The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic northern Thai mountains during departure from Chiang Rai and a clear view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's skyline during the approach into Suvarnabhumi, while the left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive terrain throughout.
Flown CEI to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chiang Rai to Bangkok is 437 miles (703 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Central Thai plains and the upper Chao Phraya River basin, with the Ping and Wang river valleys visible near Lampang and Tak before the terrain flattens into the rice-growing lowlands north of Bangkok
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CEI
RIGHTClimbing out of Chiang Rai, the right side offers views of the rugged Doi Luang and Doi Tung mountain ranges that ring the Chiang Rai valley, plus glimpses of the Kok River winding through the highlands. The left side mostly shows the flatter valley floor toward Laos.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn approach into Suvarnabhumi from the north, the aircraft descends with Bangkok's skyline and the Chao Phraya River visible to the right, including the dense high-rise clusters of Sukhumvit and the river's snaking bends through the city. The left side during this approach mostly overlooks flat agricultural land east of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. The right side wins on both ends of the flight: dramatic northern Thai mountains during departure from Chiang Rai and a clear view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's skyline during the approach into Suvarnabhumi, while the left side offers comparatively flat, less distinctive terrain throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport in Chiang Rai?
During takeoff from Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of Chiang Rai, the right side offers views of the rugged Doi Luang and Doi Tung mountain ranges that ring the Chiang Rai valley, plus glimpses of the Kok River winding through the highlands. The left side mostly shows the flatter valley floor toward Laos. Notable sights include: Doi Tung range, Doi Luang mountains, Kok River valley.
What can I see when landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok?
When landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Suvarnabhumi from the north, the aircraft descends with Bangkok's skyline and the Chao Phraya River visible to the right, including the dense high-rise clusters of Sukhumvit and the river's snaking bends through the city. The left side during this approach mostly overlooks flat agricultural land east of the airport. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline (Sukhumvit/Silom towers), Suvarnabhumi's parallel runways.
How long is the flight from Chiang Rai to Bangkok?
The flight from Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 437 miles (703 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chiang Rai to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Central Thai plains and the upper Chao Phraya River basin, with the Ping and Wang river valleys visible near Lampang and Tak before the terrain flattens into the rice-growing lowlands north of Bangkok