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BKK → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
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.
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.
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.
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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