dramatic close view of these snow-capped peaks rising abruptly from the plain just south of the runway. The right side faces the flatter Kazakh steppe with little relief. Notable sights include: Zailiysky Alatau peaks, Almaty city grid, Ile-Alatau foothills.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Almaty?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Almaty (ALA) takes about 5 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,486 miles (4,000 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Almaty flight path pass over?
Yunnan highlands, eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Tarim Basin and Taklamakan Desert margins, Tian Shan range approaching Kazakhstan