While the Bangkok departure gives the left side a strong start, the right side accumulates more scenery over the full flight: likely glimpses of the Himalayan foothills north of the India/Pakistan corridor, the Caucasus region near the Iran-Turkey stretch, and finally a rare skyline view of London itself during the Gatwick approach.
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Flight Path
Bangkok to London is 5,947 miles (9,570 km), a flight of about 12 hours 30 minutes.
The route generally tracks over the Ganges plain and northern India, the Iranian plateau near the Zagros Mountains, across Turkey and the Black Sea region, then over the Carpathians and central Europe before crossing the English Channel into southern England.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTAs the aircraft climbs out of Suvarnabhumi and banks toward the northwest to begin the long haul to Europe, the left side offers a good look back at Bangkok's dense skyline and the looping Chao Phraya River before the city gives way to the flat central Thai plains.
Landing at LGW
RIGHTOn the descent into Gatwick from the east, the approach typically curls south of London before turning onto final for runway 26, putting London's skyline and the Thames corridor on the right side of the aircraft during the turn and descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Gatwick (LGW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to London. While the Bangkok departure gives the left side a strong start, the right side accumulates more scenery over the full flight: likely glimpses of the Himalayan foothills north of the India/Pakistan corridor, the Caucasus region near the Iran-Turkey stretch, and finally a rare skyline view of London itself during the Gatwick approach.
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. As the aircraft climbs out of Suvarnabhumi and banks toward the northwest to begin the long haul to Europe, the left side offers a good look back at Bangkok's dense skyline and the looping Chao Phraya River before the city gives way to the flat central Thai plains. Notable sights include: Bangkok skyline (Sathorn/Silom towers), Chao Phraya River, Suvarnabhumi's surrounding canals and rice paddies, distant Gulf of Thailand haze.
What can I see when landing at Gatwick in London?
When landing at Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Gatwick from the east, the approach typically curls south of London before turning onto final for runway 26, putting London's skyline and the Thames corridor on the right side of the aircraft during the turn and descent. Notable sights include: London skyline (The Shard, Canary Wharf towers), River Thames, North Downs ridgeline, Surrey/Sussex patchwork countryside.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to London?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Gatwick (LGW) takes about 12 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,947 miles (9,570 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to London flight path pass over?
The route generally tracks over the Ganges plain and northern India, the Iranian plateau near the Zagros Mountains, across Turkey and the Black Sea region, then over the Carpathians and central Europe before crossing the English Channel into southern England.