The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a brief but genuine glimpse of Bangkok's river and skyline at departure, and a much stronger payoff at arrival with San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and Alcatraz visible during the descent. The right side offers mostly flat plains and open ocean with little variation.
Flown BKK to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to San Francisco is 7,923 miles (12,751 km), a flight of about 13 hours 30 minutes.
Vast North Pacific Ocean crossing, with the flight path passing north of Taiwan and south of the Japanese archipelago (Kyushu/Shikoku region) before the long overwater stretch toward the California coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTDeparting Suvarnabhumi on the northerly runways, the initial turn toward the northeast puts Bangkok's skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River on the left side before the aircraft settles onto its oceanic track. The right side only shows the flat, featureless central Thai plain.
Landing at SFO
LEFTOn the typical northerly approach into SFO down the peninsula, the left side faces east toward San Francisco Bay, offering views of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge as the aircraft descends. The right side only shows open Pacific Ocean and coastal bluffs with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to San Francisco. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: a brief but genuine glimpse of Bangkok's river and skyline at departure, and a much stronger payoff at arrival with San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and Alcatraz visible during the descent. The right side offers mostly flat plains and open ocean with little variation.
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 on the northerly runways, the initial turn toward the northeast puts Bangkok's skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River on the left side before the aircraft settles onto its oceanic track. The right side only shows the flat, featureless central Thai plain. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline, Gulf of Thailand coastline in the distance.
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical northerly approach into SFO down the peninsula, the left side faces east toward San Francisco Bay, offering views of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge as the aircraft descends. The right side only shows open Pacific Ocean and coastal bluffs with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to San Francisco?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 13 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,923 miles (12,751 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to San Francisco flight path pass over?
Vast North Pacific Ocean crossing, with the flight path passing north of Taiwan and south of the Japanese archipelago (Kyushu/Shikoku region) before the long overwater stretch toward the California coast.