The left side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks close to the Thai peninsula's western edge, giving passengers views of the Andaman coastline, limestone karst islands near Phuket and Krabi, and the forested Tenasserim range spine — far more dramatic than the open, featureless Gulf of Thailand visible from the right.
Flown PEN to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Penang to Bangkok is 580 miles (934 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Andaman coast of southern Thailand, limestone karst islands near Phuket and Krabi, Tenasserim mountain range, narrowing of the Malay Peninsula near Chumphon
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEN
LEFTDeparting PEN, the left side gives passengers a clear look back at Penang Island itself — George Town's dense skyline, the Penang Bridge arcing across the strait, and the Malacca Strait shipping lanes as the aircraft climbs out over water before turning north.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn approach into BKK from the south, the right side faces east toward Bangkok's sprawling skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River delta as the aircraft descends over the flat, canal-crossed Central Plains before final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Penang International (PEN) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Penang to Bangkok. The left side wins overall because the cruise phase tracks close to the Thai peninsula's western edge, giving passengers views of the Andaman coastline, limestone karst islands near Phuket and Krabi, and the forested Tenasserim range spine — far more dramatic than the open, featureless Gulf of Thailand visible from the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Penang International in Penang?
During takeoff from Penang International (PEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PEN, the left side gives passengers a clear look back at Penang Island itself — George Town's dense skyline, the Penang Bridge arcing across the strait, and the Malacca Strait shipping lanes as the aircraft climbs out over water before turning north. Notable sights include: George Town skyline, Penang Bridge, Penang Island coastline, Malacca Strait.
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 BKK from the south, the right side faces east toward Bangkok's sprawling skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River delta as the aircraft descends over the flat, canal-crossed Central Plains before final approach. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok skyline and skyscraper clusters, Suvarnabhumi's grid of paddy fields and canals.
How long is the flight from Penang to Bangkok?
The flight from Penang International (PEN) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 580 miles (934 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Penang to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Andaman coast of southern Thailand, limestone karst islands near Phuket and Krabi, Tenasserim mountain range, narrowing of the Malay Peninsula near Chumphon