While most of the long cruise is over open ocean with little to see on either side, the left side wins on the strength of a genuinely scenic Bangkok departure and a dramatic Rift Valley/Ngong Hills arrival into Nairobi, giving it the edge over the right side's largely featureless northern ocean and Somali coastline views.
Flown BKK to NBO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Nairobi is 4,489 miles (7,224 km), a flight of about 8 hours 45 minutes.
Andaman Sea, southern tip of India near Sri Lanka, open Indian Ocean, Somali coastline before the final approach into East Africa
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTDeparting Suvarnabhumi and turning onto a westbound heading, the left side offers a view back over Bangkok's dense skyline, the Chao Phraya River delta, and the upper Gulf of Thailand before the aircraft climbs out over the plains toward Myanmar.
Landing at NBO
LEFTOn approach into Nairobi from the southwest, the left side reveals the dramatic edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the green humps of the Ngong Hills, and the open grassland of Nairobi National Park just south of the city before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Nairobi. While most of the long cruise is over open ocean with little to see on either side, the left side wins on the strength of a genuinely scenic Bangkok departure and a dramatic Rift Valley/Ngong Hills arrival into Nairobi, giving it the edge over the right side's largely featureless northern ocean and Somali coastline 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 and turning onto a westbound heading, the left side offers a view back over Bangkok's dense skyline, the Chao Phraya River delta, and the upper Gulf of Thailand before the aircraft climbs out over the plains toward Myanmar. Notable sights include: Bangkok skyline, Chao Phraya River delta, Gulf of Thailand, Samut Prakan waterways.
What can I see when landing at Jomo Kenyatta International in Nairobi?
When landing at Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Nairobi from the southwest, the left side reveals the dramatic edge of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the green humps of the Ngong Hills, and the open grassland of Nairobi National Park just south of the city before touchdown. Notable sights include: Ngong Hills, Rift Valley escarpment, Nairobi National Park, Nairobi city skyline.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Nairobi?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) takes about 8 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,489 miles (7,224 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Nairobi flight path pass over?
Andaman Sea, southern tip of India near Sri Lanka, open Indian Ocean, Somali coastline before the final approach into East Africa