While the Sri Lankan departure gives a nice highland glimpse on the right, the left side wins overall thanks to the more dramatic and prolonged approach sequence into Bangkok, with the river delta and city skyline visible during descent, outweighing the shorter departure view.
Flown CMB to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Colombo to Bangkok is 1,486 miles (2,392 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
Open waters of the Bay of Bengal, passing south of the Andaman Islands chain before reaching the Thai coastline near the Kra Isthmus
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CMB
RIGHTDeparting CMB and turning northeast toward Thailand, the right side offers a brief but scenic view back over Sri Lanka's central highlands, including the pyramidal profile of Adam's Peak and the tea-country hills around Kandy, before the island falls away into the Bay of Bengal.
Landing at BKK
LEFTOn approach into Suvarnabhumi from the west or southwest, the left side gives a clear view of the flat Chao Phraya river delta, aquaculture ponds, and the sprawl of greater Bangkok's skyline as the aircraft descends over the plains before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Colombo to Bangkok. While the Sri Lankan departure gives a nice highland glimpse on the right, the left side wins overall thanks to the more dramatic and prolonged approach sequence into Bangkok, with the river delta and city skyline visible during descent, outweighing the shorter departure view.
What can I see during takeoff from Bandaranaike International in Colombo?
During takeoff from Bandaranaike International (CMB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CMB and turning northeast toward Thailand, the right side offers a brief but scenic view back over Sri Lanka's central highlands, including the pyramidal profile of Adam's Peak and the tea-country hills around Kandy, before the island falls away into the Bay of Bengal. Notable sights include: Sri Lankan west coast beaches, Adam's Peak (Sri Pada), central highlands near Kandy, Colombo's coastline.
What can I see when landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok?
When landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Suvarnabhumi from the west or southwest, the left side gives a clear view of the flat Chao Phraya river delta, aquaculture ponds, and the sprawl of greater Bangkok's skyline as the aircraft descends over the plains before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok skyline, Gulf of Thailand shoreline, Suvarnabhumi's grid of shrimp ponds.
How long is the flight from Colombo to Bangkok?
The flight from Bandaranaike International (CMB) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,486 miles (2,392 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Colombo to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Open waters of the Bay of Bengal, passing south of the Andaman Islands chain before reaching the Thai coastline near the Kra Isthmus