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JNB → BKK
Which side of the plane to sit from OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a higher probability of spotting landmasses including the coast of Mozambique, the interior of Madagascar, and potentially the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent or Sri Lanka before reaching the Thai coast.
Search flights from JNB to BKK
Johannesburg Skyline
Departing the Highveld offers views of the city sprawl and the historic gold mine tailings.
Mozambique Coast
The transition from Africa to the Indian Ocean reveals stunning turquoise shorelines and reef patterns.
Madagascar Highlands
The rugged, red-earthed terrain and unique topography of central Madagascar are often visible.
Sri Lanka
On clear days, the lush green landscapes and coastal fringes of southern Sri Lanka may appear.
Andaman Islands
The remote and forested Andaman and Nicobar Islands dot the Bay of Bengal near the Thai border.
Bangkok Approach
Final descent often provides views of the sprawling Bangkok metropolis and the winding Chao Phraya River.
Choose a window seat on the left (usually 'A') for the most land sightings. For the best views of Madagascar, hope for a daytime departure. On arrival, the left side often sees the 'Green Lung' of Bangkok (Bang Krachao) if the flight approach is from the south. To avoid direct glare from the southern sun during mid-flight, this side is generally more comfortable.
Get eSIMs for South Africa
Get eSIMs for ThailandIndian Ocean Horizon
A vast, serene expanse of deep blue water with unique cloud formations and occasional ship wakes.
Southern Madagascar
Views of the isolated southern coastline and the vastness of the Mozambique Channel.
Tropical Sunrise
On overnight flights, the right side provides a front-row seat to the sun rising over the Indian Ocean.
Thai Peninsula
Glimpses of the narrow Kra Isthmus and the famous islands of the Andaman Sea near Phuket.
Gulf of Thailand
As you approach BKK, look for the density of shipping vessels and fishing boats in the Gulf.
The right side ('K') is ideal for photography during sunrise on overnight flights. Be aware that during the day, the southern sun can be quite intense on this side of the cabin. Keep an eye out for the twinkling lights of massive fishing fleets in the Gulf of Thailand if your arrival is scheduled for nighttime.
Book Hotels in BangkokDistance: 8,996 km (5,590 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 35 min
Departure: JNB (-26.1392, 28.246)
Arrival: BKK (13.681099891662598, 100.74700164794922)
Route Type: International
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