Bangkok to Chiang Mai flight path: BKK to CNX

Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a glimpse of Bangkok's skyline at takeoff and, more importantly, direct views of the Doi Suthep mountain range and Ping River valley during the descent into Chiang Mai's mountain-ringed basin.

During takeoff from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Suvarnabhumi northbound, the left side offers a brief view back toward Bangkok's skyline and the looping Chao Phraya River before the plains take over. The right side shows only flat rice paddies and canals with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River bends, Bangkok's Sathorn/Silom skyline, Bang Na canal network, flat central plain rice paddies.

When landing at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Chiang Mai, the aircraft typically tracks north along the Ping River valley, putting the Doi Suthep-Pui mountain range and the forested hills west of the city on the left side. The right side faces the flatter Mae Rim basin and lower ridgelines with less visual drama. Notable sights include: Doi Suthep-Pui mountain range, Ping River valley, Chiang Mai city grid, forested foothills of the Thanon Thongchai Range.

The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 371 miles (597 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

The route crosses the flat central Chao Phraya plain past Sukhothai's rice-farming lowlands, then enters the hillier terrain of Tak and Lamphun provinces as the Ping River valley narrows toward Chiang Mai.