BKK-Spot1
Sydney Kingsford Smith – Spotting Guide
March 26, 2014
Munich Franz Josef Strauss Spotting Guide
May 2, 2014Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Spotting Guide
at - last modified on January 9, 2020
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport is the biggest airport in Thailand with a total of 63.4 Mio passengers in 2018. 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, Achim Walther, Pienlert Moon, Rui Miguel and Norapon Pojchanardwong / Last updated November 2019
| Rating | |
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 01R/19L | 4.260 m (13.976 ft) |
| 01L/19R | 3.810 m (12.500 ft) |
| 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. |
| 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 | |
| 01R/19L | Normally this is the preferred takeoff runway for 19 OPS, but it can happen that they also use it preferably for landings and the other runway for takeoffs. If it is mainly used for takeoffs it also happens regularly that there are still some landings (mostly Thai and Bangkok Airways) here. For 01 OPS this is the preferred landing runway. |
| 01L/19R | The preferred landing runway for 19 OPS and also the preferred cargo runway in general. The cargo center is located on this side of the airport so ATC tries to let most of the cargo planes land and depart here no matter which RWY is currently preferred for landing or takeoff. Even if mainly used for takeoffs there will also be a few passenger landings here (often some rare airlines). For 01 OPS this the preferred takeoff runway. |
Phoenix Hotel Rooftop – 19R 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 19R 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 and you also have Wifi available on the rooftop. 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 - 19L Arrivals (morning)
| WHERE | This spot is located somewhere 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 there is the marked place, which is located in the bushes to give a better angle for shooting. Some small hills provide elevation to shoot over the bushes. This location was tested for two days without any problems, but on the third day airport security showed up and advised to use an alternative location. They suggested a small building a bit north of the location (also on the east side of the road). The advantage is that it provides sun protection and seating, yet the angle is a bit worse. |
| WHAT | This is the best location for 19L arrivals in the morning. The angle can be slightly better compared to Spot #1 and you are also a bit closer. |
| TIME | Best light conditions in the winter are from 7 AM to 11 AM |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. See comments below, apparently the airport security has again taken badly to spotters along the main road. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 230mm for an A320/B737 and 120mm for a B777 |
King Kaew Walkway – 19R 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 19R 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. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 210mm for an A320/B737 and 110mm for a B747 |
Footbridge – 19L 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. |
| WHAT | From the footbridge you can shoot the arrivals for RWY 19L 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 |
Terminal – 01L 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 01R (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 01R. At distance you can see traffic landing on 01L 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 01R (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 01R |
| 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 - 01L 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 01L 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 - 19R 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 19R. |
| 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 - 01L 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 01L 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 - Departures Rwy01L (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 | Only departures runway 01L afternoon. |
| 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. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 380mm = A320 / 340mm = B738 / 290mm = A321 / 170mm = A388 |
Miracle Suvarnabhumi Hotel - 01L arrivals/departures (afternoon)
| WHERE | Located at 20 minutes drive from the airport and next to the Runway 01L. This spotting place is ONLY possible if you have book a room with the hotel or to pay the price of the room, minimum THB 1’500.- |
| WHAT | Arrivals/Departures runway 01L. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon due to heat haze we do not recommend you to go before 15:00. We did have report that from this time, it was OK. Good place for night shots too. |
| MISC. | Everything you need, pool, drinks, foods, toilets etc. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 300mm to 500mm |
++We do not have any pictures yet, very soon to be online, stay turned++
Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel and Sky Bar 64 - 19R 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 19R. |
| 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 |
YHA Bangkok Airport Hotel - 19R arrivals/departures (afternoon)
| WHERE | This is another airport hotel located next to runway 19R and south of spot #13, the Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel. It is called YHA Bangkok airport hotel. They have a rooftop for their hotel guests where you need to climb up (very steep) to take pictures of the runway. Bushes, trees and high grass are disturbing the sight. Maybe not the best place for photography but a cheap place where you can stay and watch the traffic too. |
| WHAT | All arrivals and departures on 19R as well as departures from 01L. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon but heat haze is a serious issue here because of the distance and shooting the planes on the ground. |
| MISC. | The restaurant is only open for Breakfast. But there are restrooms on every floor that you book. Cost is ฿550. There is no issue with AOT security so far and the owner of the hotel is friendly but I am not sure if her housemaids speak English because I a speak Thai to them most of the time. But you can get some good views during nice weathers here on the rooftop which is steep to climb up. There is no issue with AOT security so far and the owner of the hotel is friendly. The restaurant is only open for Breakfast. But there are restrooms on every floor that you book. Room is very cheap, around ฿550. You need to pass a secuirty gate to reach the hotel. They don´t speak english so show them โรงแรมYHAอยู่ที่ไหนครับ (Where is the YHA hotel?) |
| FOCAL LENGTH | From 300mm to 500mm |
Baan Klang Nama - 19R arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | Between the YHA and the Skybar there is a restaurant called Baan Klang Nama 3 accessible from the King Kaew Rd. They have a nice open terrace and just the small canal seperate the visitor from the runway. It’s an alternative to spot #3 if you are looking for a more relaxing place. Disadvantage is that some trees and light poles interrupt the view and you are more far away. |
| WHAT | Only arrivals on runway 19R. Action on the ground can be seen but just too much heat for taking pictures. |
| TIME | It’s best in the afternoon from 13:30 until sunset. |
| MISC. | Everything you need is at the restaurant. It´s a known place for local planespotters. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320=300mm; 744=160mm |
VIDEO FROM THE RESTAURANT
73 Comments
Hi Julian, on the BKK spot No. 13 you refer to a separate link : All infos can be found in our extra article!
This link seems not to work as I get an error message 404
(I shall most probably stay at that hotel/skybar Feb 13-16, 2020).
Thank you for your great web-site!
Hi Erhard, I am sorry the article was offline and the link wasn’t working. Has been fixed and you can read it now.
Thanks for your praise!
-Julian
Spot #9 headline is wrong. The spot is for RWY19R final.
Fixed that, thanks for the hint.
-Julian
I went to BKK for spotting in November 2019. Bangkok in November was a dry season and a wonderful weather was waiting.
During this time, there are many northerly winds, and runway 01 is used on most days.
In the case of the north wind, 01L is used for landing because there are many flights from Europe from dawn to noon. It will be 01R from around 11AM.
So if you want to shoot a landing aircraft during this time, we recommend spot 8 in the morning and spot 7 in the afternoon.
If you stay for a few days and want to spot, the recommended hotel is Eastin Tana City Golf Resort Bangkok.
You will be able to shoot an airplane landing in 01 from the hotel garden or room.
Guys FYI do not go to spot 10. There were a bunch of stray dogs that chased after me, but luckily I managed to get out of there way. Vegetation also grew on the fence making it almost impossible to take pictures from the bridge.
Hi
There is a bike lane all around the airport, why it is not mentioned here, and how did we get into it
Thank you
Hi, if you read carefully you would have found the infos about it in the first part of the guide.
-Julian
While shooting at Spot 9, I was warned that I would get off at the airport security guard.
Please be careful when you are going. It’s okay to get off and shoot from a nearby vacant area.
Does BKK use runway alteration like London Heathrow? I checked into the Phoenix Hotel around 1 pm. Planes were landing on 17R but from the Phoenix everything was backlit. I took a cab (50 baht) to Spot 3. Great location, beautiful lighting, and a lot of activity. Almost at 4 pm, things got real quiet. After a few minutes I noticed traffic was now landing on 17L. There was no change in wind direction or speed. What a bummer. This morning I was on the Phoenix terrace around 5:45 a.m. Planes were landing on 17R – it was a nice sight. Then almost exactly at 8 a.m. the deathly quiet set in and once again landings were now on 17L. Again, no change in wind direction or speed. Since I was only at the hotel for one night this was quite a disappointment. Is this common at BKK? Do they change runways on some schedule?
One of our team members was in BKK the past two days and it was indeed pretty strange as it wust just single ruwnay ops and they were landing from the south and switch to the north. It was not normal! Usually you can rely on the infos we provide above under “runway usage”. The Phoenix Hotel is only advisable in the MORNING for RWY19R arrivals. Nothing else!
There are no 17 ruwnays 😉
-Julian
Sorry, my mistake. I meant 19R and 19L. I realize the Phoenix is good in the morning but I had checked in the prior afternoon before heading to Spot 3.
Another good spotting place is at the Lat Krabang resort hotel located next to runway 19R. The other one is just further south called the YHA airport hotel located in a gated area on the King Kaew Soi 58 in the place called park view city.
Hi, for new locations please fill out this form: https://www.spotterguide.net/missing-photos-location/
Thanks
Julian
I have spotted at spot 2 and yes I had problems with security but they weren’t rude but they escorted me to the terminal.
Any plane spotter now in Bangkok??
If I visit this June, (2019) where will be a good spot for me to take pictures? (I am not staying at any of those hotels), what’s the wind direction and what runways will most likely be used? What will the weather be like?
Spent a very enjoyable 3 or 4 hours at spot 3 on Feb 20, 1pm-4.30pm. The sun in the west lit the aircraft landing on 19R perfectly and trees, about 150m south of where the path from Soi 64 joined the canal side path, provided shade. And away from the traffic noise of the road, just birds and jet engines! Used a video camera to record everything from ATR72s to A380s.
Spot 7 update
I just been there yesterday, they just add new electric lines there. It’s 2x higher than the original one(as from spot 7 picture), that block an approch position. Go somewhere on opposite side of the road will be better.
Hey Prompong! Did you go to the miracle hotel or the sky bar 64? If so, could you please tell me can photos with landscape be taken in these two spots if the wind direction is good, I am planning a trip to BKK in Jan, and I am considering which hotel to stay in~
Thanks a lot! Reply soon~
Regards
Josh
Hi Josh, we have actually just infos for the Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel & Sky Bar 64. Just have a look at our article about it:
https://www.spotterguide.net/news/hotels/suvarnabhumi-ville-airport-hotel-sky-bar-64/
This is only good for arrival photos but no background. Line-Ups are not possible from there.
Infos for the Miracle Hotel will follow soon. But from there you can photograph the line up and have a background for the arrivals. So you should go there.
#10 is within walking distance and you have a background as well.
Regards
Julian
Dear Julian,
I stayed at the Phoenix hotel last year and that was also the plan for this year until I just read your review of the Suv Ville Hotel. I’m a numbercrunsher so photo’s are a nice extra.
What do you recommend staying at Phoenix or the new hotel with Skybar?
Do you know if they allow you on the roof after operational hours? I see they close at 0100 but a lot of the nice stuff arrivés later…
Thanks!
Joost
Hi Joost,
if you are just a numbercrunsher you should stay at the Suv Ville Hotel as you can see ground action too which is not possible from the Phoenix Hotel where you just see the arrivals.
The hotel stuff is very polite and I think if you ask you can go there even if its close. The arrivals can be seen from the pool area so no need to go up.
Cheers
Julian
Thanks for the info. One of our members is actually in Bangkok and our guide will be updated soon.
-Julian
I am a timelapse videographer working on a film of Bangkok, and one of the shots I needed was of the planes arriving at night. I scoured google earth for hours trying to find a suitable spot. I had no idea websites like this even existed!
I am so glad I found this. i booked a room at the Phoenix Hotel, and was totally stoked on the view from the rooftop. Just the right angle to have a telephoto timelpase with a temple and the airport rail in the foreground of the approaching flights.
Thanks for this!
Hi Jesse, thanks for your kind comment. Feel free to share the video with us!
-Julian
Suvarnabhumiville Airport Hotel is situated running alongside 19R and offers great elevated views of arrivals from the Sky Bar. The Hotel also has a pool where you can relax and take shots. The Hotel are now aware of the hobby and I saw a couple of other guys there.
There is now a cycle track going right round the airport perimeter with great views – its around 22k circuit though. There is a bike park with food court near the Thai HQ and bus station. Bikes should be available for hire soon.
I see most of the arrivals are now from the ocean. Is it possible to get to the cycle track and take photos with ease with security stopping you from doing so?
I am staying here overnight in April and hoping to get some good shots.
May I share one shooting spot.
(13.6722266,100.7250763)
An unopened flyover road bridge, you may need some small stool to get your camera over the fence.
Sample pict taken by me;
https://instagram.com/p/BhSxRWLFQ70/
Im going this year December 2017 to Bangkok, I see a lot thibgs about security. I sleep at the Phoenix hotel so problem one is solved, but i cant stand the whole day there. Which spotting locations are safe from security and/or can you recommand to us (mine lens is going to 300)
Usually its pretty safe there and you can spot withouth problems. Maybe you will be checked by security and request you to leave, so no position is 100 percent safe. But thats it.
-Julian
Spotting at BKK is fantastic!!!!! My 1st trip but definitely won’t be my last. Spent 5 nights at Phoenix Hotel (Spot 1), using Spot 3 in the afternoons because of Rwy 19 ops the whole stay. The extra bonus was that they were doing upgrades/works on the Rwy 19L threshold, so all aircraft were landing on Rwy19R.
Hi Troy
Can I ask you some questions? It is mentioned that some polices stop you from spotting at some stops. Is there any police tell you not to spot at Spot 3? Thanks a lot 🙂
Hi William,
from my side, problem at Spot 3 are unheard of. Mainly we are talking about Spot 2 here, when people were sent away.
Hey Jan!
Thank you so much for sharing this detailed and clear guidance, it helps a lot~
However, as a guy from China, I can’t fully view the sample photos of each spots, I am planning a trip to HKT and BKK just for photographing and will stay in each place for two days, I will probably choose Miracle Hotel and Ville Hotel (the one with SKY BAR) to stay and maybe, go to some other spots also, I hope to find some spots that are easy to get to and can take photos with landscape(buildings, terminals, towers, planes lining up…) So do you have any spot of BKK that you highly recommended where I can take photos with landscape?
Thanks again for your help! Be free to contact with me by email (miaodifei@126.com) if come to China, I will be glad to show you some good spot in PEK, PVG, CAN, CTU, KMG~~
Regards
Joshua
Hi William,
I had no issue where I was spotting from.
I have just returned from a week in Bangkok, I stayed at the Phoenix Hotel. I don’t collect registrations, I just take photos. The whole week they were taking off over the hotel so photography was useless from there. I’m not a huge fan of “sky shots” but there isn’t really an option at BKK for anything else – Chiang Mai and Koh Samui are better options. Ironically when we left they changed runways and we departed towards the sea! All of my photography at BKK was thus south of the airport, in the vicinity of 6,7 and 8. On one morning a gate in the fence was open next to Thela Khlong Trong school (it ended up being open all day) and the locals were coming and going through it so we used it to get a higher vantage point. Then “security” arrived en masse. However we were quickly able to calm the situation. I showed them lots of photos from China, the USA and elsewhere. They asked us not to go through the gate again and then asked if I could send photos to them, which I will. I mentioned the idea of a spotting viewing area and I was told to “speak to our commercial department”. So something to think about for the future. There are plenty of little shops in this area so refreshments are easy to come by and there is the Terminal Cafe located near the Bangkok Airways HQ for hot local food and also some street vendors. Everyone was really friendly out in the villages. My taxi driver actually gave me directions to the spot I took photos from! I got a motor scooter back to the Phoenix that night but for 11THB u can get a tuc tuc bus from King Kaew Alley 15 to the 7/11 outside the Phoenix.
The roof toilets of the Phoenix is not kept clean, they have put in hand wash but no toilet paper. Apart from that the Phoenix is fine and the food is very good. There is a cafe across the road and street food outside the 7/11. You should also visit Wat Lat Krabang.
I spent 2 days at the Phoenix, its ideal for spotting. Highly recommended.
Just a little FYI The Phoenix has spend some money on the deck with adding a new sitting area & overhead roof. Happy days!
Thanks for the info James!
Regards
Jan
I go to Thailand every year (my wife is Thai) and I must advise against Suvarnabhumi 3 Road. Now the police are unfriendly. I recommend the Miracle Suvarnabumi Hotel. It has a terrace with swimming pool on the roof and photographing landings 01L and 19R take-offs during the afternoon.
Congratulations for your site.
This is the view from Miracle Suvarnabhumi Hotel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNvwfCmPtxc
I spent an afternoon at Soi King kaew 64. Today. A problem I encountered was confusion between the new “King power” duty free and “King kaew” with my taxi driver. The duty free shop is about 15km from where you need to be and close to 01R not 19R where you need to be! According to the locals since last week it’s gone back to the old ways of 19L for departures and 19R for arrivals although I saw a hand full of arrivals on 19L, but nothing of note. I recommend contacting via Facebook the “Thailand Aviation Photography Group” (search it) and usually they can give you some real inside knowledge and even meet up with you. It’s certainly easier with a local.
Hello James,
thanks for the insight. I can confirm that I also had problems with King Kaew and the taxi driver navigation. He informed me that the pronounciation of the road is really difficult for foreigners and Thais usually interpret this differently when we say it. Just another reason to have the name printed out in Thai language.
Meeting up with locals is always a good idea, thanks for sharing the Name of the Local Spotter Group!
Cheers
Jan
I advise to pronounce Kin Kèo.
We spent all day in airport And IT has been a very interesting day except for THE terrible weather…….grey sky and a lot of HAZE……..
We stay in Miracle hotel suvarnabhumi and by taxi we have been lucky to reach THE morning position for 19R landings; all THE morning we have seen only two landings on 19L
by taxi in THE first Hours of THE afternoon we moved to THE position N.3, one taxi driver denied our request because….too much close but THE second one,in a few minutes and for only 35BATH, transferred us to THE spotting position
Nice afternoon with more sun
Tomorrow in Don Muang
I found for 01L arrivals in the morning the Thana City Golf Course carpark is an ideal location as there is ample shade and much less hassle from the airport security. The only problems ive encounted in BKK is trying to get the taxi drivers to take u places. Getting a thai local in the hotel to write down where you want to go is an absolute must as most drivers wouldnt know where to go otherwise due to the language barriers. Another option is trying to hire a taxi for the day or hiring a car. When they are on the 01 end for arrivals the spotting can be not fun for firstly your in the searing sun, secondly no food or drink or toilets a nd getting a taxi can be hard work. I prefer to spot at Suvanabhumi now when the wind irection favours the 19 runways. So much easier to spot then.
Hey Tony,
you are absolutely correct with your assesments, thats why these are also included in the guide.
It is vital to have the street names written down in Thai. While the drivers can’t really read maps, it’s fine to have a map with you with the street names in Thai.
Hi
Until 16/04/2016, BKK trial used of parallel departure operation (NOTAM 0020/16) in theory RWY 19L and 01L are used mainly for departure. Under consideration from ATC RWY 19R could be use for departure.
But in fact in south configuration RWY 19R is mainly used for departure and 19L for arrival.
In North configuration 01R is mainly used for departure and 01L for arrival.
If you go to spotting in BKK soon be aware and look RWY configuration before reach a spotting point.
For exemple in the morning, it is not possible during this period to spot in roof of Phoenix hotel. But late in afternoon it is possible to shoot some heavy liners take off from 01R but with 300-400 mm lenses.
In afternoon for 01L landing operation I suggested you to stay at the end of KIN KAEW soi 22/1. In this place you can found a shelter for sun protection (Google Earth 13°39’25.11″N / 100°43’21.62″E). I try this place the 26/02/2016
Hi Emmanuel,
thanks for all the updates! Seems like BKK is becoming increasingly difficult to spot at…
It is definitely a good idea to monitor RWY configuration (NOTAM, FLightradar etc.) before planning a spotting trip.
Cheers
Jan
We went to BKK for three plus two days of spotting in February 2016. The traffic at BKK was great, but we had big trouble with airport security in some places. This especially refers to the pedestrian footbridge Pos. # 4 (morning arrivals on RWY 19 L) and every spotting action along Suvarnabhumi 3 Road for the departures on RWY 01R as well. It is also not very advisable to step onto the dike at Pos. # 7 (Klong Throng area/ Arrivals RWY 01L) – signposting here is in Thai only – but if Airport Security catches you when taking pictures from the dike. Either they will ask you by speakers not to do so, or pick you from the position pretty soon. If you stay on the grass in front of the perimeter fence you are safe. There are no security inspections or so. Another position which is mainly good for departures on RWY 19R and not mentioned in the original report about BKK, is located near the backyard of “Miracle Suvarnabhumi Hotel” From “Miracle Hotel” just walk about 10 minutes into eastward direction. When reaching the Klong you can chose a spot and enjoy the landscape, which is quite scenic. The view isn`t too much obstructed by trees or poles. Though you`re in a local settlement now, don`t worry about the people, who are friendly. Be careful during your spotting, because the concrete stilt way at the Klong is frequently used by local motorcyclists. Airport Security is not present in this area. The semicircular road south of Miracle Hotel, which crosses the Klong and the Blue Road on a defunct bridge is blocked in the middle with concrete barriers and barbed wire and cannot be used for spotting activities any longer. In contrast to BKK, and oddly enough, we never had such problems at DMK, neither inside nor outside the airport.
Hi Jens,
thanks for your comment and valuable input.
Interesting that you encountered problems at location #4 (should be evening for 19L). So far this is unheard of and I stayed there for multiple visits without any problems – this must be very new then. Will be noted in the Guide!
Problems along Suvarnabhumi 3 Road (Location 2) are not too uncommon. It probably depends on the officers you encounter during your visit. But as you mentioned it might happen that you will be send away.
Best regards
Jan
Hi,
currently security was reinforced around BKK due to two factors :
the attack of 25 August in Bangkok, the second the monitoring of Thailand by international aviation organisation : Thailand has received red flag from OACI and downgrade by FAA
In Suvarnabhumi 3rd road not stay along the fence or visible from security
Yes, of course, Pos. # 4 is the afternoon / evening side. May be the increased attention is because Thai Airways head quarters is pretty close or because they don`t have understood yet, that spotters cause no harm.
At Suvarnabhumi 3 Road, where parking beside the road is strictly forbidden, we were loaded into the police car and escorted to the next bus station, where we were allowed to run. Fortunately the photo equipment has not been studied. That`s funny so far, that locals who stopped beside the road with their cars for watching the planes were not asked to go. We sat in the grass (cameras in the bags) and were hooked by the officer. Maybe that was simply bad luck. Either way it`s a pitty, because the positions along Suvarnabhumi 3 Road are really good.
Very true. It is a shame to hear reports like these from a great airport like BKK, limiting the spotting locations.
Hello, great info here, also a good hotel to get some shots from is ” the queens garden resort ” don’t know if anybody has been there, one of my shots from there ( https://www.flickr.com/photos/svadee/15528773412/in/photolist-pEe2jC-9EUYyQ-7CQqPf-7D68K7-7D6auL/ )
a question for you, away from suvarnabhumi, I am going to stay in Nakhon Ratchasima for a few days, has anybody any info from here of a good location for some photos ,
Thanks, John
Good Afternoon
A very good friend of mine will be making his last flight as Captain on the B777 departing VTBS Suvarnabhumi on Dec. 10 2015. He will be operating KLM 876 scheduled departure time is 12:20 local time. I am looking for a photographer who would be able/willing to capture his last take off professionally on film. any suggestions or colleges out there that can help?
Thanks
Frank Gallagher
Guys, thank for your great feedback with regards to November BKK visit, very helpfull.
Will try ou all the advise.
Thanks for your comment. Please let us know if there are any changes to the photo positions!
Regards
Spotterguide-Team
Have a super time there, Koos!
If you need any further assistance, just let us know, we’d be more than happy to help you.
Cheers
Marlin
I had been to spot3. It was impossible to go across the river. Too far away if they don’t use the nearest runway. So I got nothing .
There no need to go across the river, the spot is ideal for the western Runway (it is actually the best spot between all of them in terms of distance and angle). If they don’t use the western runway, you should go to different spots. Always check first which runways are in use. 😉
Photos can be taken from Novotel (https://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=8013687)
I cannot remember my room number but photo was taken from upper floor corridor through glass overlooking runway 19R
Cheers
Mark
Hi Mark!
Thanks for your addition, Mark! Looks like a great hotel view! Can you remember whether it was the view onto 19L or 19R?
To add this location, we would love to have more than one photograph from this spot, if possible.
We also need to ask you some questions for example if you as a guest can open the window fully.
Do you have more pictures from this photo location, Mark?
If you are interested to add infos for Bangkok Airport, do not hesitate to tell them!
Cheers and have a great day!
Marlin
How about the weather conditions in November, would that be an option?
Hello Koos,
November is definitely possible in terms of sunshine, as the weather in general is quite similar to the recommended time of visit. There is however one major difference: The wind will most likely come from the North(-east), meaning they will land on either 01R or 01L. For 01R the locations are quite good, but if they land on 01L (which sometimes happens) it is quite problematic, especially in the evening. Also the location are more difficult to access. So you will have some disadvantages and if you have the choice, I would definitely recommend to visit February/March, but still, even in November you can definitely get some great shots!
Regards
Jan
Hi Koos,
I fully agree with Jan´s comments, however, don´t be afraid from visiting Bangkok in November. I have been there last December, which means the same wind direction and from my perspective, you have a better chance for a really blue skies when you come in November/December, that means if you have good weather, there is a better chance to have really blue skies instead of something grey which is typical in February/March. For RWY 01R, as said by Jan, the spotting locations are good, in the morning you gave to walk for about ten minutes from the main road (taxi) along the fence to settle under a single big tree, in the afternoon you can shoot directly from the main road next to some refreshment stands (be aware of eating something from them, I had some problems afterwards…). For RWY 01L the main problem is that the threshold is quite far, so the aircraft are higher and in worse angle, but still doable, especially in the morning, from a location near one local school (accessible by taxi into a luxurious house settlement where a special gate is arranged, but with taxi they will allow you inside without any problems) – for this position you have no shade, but in the morning it is not deadly important. I never tried afternoon position on 01L (there is one on a road bridge, but the angle cannot be very good), as there were only a few landings on that runway. Only one afternoon I was disappointed by landings on RWY 01L for some time, but in BKK you always miss something, you have to simply live with that. Generally, RWY 01L is used for all landings between 06:30 and 09:30 local and then only for a small percentage of landings, while 01R is used for most of them.
At DMK, you almost certainly get landings on RWYs 21 only, even with a tail wind.
So, from the direction point of view, it might be better to visit Bangkok at the end of winter, but from the point of blue skies, November can be also good.
Best regards,
Peter
Forgot to ask is the viewing deck in the terminal open??
Hi Ron,
sorry we can’t give you any details on your questions as I have neither tried the Novotel nor the viewing deck from the terminal.
Any views on or from the Novotel??
This is such an interesting concept! I love plane spotting and showing all the best viewing points is really handy for enthusiast like myself! Thanks for sharing – see you on the tarmac! 🙂
Chears Ian, thanks for your nice comment! 🙂