The right side wins primarily on the cruise segment: the great-circle route from Bangkok to Houston tracks northeast past Taiwan and Japan, across the North Pacific near the Aleutians, over Alaska's coastal ranges, and down through the Canadian Rockies and Great Plains — all features that appear on the right side of the aircraft given the flight's northeastward-then-southeastward heading. This mountain-and-coastline variety, combined with the Houston skyline on approach, outweighs the left side's mostly open-ocean and flat-plains views.
Flight Path
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Islands chain, Gulf of Alaska coastline, Alaska Range near Denali, Canadian Rockies foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTDeparting Suvarnabhumi, the initial climb offers a view back over Bangkok's sprawling skyline and the Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft turns out over the Gulf of Thailand. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains with little definition.
Landing at IAH
RIGHTOn approach into IAH from the north, the right side typically faces east toward downtown Houston's skyline and the forested bayous ringing the city, while the left side looks out over featureless suburban sprawl and flat coastal plain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Houston. The right side wins primarily on the cruise segment: the great-circle route from Bangkok to Houston tracks northeast past Taiwan and Japan, across the North Pacific near the Aleutians, over Alaska's coastal ranges, and down through the Canadian Rockies and Great Plains — all features that appear on the right side of the aircraft given the flight's northeastward-then-southeastward heading. This mountain-and-coastline variety, combined with the Houston skyline on approach, outweighs the left side's mostly open-ocean and flat-plains views.
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, the initial climb offers a view back over Bangkok's sprawling skyline and the Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft turns out over the Gulf of Thailand. The right side mostly shows flat agricultural plains with little definition. Notable sights include: Bangkok skyline, Chao Phraya River, Gulf of Thailand coastline, Bang Pakong River delta.
What can I see when landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
When landing at George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into IAH from the north, the right side typically faces east toward downtown Houston's skyline and the forested bayous ringing the city, while the left side looks out over featureless suburban sprawl and flat coastal plain. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Buffalo Bayou, Lake Houston, piney woods of East Texas.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Houston?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) takes 16h 45m.
What does the Bangkok to Houston flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Islands chain, Gulf of Alaska coastline, Alaska Range near Denali, Canadian Rockies foothills