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PEN → USM
Which side of the plane to sit from Penang International Airport (Penang) to Samui Airport (Ko Samui)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Penang coastline upon departure and the spectacular limestone islets of the Ang Thong National Marine Park during the approach to Samui.
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Penang Bridges
Aerial view of the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge and the original Penang Bridge stretching across the strait.
Kedah Paddy Fields
The 'Rice Bowl' of Malaysia presents a vast, vibrant green or golden patchwork quilt landscape depending on the harvest season.
Ang Thong Marine Park
Dozens of dramatic limestone islands and emerald lagoons scattered throughout the Gulf of Thailand as you descend.
Koh Tan and Koh Madsum
Small, pristine islands off the southern tip of Samui visible just before the final turn for landing.
Choose the left side for sunset flights to witness the sun dipping behind the Malay Peninsula mountains. For the best photography of Ang Thong Marine Park, ensure you are seated behind the wing to capture the scale of the archipelago against the engine or winglet.
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George Town Skyline
Distances views of the Komtar tower and the dense urban heritage zone of the Penang capital.
Songkhla Lake
The largest natural lake in Thailand, appearing as a massive inland sea separated from the Gulf by a thin strip of land.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Range
Rugged mountain peaks of Southern Thailand that run parallel to the flight path, often shrouded in tropical mist.
Chaweng Beach
Aerial views of Koh Samui's most famous long white sandy beach and turquoise coastline during the final approach.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct glare from the sun. It provides a clearer view of the Samui coastline and Chaweng Beach if the aircraft approaches from the north. Keep a lookout for the Big Buddha statue near the airport during the final seconds of flight.
Book Hotels in Ko SamuiDistance: 473 km (294 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 47 min
Departure: PEN (5.297140121459961, 100.2770004272461)
Arrival: USM (9.547789573669997, 100.06199646)
Route Type: International
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