The right side follows the route's natural bias toward the Andaman coast and Strait of Malacca, offering river deltas, coastal scenery, and the dramatic Penang Bridge and George Town approach, while the left side stays over flat inland terrain for most of the flight.
Flown BKK to PEN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Penang is 580 miles (934 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Southern Thai coastline near Chumphon and Surat Thani, with the Kra Isthmus narrowing between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
RIGHTClimbing south out of Bangkok, the right (west) side shows the Chao Phraya River delta and the sprawl of the city fading into the flat central plains before the route angles toward the Gulf coast. The left side mostly shows featureless paddy fields with little to distinguish it.
Landing at PEN
RIGHTOn approach into Penang, the right side offers views over the Strait of Malacca, the Penang Bridge, and George Town's waterfront skyline as the aircraft lines up with the coast. The left side instead faces the mainland's low hills and palm plantations, which are far less distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Penang International (PEN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Penang. The right side follows the route's natural bias toward the Andaman coast and Strait of Malacca, offering river deltas, coastal scenery, and the dramatic Penang Bridge and George Town approach, while the left side stays over flat inland terrain for most of the flight.
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. Climbing south out of Bangkok, the right (west) side shows the Chao Phraya River delta and the sprawl of the city fading into the flat central plains before the route angles toward the Gulf coast. The left side mostly shows featureless paddy fields with little to distinguish it. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok's western suburbs, central Thai plains.
What can I see when landing at Penang International in Penang?
When landing at Penang International (PEN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Penang, the right side offers views over the Strait of Malacca, the Penang Bridge, and George Town's waterfront skyline as the aircraft lines up with the coast. The left side instead faces the mainland's low hills and palm plantations, which are far less distinctive. Notable sights include: Penang Bridge, George Town skyline, Strait of Malacca, Penang Hill.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Penang?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Penang International (PEN) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 580 miles (934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Penang flight path pass over?
Southern Thai coastline near Chumphon and Surat Thani, with the Kra Isthmus narrowing between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea