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May 2, 2014Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on December 17, 2024
Following the designation of the third runway as 02L/20R on 8 August 2024, it is anticipated that runway 01L/19R and 01R/19L will be re-designated as 02R/20L and 01/19 on 3 October 2024, respectively. The associated signs and markings were adjusted to align with the runway designation.
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport is the biggest airport in Thailand with a total of 28 Mio passengers in 2022. The enormous variety from Asian airlines makes this airport very special and he is surrounded with some very nice spotting location too.
Since the opening in 2006 Bangkok’s new International Airport, named Suvarnabhumi, has become one of the main international gateways for Southeast Asia. Though there was a 3% decline in traffic in 2013 (mainly also due to capacity reductions from main carrier Thai Airways) the airport still handled the impressive amount of over 51 million passengers. Of the two Bangkok International airports, the other one being Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi handles all of the international long-haul flights and serves most of the flag carriers, while the low-cost carriers con be found in Don Mueang.
The majority of traffic is obviously generated by Thai Airways, but Bangkok Airways has also expanded their hub operations and offers lots of scheduled flights. During the morning and evening hours, where the light is good you will see lots of interesting traffic from the region from carriers like Bhutan Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar, Garuda, Lao Airlines, etc. There are also always the big Chinese and Japanese carries which frequently fly in. Other interesting traffic is certainly created by the Russian charter flights for example by Azur Air, Ural Air or Nordwind. Furthermore there are also always a few notable cargo flights during the day, for example by EVA Air, China Airlines, ANA Cargo or Nippon Cargo. Unfortunately there is also a lot of traffic that takes place during the night and during noon, so you will not get all of the carries flying to and from Bangkok.
You can look up the official airport website for the upcoming arrivals and also ETAs for the flights. The schedule there also includes the charter flights from Russia, which are often not found on other sites.
You should be warned about two major disadvantages about spotting in Bangkok, but the traffic definitely makes up for these shortcomings. As Bangkok lies in a tropical dry and wet climate zone you will very rarely see clear blue skies here. It is very common that the sun is only comes out 30 minutes or even an hour after sunrise and it also disappears way before sunset in the haze. All the spotting locations at this airport are very far from the action, so you will need a good lens for shooting here.
Furthermore there is now a cycle track going right round the airport perimeter with great views – its around 22k circuit though. The entrance to the bike park with food court is near the Thai HQ and bus station where you can rent bicycles.. This sounds great BUT they check the bags in advance and its not allowed to take huge camera equipment with you. Just a smartphone. For numbercrunching its okay but not for photography.
Written by Jan Seba, Jeremy Denton, Patrick Weis, Paul Tomson, Luciano Manara, Fabian Juergens, Achim Walther, Pienlert Moon, Rui Miguel, Martin Rogosz and Norapon Pojchanardwong. Last update: December 2024 – Spot 16
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 01/19 | 4.000 m (13.123ft) |
| 02R/19L | 3.700 m (12.139ft) |
| 02L/19R | 4.000 m (13.123ft) new runway |
| Terminals | |
| Concourses A-B | Domestic flights |
| Concourses C-G | International flights |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not required at any location. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is not required, always use a taxi, but make sure the driver uses the taximeter. Most short drives around the airport are less than 2 Euros. It is advisable to prepare some maps at home to show to the taxi driver. Make sure the maps have the written name (in Thai!) of the location (or streets) where you want to go. Do not expect taxi drivers to speak English. Though some of them know one or two words it will never be enough so that you can explain where you want to go. We can recommend the App GRAB to get around. Fixed priced and paying by CC is possible.
There is a FREE shuttle bus connecting the two Bangkok airports. You just need to show a flight ticket and you are good to go. If there is no congestion on the roads it took only 50 minutes from DMK to BKK. It runs every 12 minutes from 8h to 11h and 16h to 19h and every 30 minutes in the meantime from 5h to 24h.In the case you don´t own a flight ticket there is a bus connecting the airports for approximate THB. From BKK: the small white busses (around 12-15 pax) to DMK are driving from the lowest floor at BKK (Arrivals). It is situated in the western area of this level. At DMK ask to exit the bus at the terminal. You exit the bus at The Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd. This the road paralell to the Don Mueang Tollway. In this area where you have to exit the bus, is a footbridge what you have to cross and entering the terminal from DMK. The way from DMK to BKK: And the way back you will take exit No.1 at the ground floor at DMK and go right (North). 150 meters to the north at the end of the big parking place are the busses. The busses are driving every day from 4:00am to 8:00pm. The busnumber is always 555 and always around 50 Barth. A taxi between the airports is around 500 Baht and needs 30-60 minutes. |
| Restrooms | It is best to use the restrooms in the hotel as there are none at the locations. |
| Drinks/Food | Take drinks and snacks with you, there are a few small local food restaurants along Lat Krabang road. |
| Hotels | There are a few hotels next to the airport, but The Phoenix Hotel (Spot 1) is recommended because it offers the best approach location for one of the runways or the Suvarnabhumiville Airport (Spot 13). For 01L arrivals you can try the Miracle Suvarnabhumi Hotel (Spot 12) which has a pool on the top. |
| Season | It is best to visit during the winter as the sun is too high during the summer. It is especially recommended to visit during February and March as these are the months with the highest probability of southern winds for which there are the most locations available. |
| Other | Be aware of packs of wild dogs that linger around at some locations. Spotted at spots 7 and 10. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | The third runway has been opened in October 2024 but the final runway patterns are not clear yet! |
| 01/19 | Easternmost runway. Mainly in use for arrivals. |
| 02R/20L | Central runway. Mainly in use for departures. |
| 02L/20R | Westernmost runway. Mainly in use for international arrivals. |
Phoenix Hotel Rooftop – 20L/R Arrivals (morning)
| WHERE | The Phoenix Hotel is located just north of Suvarnabhumi airport and is also a recommended place to stay if the main purpose your visit is plane spotting. You can book the hotel online on their website with a special planespotting package. The rooftop access is included. |
| WHAT | You will get the arrivals for RWY 20L/R here, which are still very high at this point. But as you are pretty far away and also elevated the angle is still good. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from 7 AM to 11 AM |
| MISC. | This is like the dream spotting location. You are close to your hotel room with WiFi but it is not available on the rooftop anymore! If you wanna see the traffic from your room you have to book a family room with four beds (2000 Thai Baht) There are also some benches and a pavilion for sun protection. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Over 250mm for an A320/B737, a B747 is over 150mm. |
Suvarnabhumi 3 Road - 19 Arrivals (morning)
| WHERE | The spots are located along Suvarnabhumi 3 Road (show this to your taxi driver and let him drop you off at a point of your choosing). You can basically stand wherever you like here but there are two places which are recommended. First and safest spot is directly at the Bangchak gas station. If you prefer a slightly better angle, walk down the road until an empty field. Small hills provide elevation to shoot over the bushes. This spot is not really recommended as police will send you away from there so we recommend to stay at the gas station. On the northern end of the street, there is also a field where you can stay. You can also park your car but sometimes the police will send your car away and sometimes the police don’t care.
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| WHAT | This is the best location for 19 arrivals in the morning. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from sunrise until noon. |
| MISC. | Food and beverages is available at the station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 230mm for an A320/B737 and 120mm for a B777 |
Spot 2A taken from field next to the Bus terminal:
Spot 2B taken from the gas station:
King Kaew Walkway – 20L Arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | This evening location is located in a small fishing village along King Kaeo Road . This is also the road name you want to show your taxi driver. Once you are there, just direct him to drive you to the end of the King Kaew 64 Alley. From the end of the alley just walk towards the water and then on the walkway further to the south until you reach a location where the trees are pretty low so that they are not in your image. Do not worry about the dogs roaming around here, normally they don’t bother with you, as long as you walk straight past them. You are in a very poor neighbourhood, but that should not worry you, the inhabitants are very friendly and have already seen lots of plane spotters. |
| WHAT | Optimal location for 20L arrivals in the evening. The aircraft are quite low here and you have a very good angle for your shots. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from 3 PM to 5:30 PM |
| MISC. | Beware of passing scooters and bikes. Though they tend to wait to pass you carefully, you should always look out for them. As of February 2020, light poles has been installed along the whole channel which are limiting the view and the gap for a successful picture (see overview picture at Spot 15). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 210mm for an A320/B737 and 110mm for a B747 |
Footbridge – 19 Arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | This location is located on a footbridge over the Rom Klao Road , right next to the Thai Airways HQ and opposite their Catering division. Show the name of the road to the taxi driver and let him drop you off at the bus station which is right under the footbridge. Just walk up the steps and you can shoot from anywhere you like on the bridge its marked in the map as Spot 4A. An alternative spot is Spot4B, just a bit down the road. Here you can take photos from the next to the road. We took our photos straight out of the car window. Sometimes the police will send you away and sometimes they don’t care about you. Stay always low on profile. |
| WHAT | From the footbridge you can shoot the arrivals for RWY 19 in the evening. You will see the aircraft pretty late, so always keep and eye open. Listening wont help here, as the traffic from the street below is too loud to hear the airplanes. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from 3 PM to 5:30 PM |
| MISC. | There is sun protection and you can sit on the stairs, but other than you should bring what you need with you.
See comments below, apparently the airport security has started to take notice of spotters at this location who have been sent away. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 280mm for an A320/B737 and 160mm for a B777 |
Spot 2A taken from the footbridge:
Spot 2B taken from the road/car:
Terminal – 02R Departures (morning)
| WHERE | Its easy to find as its located next to the entrance to the terminal at the departure level. Just leave the terminal next to the U/W check in counters and cross the road to the stop where the taxis drop off their customers. |
| WHAT | Its not the best spot as you need a very high focal length. But if you have some time left before your departure you can get some nice pictures of aircraft using RWY 01L for their departure. You see the planes very late flying over the C concourse. But you won’t have the construction within your frame as the aircraft are already high enough. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from morning until afternoon |
| MISC. | The area is sun covered and all other needed facilities are within the terminal behind you. I had no problems with the security guys during my visit. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300mm for a 747, 400mm+ for a 737-800 |
Perimeter Fence - Approach Runway 01 (morning)
| WHERE | Use the same direction as for the next spot #7 but continue along the perimeter fence until you are on the other side of the approach path. |
| WHAT | On this spot you can see aircraft approaching runway 01. At distance you can see traffic landing on 02R and with a about 400mm you can read registrations. |
| TIME | It’s best in the morning until 10:30 |
| MISC. | Absolutely no shade, so take special care with sun and high temperatures. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100mm = B747-400, 170mm = A319, 275mm = ATR-72 |
Bangkok Airways HQ - Approach Runway 01 (afternoon)
| WHERE | The spot is located near Bangkok Airways Headquarters. Ask the taxi driver to let you on the car park in front of the building. On your right side, you will see the highway bridge. The spot is located on the other side. In order to go there, you will have to walk and cross the river. Go strait from the car park, then take on your right again (walk under the bridge) and finally the spot is located just after the bridge next to this light. |
| WHAT | Only arrivals runway 01. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon from 13:30 until sunset. |
| MISC. | Nothing at the place. However, if you go back to the car park and continue further south, you will see a small shop where you can find everything. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 78mm = 773 / 95mm = 744 / 140mm = 738 / 210mm = ATR72 |
Lat Krabang Riverbank - 02L/R Arrivals all day
| WHERE | Getting to this location is easiest if you start next Spot #7. The Bangkok Airways HQ building is right at the northern end of the small side road of the big highway. To get here, you should grab a cab and show him a map with the location. Do not worry, if coming from the north, first you have to travel approximately 2-3km south of this location before a U-turn from the highway to this sideroad can be made. From the Bangkok Airways HQ you can either walk along the fence (grass might be wet) or take the boardwalk along the small river “Lat Krabang”.
When the sun moves over to the other side continue about 1,5km westwards. There is no specific place to stay it’s just the way. Search for a place to stay with a compromise between good to fotograph (angle, less trees on the right) and some shadow for you. We preferred the walkways at the southside of the canal because we weren’t sure where the meadow north of the canal ends? |
| WHAT | This is the best location for 02L/R arrivals. Sadly the touchdown point is quite far away into the airport area, meaning that aircraft are very high here. You can also get closer to reduce the distance or go further away. Expect heat haze later in the morning for smaller aircraft. |
| TIME | Usable all day long except around noon when the light is over the runway. Don’t worry about the light, maybe the picture at 90° are a little bit darker than the others. |
| MISC. | Turn your camera to the highest speed, because you’ll see the planes very late if you stand at the river on the south side. You have to check the app and listen for the aircrafts. Otherwise nothing nearby, last small shop is at morning spot and a 7Eleven at #7. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150mm for a B747 and around 280mm for an A320/737. |
Morning position:
Afternoon position:
Footbridge - 20L/R Arrivals (morning)
| WHERE | If you don´t go to stay at the Phoenix Hotel (spot #1) this is your place to be. It is almost the same like spot #4 and the spot is located on a footbridge over the Rom Klao Road too, right next to the Cargo buildings. Show the name of the road to the taxi driver and let him drop you off at the “free zone” of BKK airport. Just walk up the steps and you can shoot from anywhere you like on the bridge. |
| WHAT | Arrivals runway 20L/R. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from sunrise until 11 AM approx. |
| MISC. | Be aware of the light posts. There is sun protection and you can sit on the stairs, but other than you should bring what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | B773 = 170mm / B787 = 210mm / A320 = 340mm / ATR = 380mm |
Bridge - 02L/R arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | The spot is on an unopened flyover road bridge over the Lat Krabang. You may need some small stool to get your camera over the fence. Best is you let the taxi driver drop you off at the 3256, the main road on the western part of the airport, corner King Kaew 38 Rd. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on 02L/R only. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from 3 PM to 5:30 PM |
| MISC. | There is a Tesco/Lotus supermarket on the main road. The Hotel Miracle Suvarnabhumi is just around the corner too. Due to the distance heat is an issue. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 230 mm for A330; 330 mm for A320 |
The pics are all backlit and just there to show you the angle.
Prompkul Thong School - 20R arrivals, 02R arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | The spot is located along the “Lat Krabong” river and next to a public school named “Prompikul Thong School”. The small road is called “King Kaew 60 Alley”. We recommend you to print a map and show it to the driver (in Thai by preference). |
| WHAT | 20R arrivals and departures runway 02R. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon from 13:30 until sunset. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby the spot. You will have to go back to the main road. On your left side, you will see a bridge that you will have to cross in order to go to the local market and get foods/drinks. As of February 2020, light poles has been installed along the whole channel which are limiting the view and the gap for a successful picture (see overview picture at Spot 15). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 380mm = A320 / 340mm = B738 / 290mm = A321 / 170mm = A388 |
Miracle Suvarnabhumi Hotel - 02L/R arrivals/departures (afternoon)
| WHERE | Located at 20 minutes drive from the airport and next to the Runway 02L/R. Spotting is possible from the roof top with the pool area. |
| WHAT | Arrivals/Departures runway 02L/R. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon due to heat haze we do not recommend you to go before 15:00. Good place for night shots too. |
| MISC. | Everything you need, pool, drinks, foods, toilets etc. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 300mm to 500mm |
Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel and Sky Bar 64 - 20L/R arrivals/departures (afternoon)
| WHERE | There is another hotel with great views from the affiliated Sky Bar. All infos can be found in our extra article! |
| WHAT | Arrivals/Departures runway 20L/R. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon due to heat haze we do not recommend you to go before 15:00. |
| MISC. | Everything you need, pool, drinks, foods, toilets etc. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 300mm to 500mm |
Car Park 2 - 02R departures (afternoon)
| WHERE | Inside the terminal from departure level go one floor down and walk over the pedestrian bridge into car park 2. Once inside the car park take the stairs or elevator to the top floor. Then walk to the eastern end until you have reached the last row of parked cars. Here is a roof and concrete walls where you can sit in the shade. |
| WHAT | Only departures 02R are good for photography, no apron view. |
| TIME | Best to come in the afternoon until sunset. |
| MISC. | All you need is inside the terminal, no problems with police. It is commonly used by local spotters. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | About 250mm for heavies, and 400mm for smaller aircraft. |
Baan Klang Nam 3 Restaurant - 20L arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | |
| WHAT | +++ Update December 2023: due to the vegetation, light poles and power lines it is impossible to take pictures of the traffic. +++ |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | |
| FOCAL LENGTH | |
Siam Mandarina Hotel - 02L/20R movements (afternoon)
| WHERE | This hotel is on king kaew rd. just 10 minute from suvarnabhumi airport terminal. if you booking this hotel there will be a shuttle van to pick you up from the airport to this hotel and also it is no additional charge. If you want to go back to suvarnabhumi airport you can tell them that you need a ride. The room called “deluxe airport view” with the price of 2500 THB per night. There are two of this type available and within one it is possible to open the windows, whilst within the other one they are locked. |
| WHAT | Position of the hotel is in the middle of the runway 02L/20R, so all movements can be seen. Ramp and 02R/20L view in the distance but very far. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon from 13:30 until sunset. Be aware of heat distortion due to the distance! |
| MISC. | Everything you need, pool, drinks, foods, toilets etc. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320=300mm; 744=160mm |
I plan to arrive in Don Mueang Airport on 2 January 2025 for a transport transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport where I will stay at Miracle Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel nearby for one night as I have outgoing ticket for departure from Suvarnabhumi on 3 January 2025. In this case, will I be able to board the complimentary bus shuttle service between the two airports?
The rooftop of Spot 16 (Siam Mandarina Hotel) is officially closed for renovation. The staff of the hotel say the rooftop will not be re-opened for at least two years. They say either the plane-spotters shoot photos of the runway from the airport-view rooms or at the hotel garden on the third floor. Access to the garden and the rooms entails a room deposit of 2000 Baht *BY CASH ONLY* plus room booking fee. The deposit is refundable upon check-out.
Thanks for the hint.
-Julian
There is no heat haze by 11 am after the third runway construction is completed.
Has anyone successfully gone up to the rooftop of Siam Mandarina Hotel for plane-spotting? Can the guest that does so able to see aeroplanes flying past near Miracle Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel and landing on the third runway?
Hey, im an amatuer spotter based in bangkok and was wondering if a tamron 18-270mm lens with a canon eos 550d is good enough for planespotting videography the miracle hotel rooftop. Im planning to go at december 22-23 and will probably choose this hotel over the siam mandarina as it is quite pricey. Any extra advice?
Thanks,
Vince
P.S. i also have a canon efs 55-250 which has slightly better stabilization and af for video.
Very good choice. Access to Siam Mandarina Hotel entails a room deposit of 2000 Baht whereas there is no need to pay room deposit at Miracle Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
The official launch of the third runway has been delayed twice from October 2024 through the end of this year to early 2025. See Bangkok Post news here: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2908455/compensation-planned-for-buildings-affected-by-new-suvarnabhumi-runway?tbref=hp. Does anyone know which buildings are affected by the third runway and receiving compensation?
At the moment they are using all three runways…
Is there a hotel near Central Village where I can do plane-spotting? The aircraft that flies past Central Village to approach the landing strip is at a very high altitude. Although it is possible to spot the aircraft from Miracle Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, the focal length required is more than 600mm and the photo shots may not be clear. I am looking for a hotel where focal length from Central Village is less than 400mm so that the shots are clearer. Can anyone help me on this?
No nearby hotels on the eastern side of the airport. Photographing this side of the runway you usually need to rent a car or ride-share as it is the beginning of the countryside. It’s better off photographing this side of the airport in the afternoon as well and park at San Ong Phraya Muchalin Nakarat or go spot 6 or 7.
How to go to San Ong Phraya Muchalin Nakarat? Do taxis frequently go there?
Best to rent a car to go spot as while taxi can actually go there, airport security patrols past this area as well as it is in the airport zone and the area has no cover from the sun.
this location is very good as the plane is very low and pretty close to the runway as well so 70-200 works really well even for ATR
Ok thank you.
Is San Ong Phraya Muchalin Nakarat a shrine? Do you have photos of aircraft flying near this site? Are tourists allowed to shoot pictures at this area since you mention it is part of the airport area and airport police cars can be seen moving along Suvarnabhumi 3 Road?
Miracle Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is the best plane-spotting site if anyone wants to see the different flight directions after the third runway is officially used. When it rains, the guest can spot the planes in the gymnasium next door on the sixth level or behind the windows along the corridors of the hotel building. For a complete one-day plane-spotting experience, pay the room rate and late check-out fee of 600 Baht.
Can u spot from the room? Or rooftop better? And also i saw some pics that the wall on the rooftop are quite high do i need a chair or sum? Im 170cm by the way
I can spot the airport terminal building from the bathroom windows, the corridor windows, the fitness centre on the sixth floor and on the area around the rooftop swimming pool. The swimming pool and fitness centre are on the rooftop. No need to stand on a chair.
Hello, has anyone done plane-spotting at Banna Vilit Suvarnabhumi, an organic farm in the southeast of Bangkok Airways Operations Complex? FlightRadar24 indicates this place as a site for photography.
Is it easier to shoot pictures of aircraft flying near Central Village?
Hi i was there last week and the views are pretty spctacular, i would imagine (although i dont know) you might be asked what you are doing, but for spotting no problems…
Thank you for sharing with me your experience.
On which side of Central Village to spot the planes? Is it easy to summon taxi here?
You can see them all over Central Village, because its an open air mall, yes there are taxi pick up points outside ,signs all over, from where the taxis pick you up the views are awesome, i was there for two or three hours and logged around 70.
Is there shelter under Central Village for plane-spotting when it rains?