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HKT → USM
Which side of the plane to sit from Phuket International Airport (Phuket) to Samui Airport (Ko Samui)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the iconic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay and the stunning cluster of islands within the Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Phang Nga Bay
Aerial views of the spectacular emerald-green waters and world-famous limestone pillars rising vertically from the sea.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Intricate networks of mangrove forests and hidden lagoons scattered across the coastline near Phuket.
Ang Thong Marine Park
A breathtaking archipelago of 42 islands featuring lush jungles and white sandy beaches as you approach Samui.
Big Buddha Statue
On the final approach to USM, look down to see the massive golden statue at Wat Phra Yai on the northern tip of Ko Samui.
Book a window seat ahead of the wing for unobstructed views of the limestone formations. Morning flights (08:00-10:00) provide the best lighting for photography over Phang Nga Bay without the afternoon haze.
Phuket East Coast
Views of the marinas and luxury resorts dotted along the eastern shoreline of Phuket island shortly after takeoff.
Southern Thai Rainforests
Dense tropical canopy covering the mountainous interior of the Malay Peninsula as you cross between coasts.
Surat Thani Delta
The mouth of the Tapee River where it meets the Gulf of Thailand, bustling with local fishing boats and ferries.
Ko Taen and Ko Matsum
Small, serene islands located just south of Ko Samui visible if the flight path approaches from the south.
The right side is excellent for viewing the transition from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. During the monsoon season (October-December), expect more cloud cover over the central mountains, making the coastal views more reliable.
Distance: 249 km (155 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 25 min
Departure: HKT (8.1132, 98.316902)
Arrival: USM (9.547789573669997, 100.06199646)
Route Type: Domestic
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