The left side wins both major scenic phases: São Paulo's dense skyline and forested hills at departure, and Bangkok's river delta and skyline at arrival, while the right side mostly shows flat countryside or open water during these same segments.
Flown GRU to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sao Paulo to Bangkok is 10,193 miles (16,403 km), a flight of about 17 hours 45 minutes.
The route's midpoint falls over equatorial Central Africa, likely tracking across the South Atlantic before crossing the Angolan coast and the Congo Basin rainforest, then continuing over the western Indian Ocean toward Sri Lanka and the Bay of Bengal en route to Thailand.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from GRU
LEFTDeparting GRU on runway 28, the initial climb and turn typically banks the aircraft so the left side faces the sprawling São Paulo metro skyline and the forested ridgelines of the Serra da Cantareira before the route bends east over the Paraná plateau toward the Atlantic.

Landing at BKK
LEFTOn approach into BKK from the south during dry-season operations, the aircraft descends over the Gulf of Thailand and the Chao Phraya River delta, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Bangkok's skyline, the winding river, and the patchwork of aquaculture ponds before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Bangkok. The left side wins both major scenic phases: São Paulo's dense skyline and forested hills at departure, and Bangkok's river delta and skyline at arrival, while the right side mostly shows flat countryside or open water during these same segments.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing GRU on runway 28, the initial climb and turn typically banks the aircraft so the left side faces the sprawling São Paulo metro skyline and the forested ridgelines of the Serra da Cantareira before the route bends east over the Paraná plateau toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: São Paulo skyline and skyscraper clusters, Serra da Cantareira forested hills, Tietê River valley, Guarulhos urban sprawl.
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 BKK from the south during dry-season operations, the aircraft descends over the Gulf of Thailand and the Chao Phraya River delta, giving left-side passengers a sweeping view of Bangkok's skyline, the winding river, and the patchwork of aquaculture ponds before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok skyline and Chao Phraya bends, Gulf of Thailand coastline, aquaculture and rice-paddy mosaic.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Bangkok?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 17 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 10,193 miles (16,403 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sao Paulo to Bangkok flight path pass over?
The route's midpoint falls over equatorial Central Africa, likely tracking across the South Atlantic before crossing the Angolan coast and the Congo Basin rainforest, then continuing over the western Indian Ocean toward Sri Lanka and the Bay of Bengal en route to Thailand.