10 of the Best Plane Spotting Locations In Asia

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As is a vast continent which is home to many opportunities for plane spotting.

Across countries like China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia, there are lots of large hubs and interesting airports. In some countries, enthusiasts are actively catered for with viewing areas and aviation attractions.

If you’re planning on visiting Asia but not sure where to go, here are 10 of the best plane spotting locations you should consider:

 

Beijing Capital Viewing Mound

One of the two main airports serving Beijing in China, this dedicated area is situated under the final approach to runway 36R. It is elevated, with views over the western side of the airfield, Terminal 3, and the nearby executive apron. Photography is good from this spot, which is reached by walking along the twisting path from the terminal. Alternatively, you can reach the spot by road.

 

Hong Kong Sky Bridge

Hong Kong is an amazing airport for spotting big airliners, and particularly freighters like the Boeing 747. There are a few places around the perimeter that you can get good views of the action, but if you’re flying through the airport you need to visit the Sky Bridge. This elevated walkway passes over the active taxiway with airliners passing directly beneath you, with the so-called SkyDeck visitor area inside.

 

 

Tokyo Haneda Observation Decks

The busiest airport in Japan, serving many international and domestic routes and carriers. All three terminals have observation decks, so spotters are well catered for. It’s a good idea to move between them to make sure you’re not missing anything, but overall the International Terminal probably offers the best all option. They’re free of charge to enter and open all day.

 

Singapore Changi Viewing Mall

Nicely air-conditioned, you can enjoy some good views of movements from this indoor area inside Terminal 1. It has views of the central apron and more distant views of aircraft on the runways. Singapore Airlines aircraft don’t usually park here. Photography is acceptable, but through glass, and better on the afternoon. To reach the area, go up the escalators from the check-in hall.

 

Jakarta Waving Galleries

Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International is a busy hub for international and especially domestic traffic serving the vast country of Indonesia. In the domestic Terminal 1 there are various ‘waving galleries’ with views over the apron and runway to watch and wave off passengers… or do some spotting.

 

Osaka Itami Sky Park

Osaka’s domestic Itami airport has observation decks on top of the terminals (like most Japanese airports). However, the Sky Park is a better alternative. This garden-like structure has various levels allowing photography above the fence of aircraft on the main 14R/32L runway. The Sky Park extends for quite a distance along the airport perimeter and is an excellent spot in good weather.

 

Kuala Lumpur Viewing Gallery

Inside Terminal 1 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport is an official viewing gallery. It’s located upstairs, close to the food court and overlooks the whole airfield. The cargo area and KLIA 2 are not really visible from this location, and the runways are a little distant, but most movements will be visible at some point. Photography can sometimes prove awkward because you’re shooting through glass, but in general is quite good.

There are also viewing galleries in terminals 2 and 3.

 

Seoul Gimpo Aerospace Museum

Gimpo is Seoul’s original airport, and today is busy mostly as a domestic facility for the capital. Movements are dominated by Korean Air, along with other domestic carriers.

There is a viewing area in the domestic terminal, but a slightly better one can be found in the National Aerospace Museum of Korea. It is good for logging all movements across the airfield, and is also fairly good for photography. It is open from 10am to 6pm, and closed Mondays.

 

Phuket Nai Yang Beach

If you’re in Phuket there is a beach at one end of the runway at the airport which is an amazing place to photograph and log aircraft. Phuket is one of Thailand’s busiest airports thanks to the island’s thriving holiday resorts.

To reach the beach, the nearest parking is along Soi Mai Khao 6, to the north of the airport. You’ll then need to walk around half a mile along the path (or hire a scooter taxi). It is only good if aircraft are landing on runway 09, however.

 

Taipei Taoyuan Viewing Decks

Taipei’s busiest airport, serving mostly international traffic, has two viewing decks on the Terminal 2. They are split into North and South sections, and are outdoors, each with upper and lower sections. They both have great views over the taxiways and gates, with photography possible. They can get quite busy, however. Free to enter and open from 6.30am to 10.30pm

 

Title image: wilco737

 

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