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.
Flight Path
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

Takeoff from PVG
RIGHTAs 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.

Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn 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.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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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.