Although Istanbul and Bangkok offer better views at takeoff and landing on the right, the long cruise phase on the left side passes over the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and the snow-capped Himalayan foothills near Nepal and Tibet — genuinely dramatic high-altitude scenery that outweighs the flatter desert and plains views on the right side for most of the flight's duration.
Flown IST to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Istanbul to Bangkok is 4,669 miles (7,514 km), a flight of about 8 hours 50 minutes.
Caucasus Mountains, southern Caspian Sea coastline, Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges, high Himalayan peaks near the Nepal-Tibet border, Ganges River plain
Great circle distance and headings ›_in_Istanbul.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST, the aircraft typically climbs south from the airport before turning east toward Asia, putting the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara directly below on the right side. The left side during this turn mostly shows the flatter Black Sea coastline north of the airport.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn the typical dry-season approach into Suvarnabhumi, aircraft descend from the north and turn onto a southbound final for runway 19, placing central Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River off to the right (west) side of the cabin. The left side mostly faces flat agricultural land east of the city with fewer landmarks.
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 İstanbul Airport (IST) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Bangkok. Although Istanbul and Bangkok offer better views at takeoff and landing on the right, the long cruise phase on the left side passes over the Caucasus, the Caspian Sea, and the snow-capped Himalayan foothills near Nepal and Tibet — genuinely dramatic high-altitude scenery that outweighs the flatter desert and plains views on the right side for most of the flight's duration.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST, the aircraft typically climbs south from the airport before turning east toward Asia, putting the Bosphorus, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Sea of Marmara directly below on the right side. The left side during this turn mostly shows the flatter Black Sea coastline north of the airport. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul historic peninsula (Sultanahmet/Topkapi), Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands.
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 the typical dry-season approach into Suvarnabhumi, aircraft descend from the north and turn onto a southbound final for runway 19, placing central Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River off to the right (west) side of the cabin. The left side mostly faces flat agricultural land east of the city with fewer landmarks. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline (Sathorn/Silom towers), Gulf of Thailand coastline, canals and rice paddies of the Chao Phraya delta.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Bangkok?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 8 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,669 miles (7,514 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Istanbul to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Caucasus Mountains, southern Caspian Sea coastline, Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges, high Himalayan peaks near the Nepal-Tibet border, Ganges River plain