The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic departure over Bangkok's river and skyline, and a rewarding arrival past the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic peninsula, while the right side spends most of takeoff and landing over flatter, less distinctive terrain.
Flown BKK to IST? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Istanbul is 4,669 miles (7,514 km), a flight of about 9 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses Myanmar's hill country, the Bangladesh-India delta plains, the foothills of the Himalayas and Hindu Kush near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and the rugged Zagros Mountains of western Iran before descending toward Anatolia.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTDeparting Suvarnabhumi, flights typically climb out and bank west, giving left-side passengers a good look back over Bangkok's dense skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River delta before the route heads inland over Myanmar.
Landing at IST
LEFTOn approach into Istanbul Airport from the east, the final turn onto the north-south runways typically brings the Bosphorus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's old city skyline into view on the left side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to İstanbul Airport (IST)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Istanbul. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a scenic departure over Bangkok's river and skyline, and a rewarding arrival past the Bosphorus and Istanbul's historic peninsula, while the right side spends most of takeoff and landing over flatter, less distinctive terrain.
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, flights typically climb out and bank west, giving left-side passengers a good look back over Bangkok's dense skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River delta before the route heads inland over Myanmar. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline, Gulf of Thailand coastline, Suvarnabhumi's surrounding paddy fields.
What can I see when landing at İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
When landing at İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Istanbul Airport from the east, the final turn onto the north-south runways typically brings the Bosphorus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's old city skyline into view on the left side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul historic peninsula, Black Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Istanbul?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to İstanbul Airport (IST) takes about 9 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,669 miles (7,514 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Istanbul flight path pass over?
The route crosses Myanmar's hill country, the Bangladesh-India delta plains, the foothills of the Himalayas and Hindu Kush near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and the rugged Zagros Mountains of western Iran before descending toward Anatolia.