BKK-Spot1
Sydney Kingsford Smith – Spotting Guide
March 26, 2014
Munich Franz Josef Strauss Spotting Guide
May 2, 2014Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Spotting Guide
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- last modified on February 17, 2022
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 February 2020
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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. 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 | |
| 01R/19L | UPDATE FEB 2022: Because of construction works of the third runway the pattern has changed! 19L is primary in use and used for all landings and domestic take offs. 01R all Domestic landings and all take offs. |
| 01L/19R | UPDATE FEB 2022: Because of construction works of the third runway the pattern has changed! 19R is only used for takes-offs, NO landings. 01L only for landings, NO take offs. |
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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 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 - 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. 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 – 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. 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 - 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.
+++ Udpate June 2020: actually closed for approximate 2 month +++ |
| 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 Nam 3 Restaurant - 19R arrivals (afternoon)
| WHERE | Between the YHA and the Skybar there is a restaurant called Baan Klang Nam 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. If coming from the main road turn left before a football field. |
| WHAT | Only arrivals on runway 19R. 90 degree pictures might be tricky due to the new installed light poles along the channel, but are still possible. The action on the ground can be seen but there is 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. Food is very tasty (from 100 Thai Baht) and the staff is very friendly. Ask for the password for the free WiFi. Taxi from the Phoenix Hotel is around 70 Baht.
As of February 2020, light poles has been installed along the whole canal which are limiting the view and the gap for a successful picture (see overview picture). Pictures are still possible, you just need to find your preferred position on the terrace.. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A320=300mm; 744=160mm |
VIDEO FROM THE RESTAURANT
I am visiting Bangkok at the end of November. I usually stay at the Phoenix and this time thinking of staying at the Thana City Country Club (Golf course). It would seem most are arriving from this point and was thinking standing somewhere between 8 and 10 of the possible places to take landing shots. Please can you advise?