The right side strings together three distinct scenic phases: Bangkok's skyline at takeoff, the Vietnamese coastline and South China Sea during cruise, and Shanghai's Pudong skyline with the Yangtze Delta waterways at landing. The left side offers only interior terrain—Cambodia's lowlands and inland Chinese farmland—with far less visual variety.
Flown BKK to SHA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Shanghai is 1,780 miles (2,865 km), a flight of about 4 hours 20 minutes.
The route crosses Cambodia's lowlands near the Mekong, clips central Vietnam's coast around Da Nang/Nha Trang, then heads out over the South China Sea past Hainan Island before re-entering China along the Fujian and Zhejiang coastline, passing near Hangzhou Bay and the Zhoushan Islands on the final leg to Shanghai.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
RIGHTAfter departure, the aircraft banks toward its northeast heading, putting Bangkok's dense downtown skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat rice paddies and canals with little variation.
Landing at SHA
RIGHTOn approach from the south into Hongqiao, the right side faces east toward the Yangtze Delta, giving a view across the Huangpu River to Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the sprawling waterway network before touchdown. The left side mainly shows the flatter western suburbs.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Hongqiao International (SHA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Shanghai. The right side strings together three distinct scenic phases: Bangkok's skyline at takeoff, the Vietnamese coastline and South China Sea during cruise, and Shanghai's Pudong skyline with the Yangtze Delta waterways at landing. The left side offers only interior terrain—Cambodia's lowlands and inland Chinese farmland—with far less visual variety.
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. After departure, the aircraft banks toward its northeast heading, putting Bangkok's dense downtown skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River on the right side. The left side mostly shows flat rice paddies and canals with little variation. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok's Sathorn/Silom skyline, Bang Krachao river bend, flat central Thai plains.
What can I see when landing at Hongqiao International in Shanghai?
When landing at Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach from the south into Hongqiao, the right side faces east toward the Yangtze Delta, giving a view across the Huangpu River to Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the sprawling waterway network before touchdown. The left side mainly shows the flatter western suburbs. Notable sights include: Huangpu River, Pudong skyline (Lujiazui towers, Oriental Pearl Tower), Hangzhou Bay delta wetlands, Shanghai's dense urban grid.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Shanghai?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Hongqiao International (SHA) takes about 4 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,780 miles (2,865 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Shanghai flight path pass over?
The route crosses Cambodia's lowlands near the Mekong, clips central Vietnam's coast around Da Nang/Nha Trang, then heads out over the South China Sea past Hainan Island before re-entering China along the Fujian and Zhejiang coastline, passing near Hangzhou Bay and the Zhoushan Islands on the final leg to Shanghai.