The left side wins on the strength of the Kathmandu departure, which offers a rare and dramatic glimpse of the Himalayan foothills and possibly distant high peaks, plus continued views of hilly terrain over the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar's coastal ranges during cruise, whereas the right side is dominated by flatter plains and open water for most of the flight.
Flight Path
Ganges-Brahmaputra delta over Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal coastal waters, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar's Rakhine coastal hills, Dawna Range near the Thai-Myanmar border
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KTM
LEFTDeparting KTM on runway 20, the aircraft climbs south over the Kathmandu Valley before turning onto its southeast course toward Bangkok. That turn puts the northern horizon on the left, giving a brief but striking view back over the terraced valley floor toward the Himalayan foothills, with higher snow peaks sometimes visible on clear days.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn approach into Suvarnabhumi, the final turns typically bring the flat, canal-crossed central Thai plain and the Bangkok metropolitan sprawl into view on the right side, including glimpses of the Chao Phraya River delta and, on clear days, the Gulf of Thailand shimmering beyond the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Kathmandu to Bangkok. The left side wins on the strength of the Kathmandu departure, which offers a rare and dramatic glimpse of the Himalayan foothills and possibly distant high peaks, plus continued views of hilly terrain over the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar's coastal ranges during cruise, whereas the right side is dominated by flatter plains and open water for most of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Tribhuvan International in Kathmandu?
During takeoff from Tribhuvan International (KTM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing KTM on runway 20, the aircraft climbs south over the Kathmandu Valley before turning onto its southeast course toward Bangkok. That turn puts the northern horizon on the left, giving a brief but striking view back over the terraced valley floor toward the Himalayan foothills, with higher snow peaks sometimes visible on clear days. Notable sights include: Kathmandu Valley terraced fields and rooftops, forested valley rim hills, distant Himalayan skyline (Langtang Himal / Gauri Shankar area), occasional glimpse of the Everest massif to the east-northeast.
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, the final turns typically bring the flat, canal-crossed central Thai plain and the Bangkok metropolitan sprawl into view on the right side, including glimpses of the Chao Phraya River delta and, on clear days, the Gulf of Thailand shimmering beyond the city. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta and canals, rice paddies and aquaculture ponds, Bangkok's distant skyline, Gulf of Thailand horizon.
How long is the flight from Kathmandu to Bangkok?
The flight from Tribhuvan International (KTM) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes 3h05m.
What does the Kathmandu to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Ganges-Brahmaputra delta over Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal coastal waters, Chittagong Hill Tracts and Myanmar's Rakhine coastal hills, Dawna Range near the Thai-Myanmar border