The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Melbourne's bay and skyline at departure, and Bangkok's river delta and urban sprawl on arrival — while the long cruise over central Australia's outback and Indonesian seas is fairly neutral on either side.
Flown MBW to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Melbourne to Bangkok is 4,580 miles (7,371 km), a flight of about 9 hours 25 minutes.
Central Australian outback and salt lake country, the Timor Sea, the islands of eastern Indonesia (including Timor and the Lesser Sunda chain), and the Java Sea before the route continues north toward the Gulf of Thailand.
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MBW
LEFTClimbing out of Moorabbin toward the northwest, passengers on the left get a good look back at Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline before the aircraft turns onto its northbound track over Victoria's countryside.
Landing at BKK
LEFTOn approach into Suvarnabhumi from the south, the left side offers views of the Gulf of Thailand coastline and the sprawling Chao Phraya River delta with Bangkok's dense urban grid spreading out below before touchdown.
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 Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Bangkok. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — Melbourne's bay and skyline at departure, and Bangkok's river delta and urban sprawl on arrival — while the long cruise over central Australia's outback and Indonesian seas is fairly neutral on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Climbing out of Moorabbin toward the northwest, passengers on the left get a good look back at Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne CBD skyline before the aircraft turns onto its northbound track over Victoria's countryside. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne CBD skyline, Dandenong Ranges foothills.
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 south, the left side offers views of the Gulf of Thailand coastline and the sprawling Chao Phraya River delta with Bangkok's dense urban grid spreading out below before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok cityscape, Gulf of Thailand coastline.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Bangkok?
The flight from Melbourne Moorabbin (MBW) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 9 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,580 miles (7,371 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Melbourne to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Central Australian outback and salt lake country, the Timor Sea, the islands of eastern Indonesia (including Timor and the Lesser Sunda chain), and the Java Sea before the route continues north toward the Gulf of Thailand.