The left side wins because it tracks the Gulf of Thailand coastline for most of the flight, offering both a scenic Bangkok departure over the river delta and, on arrival, distant views of the Koh Samui island group — features the right side, facing inland flat terrain, cannot match.
Flown BKK to URT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Bangkok to Surat Thani is 333 miles (535 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Upper Gulf of Thailand coastline, coastal towns near Chumphon province, scattered fishing boats and river mouths along the eastern seaboard of the peninsula
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BKK
LEFTDeparting Suvarnabhumi to the south, the left side gives passengers a good look back over Bangkok's sprawling urban grid and the Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft turns out over the upper Gulf of Thailand. The right side mostly shows flat rice paddies and canals with little distinctive relief.
Landing at URT
LEFTOn approach into Surat Thani the route tracks down the Gulf of Thailand coastline, and the left side offers views toward the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan sitting offshore in the gulf. The right side during final descent mostly shows flat agricultural land and palm plantations with no standout features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Surat Thani Airport (URT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The left side wins because it tracks the Gulf of Thailand coastline for most of the flight, offering both a scenic Bangkok departure over the river delta and, on arrival, distant views of the Koh Samui island group — features the right side, facing inland flat terrain, cannot match.
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 to the south, the left side gives passengers a good look back over Bangkok's sprawling urban grid and the Chao Phraya River delta before the aircraft turns out over the upper Gulf of Thailand. The right side mostly shows flat rice paddies and canals with little distinctive relief. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok's eastern suburbs, upper Gulf of Thailand shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Surat Thani Airport in Surat Thani?
When landing at Surat Thani Airport (URT), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Surat Thani the route tracks down the Gulf of Thailand coastline, and the left side offers views toward the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan sitting offshore in the gulf. The right side during final descent mostly shows flat agricultural land and palm plantations with no standout features. Notable sights include: Koh Samui island, Koh Pha Ngan, Gulf of Thailand coastline, Surat Thani river delta.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
The flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Surat Thani Airport (URT) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 333 miles (535 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Bangkok to Surat Thani flight path pass over?
Upper Gulf of Thailand coastline, coastal towns near Chumphon province, scattered fishing boats and river mouths along the eastern seaboard of the peninsula