Because the great-circle path curves progressively northward from Bangkok toward Milan, the right side of the aircraft faces the mountainous spine of the route for most of the cruise — glimpses of the Himalayan foothills and Hindu Kush over Central Asia, the Caucasus near the Caspian Sea, and finally the Alps on descent. The left side spends most of the flight over flat deserts and plains with far less variety.
Flown BKK to MXP? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Milano is 5,642 miles (9,080 km), a flight of about 10 hours 30 minutes.
Central Asian steppe and desert of Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus Mountains along the route toward the Black Sea and Balkans
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTOn departure from Suvarnabhumi, the initial climb gives a good look back at Bangkok's skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft turns onto its long northwest cruise track. The right side at this point shows only the flat, undeveloped land east of the airport.
Landing at MXP
RIGHTOn the descent into Malpensa, arrivals from the east or northeast give a clear view of the southern Alps rising ahead before the aircraft turns south onto final approach. The right side captures the snow-capped peaks and foothills, while the left mainly shows the flat Po Valley farmland.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Malpensa (MXP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Milano. Because the great-circle path curves progressively northward from Bangkok toward Milan, the right side of the aircraft faces the mountainous spine of the route for most of the cruise — glimpses of the Himalayan foothills and Hindu Kush over Central Asia, the Caucasus near the Caspian Sea, and finally the Alps on descent. The left side spends most of the flight over flat deserts and plains with far less variety.
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. On departure from Suvarnabhumi, the initial climb gives a good look back at Bangkok's skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft turns onto its long northwest cruise track. The right side at this point shows only the flat, undeveloped land east of the airport. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline (Sathorn/Silom towers), Gulf of Thailand mudflats, Suvarnabhumi's parallel runways below.
What can I see when landing at Malpensa in Milano?
When landing at Malpensa (MXP), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the descent into Malpensa, arrivals from the east or northeast give a clear view of the southern Alps rising ahead before the aircraft turns south onto final approach. The right side captures the snow-capped peaks and foothills, while the left mainly shows the flat Po Valley farmland. Notable sights include: Southern Alps foothills, Lake Maggiore's southern tip, Po Valley farmland, Milan's outer suburbs.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Milano?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Malpensa (MXP) takes about 10 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,642 miles (9,080 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Milano flight path pass over?
Central Asian steppe and desert of Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan, the Caspian Sea, and the Caucasus Mountains along the route toward the Black Sea and Balkans