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BKK → MDL
Which side of the plane to sit from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) to Mandalay International Airport (Mandalay)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior view of the dramatic mountain ranges on the Thai-Myanmar border and the expansive Irrawaddy River valley during the final approach into Mandalay.
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Bangkok Cityscape
Panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the dense urban sprawl of the western Bangkok metropolitan area.
Dawna Range
Rugged, jungle-clad peaks along the border that offer a sharp contrast to the flat plains of central Thailand.
Salween River
Aerial perspective of the deep gorges and powerful waters of the Salween River flowing through remote Kayah State.
Irrawaddy Valley
The fertile agricultural basin of the Irrawaddy River, featuring a patchwork of green fields and traditional villages.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to enjoy the sunset colors over the Myanmar wilderness without the sun's glare directly in your eyes. Keep an eye out for the transition from the dense forests of the border mountains to the arid 'Dry Zone' of central Myanmar about 40 minutes into the flight. Rainy season (June-October) brings dramatic cloud formations, but visibility is best from November to February.
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Ayutthaya Ruins
The historic stupas and temple complexes of the ancient Siamese capital are often visible shortly after departure from BKK.
Shan Plateau
A massive karst landscape featuring rolling hills and high-altitude plateaus stretching toward the eastern horizon.
Central Dry Zone
The unique, sun-drenched landscape of the Burmese heartland characterized by sandy soils and sparse vegetation.
Mandalay Palace
On the final descent, look for the iconic 2km-wide square moat and walls of the Royal Palace and the adjacent Mandalay Hill.
The right side is ideal for morning flights as it provides clear, front-lit views of the Shan highlands. If the flight approaches MDL from the north, this side offers the best view of the city center and the Royal Palace. Use a polarizing filter if photographing to cut through the haze often present in the central plains during the dry season.
Book Hotels in MandalayDistance: 1,025 km (637 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min
Departure: BKK (13.681099891662598, 100.74700164794922)
Arrival: MDL (21.70219993591309, 95.97789764404295)
Route Type: International
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