DMK Spot2
Bangkok Don Mueang – Spotting Guide
- last modified on April 21, 2026
Besides Suvernabhumi, Bangkok’s Don Mueang Intl. Airport is an important gateway for Thailand’s capitol city. The airport has been closed closed in 2006 but has been reopened just one year later to handle the upcoming low cost traffic. Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air are the main carriers and due to its colorful liveries its always worth to make a stop at this place.
Before it’s closing in 2006 the Bangkok Don Muang International Airport (later renamed Don Mueang) was the main international gateway for the city and handled all of the traffic, which then moved over to the new Suvernabhumi Airport. After its reopening in 2007 for some domestic flights the airport became really busy again in 2012 when all of the low-cost carriers moved over from Suvarnabhumi to reduce congestion there. As of 2024 the airport handled almost 30.5 million passengers. Due to the airline separation between the two Bangkok airports you will not find any of the flag carriers with long-haul flights here, but only a handful of low-cost airlines. Most of the traffic is generated by Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air. Especially Thai AirAsia brings in quite a few specials colour schemes, which are very easy to catch here.
Additionally the Royal Thai Air Force has their headquarter at the premises and that means that most of their fleet is based here. They always operate from the military runway (see below) and if you are a bit lucky you can catch a few of their planes. You should be warned about two major disadvantages about spotting in Bangkok, but the traffic definitely makes up for these shortcomings.
Furthermore the Royal Thai Air Force Museum is located on the eastern side of the airport in walking distance to Spot #4. The museum is open daily (except national holidays) from 9 AM to 4 PM (as of 2014) and entrance is free. You will can find a same smaller airplanes, but also bigger ones like the Fairchild C-123 or Boeing 737-200 in the museum. Most of them can be shot quite well, but there are also a few which a too crammed in.
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. Furthermore the spotting locations at this airport are a bit far from the action, so you will need a good lens for shooting here.
Written by Jan Seba, Marko Siepelinga, Phithakorn Sorachoti, Copyright Mika Virolainen, Martin Rogosz and Marco Dotti/Andreas Traxler. Last update: December 2025, Spots 6 and 7 added, Spot 1 updated.
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather | |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 03L/21R | 3.500 m |
| 03R/21L | 3.700 m |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | All international flights (including AirAsia) |
| Terminal 2 | Domestic Flights Only |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Not necessary |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is not required. New metro stations are installed and all spots are reachable from downtown Bangkok.
You can use a taxi to get around but make sure the driver uses the taximeter. We can recommend the App GRAB to get around. Fixed priced and paying by CC is possible. Price is around 900 Baht for an SUV. 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. 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 in between the two airports is around 650 Baht and needs 30-60 minutes. |
| Restrooms | Inside the terminal building. |
| Drinks/Food | Inside terminal buildings and at some other locations (mentioned below). |
| Hotels | There are a few hotels around the airport, but it is advisable to stay near BKK and just do the trip to DMK from there. |
| Season | It is best to visit during the winter as the sun is too high during the summer. |
| Runway Usage | |
| 03L/21R | This is the preferred runway for the scheduled traffic because it is closer to the terminal. |
| 03R/21L | While this runway is the primary runway for the military base located on the east side of the airport, it is also occasionally used for scheduled traffic. When the other runway is busy with departures, landings will also come in on this runway. During peak times it can happen that there are even more arrivals on this runway than on the other. |
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Spot #1 – Glassed Viewing Terrace – Taxiway, Runway 03L/21R Arrivals & Departures |
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| WHERE | The spot is inside the terminal and is basically a landside viewing terraces, which is behind slightly tinted glass. It is before security checks! Just follow the signs to find it. The terminal can be reached by public transport with the Metro, Red Line, exit station Don Muang. |
| WHAT | There is a large variety of traffic you can shoot here. First there are arrivals and departures on the runway and then most importantly the aircraft taxiing on the taxiway, as this is closer than the runway. This can be used both for 21 and also 03 ops. With 21 you will get them taxiing to the runway and with 03 taxiing to their gate after landing. Furthermore you might catch a few of the planes during pushback when their gate is directly in front of you. But this could also pose a problem, as they can cause heat haze and also obstruct the aircraft on the taxi- and runway, so you might have to switch between the two terraces based on gate occupancy. For 21 Ops I would suggest to use the northern side of the viewing terrace, because you have more opportunities to shoot the aircraft taxiing to the runway for departure. But if you want runway action the southern terrace would be best.
Update April 2026: the trees in the centre have had a severe haircut so the view to the far runway is vastly improved. |
| TIME | Best light conditions from afternoon till sunset. |
| MISC. | There are restrooms and several restaurants in the terminal. The glass panels are not being cleaned regularly, so you might have bad luck and the glasses will be dirty when you visit this spot! Air Condition can be very cold so be prepared. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 230mm for a B738 on the runway and 160mm on the taxiway. |
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Spot #2 – Unnamed Road/Field– 21R(21L) Arrivals |
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| WHERE | It can be accessed from the Vibhavadi Rangsit Frontage Rd only. Now you can stay directly at a the corner, in front of a small field (2A), or you continue 200 m on this road until a closed gate (2B). Parking is available at both locations. The spots can be reached by public transport with the Metro, Red Line, exit station Grand Canal. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on 21R and 21L. The angle at spot 2B is better. |
| TIME | The best light conditions are from afternoon around 15.00 till sunset. |
| MISC. | If you pass the gate, after 20 meters is a small kiosk on the left where you can buy small snacks and water. Don´t be afraid by the security guards at both entrances, the will let you continue! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From the field spot 2A: B738 = 200 mm on 21R, Hercules = 400mm on 21L |
Pictures from the field spot 2A:
Pictures from the field spot 2B:
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Spot #3 – Gas Station– 21R Arrivals |
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| WHERE | This location is found directly on the big Phahonyothin Road. Show this name/printed map to your taxi driver but it is useful to follow the taxi drive on a smartphone using GPS.The spot can be reached by public transport with the Metro, Green Line, exit station Yeak Kor Por Aor. Walk or drive in the entrance of the gas station and there after go behind of it. There is small parking in front of a small car maintance garage. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY21R only. The spot #4 for 21L is not far away and just a short walk away. You see the planes very late so be prepared by using a tracking tool. |
| TIME | Best light conditions from sunrise till noon, though the sun might already be a bit too high around noon. |
| MISC. | Food/Drinks in the gas station (Tesco/Lotus Express). There are plenty of restaurants next to you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Dash8-400 at 230 mm |
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Spot #4 – Small Cabinet – 21L(21R) Arrivals |
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| WHERE | This location is found directly on the big Phahonyothin Road. Show this name/printed map to your taxi driver but it is useful to follow the taxi drive on a smartphone using GPS. Find a gap between the bushes and trees around this corner.
The spot can be reached by public transport with the Metro, Green Line, exit station Yeak Kor Por Aor. |
| WHAT | The one major advantage of this location is that you can shoot arrivals on both runways and still have a good angle for the 21L, as it is also frequently used (see Runway Usage). The downside is that the 21R is very far away, but you should still be okay in terms of heat haze. Still the quality of the images will be way worse and the main reason to use this location is the 21L. For 21R go to #3. |
| TIME | Best light conditions from sunrise till noon, though the sun might already be a bit too high around noon. |
| MISC. | You can also use the cabinet for seating and sun protection. There is a 7-Eleven across the street. Keep a low profile as police patrols along the road. The Royal Thai Air Force Museum is located a short walk south of this location. The entry is free of charge and well worth a visit after a spotting session in the morning. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Close to 500mm for an A320 on the 21R and 200mm for an A320 on the 21L. |
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Spot #5 – Thai Maintenance – 21L(21R) Arrivals |
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| WHERE | The spot is at an alleyway next to the Thai airways maintenance and a stormwater overflow basin. It is best to let the taxi drop you off at the main road/Gate 1 and from there take a walk into the area. It might be possible that you are questioned by security but usually they don’t care. You can also drive in and park next to the spot if you come by car. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on 21L/R. |
| TIME | The best light conditions are from afternoon around 15.00 till sunset. |
| MISC. | This part is a private area, we strongly recommend to keep a low profile, other than that you should be fine. There are trees next to the lake that you can hide under the sun |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Up to 250mm. |
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Spot #6 – Thep Rak Road – 03 L/R arrivals |
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| WHERE | The spot is situated along “Thep Rak Road”. There is a pedestrian/bicycle path next to this busy road, and the sector to final is over some wild swamp area. There are a couple of bridges over the river running adjacent to “Thep Rak Road”. You may get a better sector on top of those. In general you have to find the preferred spot by yourself in this area.
Most likely reachable by foot as well from the terminal, but the heat is not helping. Just go south (left) from the terminal, and turn left at the earliest possibility.Getting there by car is difficult as parking might be a problem. However there might be some parking on the other side of the river. By public transport exit at Sai Yud Station and walk to the spot. B |
| WHAT | Arrivals on 03L/R. Most of the traffic will be on RWY03L (civilian traffic), but all interesting Air Force traffic will land on RWY03R. If you want to get anything of this traffic, you will have to go further from RWY03L, which means more heat haze. |
| TIME | The best light conditions are from afternoon around 15.00 till sunset. |
| MISC. | Nothing close by so bring what you need. Even shadow is in short supply, so wear protection. There will be some trees that disturb photography, as planes are pretty low already. Trial and error… No issues with the police. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 300mm for B737-800 or A320 for RWY03L. 175mm for ATR-72 for RWY03R. |
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Spot #7 – Thep Rak Road – 03 L/R arrivals |
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| WHERE | Situated along “Thep Rak Road”, on an empty lot around where there is a bridge intersection of the road. You can choose to photograph under the bridge (7A on the map), where you have some shade but you will see the planes much later on final (sector) and you are a little bit closer to them (angle), or then you can go south (7B on the map) over “Thep Rak Road” to the empty lot, where you have plenty of sector and you can even take a bit more distance, if it’s dry (a swampy area). However, going further from RWY03L centerline means you will be further away from RWY03R and it’s military traffic, so compromising again.
To get there by foot just go south (left) from the terminal, and turn left when possible. If you are coming from the AM spot for this RWY, it’s easiest to walk along “Thep Rak Road”. It will take you 15 mins. If go by car it can be parked on the lot, as many locals do. By public transport exit at Lak Si Station and walk to the spot. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on 03L/R. |
| TIME | The best light conditions are from afternoon around 15.00 till sunset. |
| MISC. | Some stands where locals sell snacks and food to taxi drivers are under the bridge. No problems with the police. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 400mm for a C-130 for RWY03R 85mm for an A330-300 for RWY03L 110mm for a B737-800 for RWY03L from under the bridge. |
I was at the observation deck for two hours today taking pictures before I was approached by a lady in a
Dark Blue official type uniform (airport security maybe) who said photos are not allowed and I must stop. As I had got most of what I wanted I just left. Strangely though another lady in the same uniform was sat next to me eating her lunch and said hello etc – no issues.
On the plus side the trees in the centre have had a severe haircut so the view to the far runway is vastly improved.
The real problem is that security don`t really now whats allowed by law and whats not. You have this problem at almost every airport, worldwide. One says its okay, the next one says its forbidden… happened to me several times.
-Julian
You can also take pictures of planes on approach to Don Mueang Airport at Thai Cultural Centre’s small Park. I am not really sure if you can see them after 2026 Jan.
Planes are flying low in Bangkok because of winds.
Hello everyone! May I ask if there are no spotting locations on the side of rwy 03? Thank you.
I was at spot No 1 in mid Feb 2025 – the observation deck with the dirty windows. While making an attempt to clean the windows, I was stopped by a security officer. He informed me that I cannot take photos! The officer did not speak much English.
I think this is because the air force base was opposite the observation deck was opposite the air force base.
Needless to say, I complied and just did some “observation” before leaving…..
Hello! Thanks for this update! I’m heading to DMK next month and was planning to check spot no. 1. That encounter with a security officer is scaring me a bit. Did the person check your camera to see photos? Were there any confiscation of sorts?
Don Mueang Airport has recently opened the Observation Deck before Gates 11 to 15 in the transit area. This Observation Deck is known as the DMK Experience Zone. Here, plane-spotters can sit or stand to shoot pictures of aircraft landing and taxiing, and access to the water fountains and power points in the zone. There are flight announcement screens so that plane-spotters can monitor when it is time to go to the gates. I spent about one hour here shooting pictures of the aircraft of Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Spring Airlines arriving in Don Mueang. The windows are clean.
Has anyone ever stayed at Asia Airport Don Muang Hotel? Are there aircraft flying-view rooms in this hotel? If yes, what type of room to book?
On Spot B, where is the Grand Canal SRT Red Line Station? It is not located on the Bangkok Metro Map! Please advise how to go to Grand Canal from Don Mueang Airport Station!
Hi! I’m looking at spotting here, mostly for the Mil movements. I want to know, fi I hire a car, is spot 4 accessible by private car or is it only really advisable by taxi/public transport?
What is the Small Cabinet? I could not see Small Cabinet when I reached the road by taxi. Spot 3 is easier.
There should be Spot 6, which is very near Spot 3. I visit this Spot 6 on 7 July 2024. It is known as PTT Gas Station and the address is Soi Phahonyothin 77 (Phahonyothin 77 Alley). Stand under the shade of the gas station nearest to Cafe Amazon, I am able to capture photos of aircraft with belly in full view flying towards Don Mueang without any tree obstruction.
Please use this form for new locations https://www.spotterguide.net/guide-update/
Thanks, Julian
I cannot attach my photos. Can I send my photos via email?
Has anyone shot pictures of aircraft flying near NTC Overnight Express or B. Care Medical Center Hospital? It seems during summer, the flight path is above NTC Overnight Express and visible from the hospital according to FlightRadar24 and the map shown in this guide, and not Spot 3. Does anyone have the address of the alley leading to NTC Overnight Express? On 23 September, I plan to shoot pictures of OKAir flying to Don Mueang. Can anyone please advise me where to carry out plane-spotting on this date?