Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both takeoff and landing. Departure offers Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges; arrival showcases the Chao Phraya River delta and Bangkok's urban landscape. Left side faces open ocean for most of the cruise phase and lacks distinctive landmarks during both departure and approach sequences.
Flight Path
Timor Sea (open ocean, minimal landmarks), Arafura Sea (open ocean), northern Australia's coastline (Arnhem Land, Melville Island) visible on left side during cruise if flying northern track; Sumatra's northern coast and Strait of Malacca visible on right side during descent into Bangkok. Most of cruise is open water with no significant terrain features.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MEB
RIGHTRight side captures Melbourne's urban sprawl and Port Phillip Bay during initial climb. Runway 26 (west-northwest departure) turns aircraft northward, positioning right-side passengers to see the bay's eastern shoreline, suburban development, and the Dandenong Ranges as terrain rises inland.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery into Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi's parallel runways (01/19 and 02R/20L) typically use northbound approaches during dry season (Nov–Feb) and southbound during monsoon (May–Oct). Right-side passengers descending from the northeast see the Chao Phraya River delta, rice paddies, and Bangkok's sprawling urban landscape before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Melbourne to Bangkok. Right side scores 3.5 vs left's 2.5 due to superior scenery on both takeoff and landing. Departure offers Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges; arrival showcases the Chao Phraya River delta and Bangkok's urban landscape. Left side faces open ocean for most of the cruise phase and lacks distinctive landmarks during both departure and approach sequences.
What can I see during takeoff from Melbourne Essendon in Melbourne?
During takeoff from Melbourne Essendon (MEB), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Melbourne's urban sprawl and Port Phillip Bay during initial climb. Runway 26 (west-northwest departure) turns aircraft northward, positioning right-side passengers to see the bay's eastern shoreline, suburban development, and the Dandenong Ranges as terrain rises inland. Notable sights include: Port Phillip Bay (eastern shore), Melbourne CBD skyline, Dandenong Ranges foothills, suburban sprawl of outer Melbourne.
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. Right side offers superior approach scenery into Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi's parallel runways (01/19 and 02R/20L) typically use northbound approaches during dry season (Nov–Feb) and southbound during monsoon (May–Oct). Right-side passengers descending from the northeast see the Chao Phraya River delta, rice paddies, and Bangkok's sprawling urban landscape before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta and meanders, Bangkok metropolitan sprawl, rice paddies and agricultural land, Suvarnabhumi Airport's runway complex.
How long is the flight from Melbourne to Bangkok?
The flight from Melbourne Essendon (MEB) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes 7h 15m.
What does the Melbourne to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Timor Sea (open ocean, minimal landmarks), Arafura Sea (open ocean), northern Australia's coastline (Arnhem Land, Melville Island) visible on left side during cruise if flying northern track; Sumatra's northern coast and Strait of Malacca visible on right side during descent into Bangkok. Most of cruise is open water with no significant terrain features.