Shanghai to Bangkok flight path: PVG to BKK

Sit on the right side of the plane

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time4h 30m
Distance1,800
Heading233° → 224°
Best side
Right
★ 2.0 left·★ 3.5 right

The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Shanghai's coastline and skyline at takeoff, and Bangkok's river-and-skyline approach at landing — plus during cruise it faces the more varied terrain of southern China and Indochina's highlands rather than the largely featureless South China Sea seen from the left.

Takeoff · PVGRIGHTShanghai Pudong skyline, Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River estuary mudflats
Landing · BKKRIGHTChao Phraya River bends, Bangkok skyline, Bang Na industrial waterfront

Flight Path

Flight path overview

The route crosses southern China's Guangxi hill country, the Gulf of Tonkin near Hainan, and the forested highlands of northern Vietnam and Laos before descending over Thailand's central plains.

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Shanghai (right side) — Shanghai Pudong skyline, Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River estuary mudflats

Takeoff from PVG

RIGHT

As the aircraft climbs south from PVG's north-south runways, the right side faces west toward the Shanghai metropolitan sprawl and the curving shoreline of Hangzhou Bay, while the left side looks out over open East China Sea with little to see.

Shanghai Pudong skylineHangzhou Bay coastlineYangtze River estuary mudflats
Aerial window seat view during landing at Bangkok (right side) — Chao Phraya River bends, Bangkok skyline (Sathorn/Silom towers), Bang Na industrial waterfront

Landing at BKK

RIGHT

On the approach into Suvarnabhumi, the final descent tracks over the flat Chao Phraya delta, and the right side offers views toward Bangkok's dense skyline and the river's snaking bends before touchdown, while the left side shows only featureless paddy fields.

Chao Phraya River bendsBangkok skylineBang Na industrial waterfront

Will your flight be in sunlight?

See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.

About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Bangkok. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Shanghai's coastline and skyline at takeoff, and Bangkok's river-and-skyline approach at landing — plus during cruise it faces the more varied terrain of southern China and Indochina's highlands rather than the largely featureless South China Sea seen from the left.

What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. As the aircraft climbs south from PVG's north-south runways, the right side faces west toward the Shanghai metropolitan sprawl and the curving shoreline of Hangzhou Bay, while the left side looks out over open East China Sea with little to see. Notable sights include: Shanghai Pudong skyline, Hangzhou Bay coastline, Yangtze River estuary mudflats.

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 the approach into Suvarnabhumi, the final descent tracks over the flat Chao Phraya delta, and the right side offers views toward Bangkok's dense skyline and the river's snaking bends before touchdown, while the left side shows only featureless paddy fields. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River bends, Bangkok skyline (Sathorn/Silom towers), Bang Na industrial waterfront.

How long is the flight from Shanghai to Bangkok?

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes 4h 30m.

What does the Shanghai to Bangkok flight path pass over?

The route crosses southern China's Guangxi hill country, the Gulf of Tonkin near Hainan, and the forested highlands of northern Vietnam and Laos before descending over Thailand's central plains.