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BKK destination photo
PVG destination photo

BKKPVG

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side of the aircraft offers a more dramatic view of the unique karst topography in Southern China and a higher probability of seeing the iconic Shanghai skyline during the descent into Pudong.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Bangkok Metropolis

Spectacular views of the Chao Phraya River and the dense urban landscape of the Thai capital immediately after takeoff.

💧

Mekong River

Cross the winding border between Thailand and Laos, featuring lush riverbanks and traditional agricultural patterns.

⛰️

Guilin Karst Mountains

Breathtaking limestone peaks and surreal mountain formations as the flight traverses Guangxi Province.

🌉

Hangzhou Bay Bridge

View one of the longest trans-oceanic bridges in the world spanning the waters of the East China Sea.

🏢

Shanghai Skyline

On western approaches, enjoy views of the Lujiazui financial district, including the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl.

For the best photographic opportunities of the karst mountains, aim for a window seat ahead of the wing. On afternoon flights, the sun is positioned to the south and west, meaning the left side will be in the shade, reducing window glare and providing better color saturation for your photos. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes before landing for potential skyline views.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Gulf of Thailand

Deep blue waters and coastal patterns visible if the departure route tracks south before banking north.

🌃

Pearl River Delta

Distant glimpses of the massive megalopolises of Guangzhou and Shenzhen during the mid-flight segment.

🌲

Wuyi Mountains

View the rugged, densely forested peaks of this UNESCO World Heritage site in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces.

🐉

Yangtze River Estuary

Observe the massive brown and blue transition where the Yangtze River meets the East China Sea.

🚢

Shanghai Port

Watch hundreds of container ships and massive tankers anchored in the waters approaching the world's busiest port.

The right side is the prime choice for early morning flights to witness the sunrise over the East China Sea. During the winter months, visibility is often clearer along the coast. As you descend into PVG, look for the massive offshore wind farms spinning in the sea. This side provides a great sense of the scale of China's industrial and maritime activity.

Top Activities in Shanghai
Route Information

Distance: 2,897 km (1,800 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 52 min

Departure: BKK (13.681099891662598, 100.74700164794922)

Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)

Route Type: International

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