The right side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks along the Vietnamese and Chinese coastline, keeping Hainan Island, coastal cities, and the East China Sea in view for much of the flight, whereas the left side mostly overlooks featureless interior terrain.
Flown BKK to ICN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Seoul is 2,280 miles (3,669 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Vietnamese coastline near Da Nang, Hainan Island, South China Sea shipping lanes, East China Sea approaching the Korean peninsula
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
RIGHTDeparting Suvarnabhumi and turning northeast toward Vietnam, the right side offers a brief view back over Bangkok's sprawling grid and the Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft climbs above the haze. The left side mostly shows flat, featureless rice paddies of the central plains.
Landing at ICN
LEFTOn approach into Incheon, the descent path typically swings over the Yellow Sea before turning onto the northwest-facing runways, putting the reclaimed coastline and its scattering of islands on the left side. Passengers get a clear look at Yeongjong Island's shoreline and the tidal flats that define Incheon's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Incheon International (ICN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Seoul. The right side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks along the Vietnamese and Chinese coastline, keeping Hainan Island, coastal cities, and the East China Sea in view for much of the flight, whereas the left side mostly overlooks featureless interior terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok?
During takeoff from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Suvarnabhumi and turning northeast toward Vietnam, the right side offers a brief view back over Bangkok's sprawling grid and the Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft climbs above the haze. The left side mostly shows flat, featureless rice paddies of the central plains. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline and port area, Gulf of Thailand coastline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Incheon International in Seoul?
When landing at Incheon International (ICN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Incheon, the descent path typically swings over the Yellow Sea before turning onto the northwest-facing runways, putting the reclaimed coastline and its scattering of islands on the left side. Passengers get a clear look at Yeongjong Island's shoreline and the tidal flats that define Incheon's geography. Notable sights include: Yeongjong Island coastline, Yellow Sea tidal flats, Ganghwa Island in the distance, Incheon Bridge.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Seoul?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Incheon International (ICN) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,280 miles (3,669 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Seoul flight path pass over?
Vietnamese coastline near Da Nang, Hainan Island, South China Sea shipping lanes, East China Sea approaching the Korean peninsula