The right side offers a stronger scenic bookend with Riyadh's skyline and escarpment at departure and Bangkok's river-delta cityscape at arrival, while the long cruise itself over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is largely featureless on either side.
Flown RUH to BKK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Riyadh to Bangkok is 3,586 miles (5,771 km), a flight of about 6 hours 5 minutes.
Arabian Sea, southern tip of India near Kanyakumari, and the open waters of the Bay of Bengal toward the Andaman Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›
.jpg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RUH
RIGHTDeparting RUH on runway 33 the aircraft climbs northwest then banks right onto its easterly track, putting Riyadh's downtown towers and the Wadi Hanifah escarpment on the right side before the city gives way to the open Nejd desert.
Landing at BKK
RIGHTOn approach into BKK the flight path typically curves in from the Gulf of Thailand side, so the right side catches the Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok's dense skyline, and the patchwork of aquaculture ponds 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 King Khaled International (RUH) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Riyadh to Bangkok. The right side offers a stronger scenic bookend with Riyadh's skyline and escarpment at departure and Bangkok's river-delta cityscape at arrival, while the long cruise itself over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal is largely featureless on either side.
What can I see during takeoff from King Khaled International in Riyadh?
During takeoff from King Khaled International (RUH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing RUH on runway 33 the aircraft climbs northwest then banks right onto its easterly track, putting Riyadh's downtown towers and the Wadi Hanifah escarpment on the right side before the city gives way to the open Nejd desert. Notable sights include: Riyadh skyline, Wadi Hanifah escarpment, King Khalid International Airport grid, Nejd desert plateau.
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 the flight path typically curves in from the Gulf of Thailand side, so the right side catches the Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok's dense skyline, and the patchwork of aquaculture ponds before touchdown. Notable sights include: Chao Phraya River delta, Bangkok skyline (Sathorn/Silom towers), Gulf of Thailand coastline, shrimp farm mosaic south of the city.
How long is the flight from Riyadh to Bangkok?
The flight from King Khaled International (RUH) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) takes about 6 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,586 miles (5,771 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Riyadh to Bangkok flight path pass over?
Arabian Sea, southern tip of India near Kanyakumari, and the open waters of the Bay of Bengal toward the Andaman Sea