The right side wins for the full flight: it offers distant views of the Hindu Kush and Zagros mountain ranges during the long cruise over Afghanistan and Iran, plus a scenic Marmara Sea and Istanbul skyline approach into SAW, while the left side stays over comparatively featureless terrain and open water for most of the route.
Flown BKK to SAW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Pendik, Istanbul is 4,638 miles (7,464 km), a flight of about 9 hours 55 minutes.
Himalayan foothills near Bangladesh, the Hindu Kush range over Afghanistan, and the Zagros Mountains of western Iran along the great-circle route toward Turkey
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
RIGHTDeparting Suvarnabhumi, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Bangkok's dense urban sprawl and the Chao Phraya river delta before the climb levels out over flat central Thailand. The left side mostly shows featureless paddy fields and industrial zones east of the airport.
Landing at SAW
RIGHTOn approach into Sabiha Gökçen, the right side faces north toward the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's skyline across the Sea of Marmara, offering a dramatic final descent. The left side mainly shows the open water of the Marmara Sea with little detail.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Pendik, Istanbul. The right side wins for the full flight: it offers distant views of the Hindu Kush and Zagros mountain ranges during the long cruise over Afghanistan and Iran, plus a scenic Marmara Sea and Istanbul skyline approach into SAW, while the left side stays over comparatively featureless terrain and open water for most of the route.
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, the right side offers a brief glimpse of Bangkok's dense urban sprawl and the Chao Phraya river delta before the climb levels out over flat central Thailand. The left side mostly shows featureless paddy fields and industrial zones east of the airport. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok's eastern suburbs, flat central Thai plains.
What can I see when landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
When landing at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Sabiha Gökçen, the right side faces north toward the Bosphorus strait and Istanbul's skyline across the Sea of Marmara, offering a dramatic final descent. The left side mainly shows the open water of the Marmara Sea with little detail. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands, distant Istanbul skyline, Bosphorus strait mouth.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Pendik, Istanbul?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) takes about 9 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,638 miles (7,464 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Pendik, Istanbul flight path pass over?
Himalayan foothills near Bangladesh, the Hindu Kush range over Afghanistan, and the Zagros Mountains of western Iran along the great-circle route toward Turkey