The right side offers a stronger overall experience: London skyline glimpses on departure, likely views of the Alps and Aegean/Mediterranean coastline during the European portion of the route, arid Middle Eastern terrain over Iran, and a clear Bangkok skyline view on arrival — all while the left side mostly shows open farmland, then largely featureless high-altitude stretches over Central Asia and the Bay of Bengal.
Flown LGW to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Bangkok is 5,947 miles (9,570 km), a flight of about 11 hours 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Alps near southern Germany/Austria, the Balkans and Aegean coastline, then continues over Turkey, Iran's Zagros Mountains, and the Arabian Sea region before crossing India and the Bay of Bengal into Myanmar and Thailand.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
RIGHTGatwick departures typically roll west on runway 26 before turning south toward Europe, and during that initial climb the right side faces north toward the North Downs and the distant London skyline. The left side mostly shows the flatter Sussex Weald countryside.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTDuring the dry season, arrivals into Suvarnabhumi commonly land on the north-facing 19 runways, approaching from the north and turning south over Bangkok's outskirts. Since the city center sits west of the airport, the right side gets the clearer view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's skyline during the final descent.
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 Gatwick (LGW) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Bangkok. The right side offers a stronger overall experience: London skyline glimpses on departure, likely views of the Alps and Aegean/Mediterranean coastline during the European portion of the route, arid Middle Eastern terrain over Iran, and a clear Bangkok skyline view on arrival — all while the left side mostly shows open farmland, then largely featureless high-altitude stretches over Central Asia and the Bay of Bengal.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Gatwick departures typically roll west on runway 26 before turning south toward Europe, and during that initial climb the right side faces north toward the North Downs and the distant London skyline. The left side mostly shows the flatter Sussex Weald countryside. Notable sights include: North Downs ridge, distant London skyline, Surrey countryside, patchwork Sussex farmland.
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. During the dry season, arrivals into Suvarnabhumi commonly land on the north-facing 19 runways, approaching from the north and turning south over Bangkok's outskirts. Since the city center sits west of the airport, the right side gets the clearer view of the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok's skyline during the final descent. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River bends, Bangkok skyline and Chao Phraya skyscraper clusters, Suvarnabhumi's canal-laced flatlands.
How long is the flight from London to Bangkok?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 11 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 5,947 miles (9,570 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Bangkok flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Alps near southern Germany/Austria, the Balkans and Aegean coastline, then continues over Turkey, Iran's Zagros Mountains, and the Arabian Sea region before crossing India and the Bay of Bengal into Myanmar and Thailand.