The right side consistently faces the coast and sea features — Bangkok's waterfront on departure, glimpses of the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait during cruise, and Hangzhou Bay's islands on arrival — while the left side stays over interior terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks.
Flight Path
Route crosses southern China near the Gulf of Tonkin, passes inland of Hainan Island, then tracks up the Fujian and Zhejiang coastline before crossing Hangzhou Bay into Shanghai.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from BKK
RIGHTDeparting Suvarnabhumi and turning northeast toward China, the right side offers a brief look back at Bangkok's sprawling grid along the Chao Phraya River and the upper Gulf of Thailand before the aircraft climbs inland. The left side mostly shows flat, featureless Chao Phraya delta farmland.

Landing at PVG
RIGHTOn approach into Pudong from the south, the right side faces east toward Hangzhou Bay and the East China Sea, offering views of the Zhoushan Islands and coastal shipping lanes before the final turn. The left side mostly shows flat suburban Shanghai sprawl with fewer distinct features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Shanghai. The right side consistently faces the coast and sea features — Bangkok's waterfront on departure, glimpses of the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait during cruise, and Hangzhou Bay's islands on arrival — while the left side stays over interior terrain with fewer distinctive landmarks.
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. Departing Suvarnabhumi and turning northeast toward China, the right side offers a brief look back at Bangkok's sprawling grid along the Chao Phraya River and the upper Gulf of Thailand before the aircraft climbs inland. The left side mostly shows flat, featureless Chao Phraya delta farmland. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok metropolitan sprawl, upper Gulf of Thailand coastline.
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Pudong from the south, the right side faces east toward Hangzhou Bay and the East China Sea, offering views of the Zhoushan Islands and coastal shipping lanes before the final turn. The left side mostly shows flat suburban Shanghai sprawl with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Zhoushan Archipelago, East China Sea coastline, Yangtze River estuary.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Shanghai?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes 4h 30m.
What does the Bangkok to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Route crosses southern China near the Gulf of Tonkin, passes inland of Hainan Island, then tracks up the Fujian and Zhejiang coastline before crossing Hangzhou Bay into Shanghai.