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CAN destination photo
AMS destination photo

CANAMS

Our Recommendation
8.7

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a more diverse palette of landscapes, including the dramatic Tianshan mountain range, the vast Central Asian deserts, and the intricate canal systems of the Netherlands during the final approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.7
🏜️

Gobi Desert & Loess Plateau

Vast, orange-hued landscapes of northern China and Mongolia with unique geological formations.

🏔️

Tianshan Mountains

Stunning views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers as you cross the border into Kazakhstan.

🌊

Caspian Sea Shoreline

Depending on the specific airway, the southern route offers glimpses of the world's largest inland sea.

🏗️

European City Lights

Twinkling urban centers of Eastern and Central Europe, including potential views of Warsaw or Berlin.

🛶

Dutch Polder System

Iconic reclaimed land, geometric fields, and complex canal networks during the descent into Amsterdam.

The left side is south-facing, meaning you will have direct sunlight for the majority of this westbound journey. Use window shades to manage glare, but keep them open over Xinjiang to see the Tianshan peaks. For the best photography of the Dutch landscape, the left side typically offers a better view of the polders if the plane approaches Schiphol from the east.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🌲

Siberian Taiga

Endless stretches of dense coniferous forests and meandering river systems in northern Russia.

⛰️

Ural Mountains

The low-profile but historic mountain range that serves as the natural boundary between Asia and Europe.

🌉

Volga River Basin

Views of Europe's longest river as it snakes through the Russian heartland.

🌌

Aurora Borealis

On overnight winter flights, the right side (north-facing) provides the only chance to spot the Northern Lights.

🚢

North Sea Coastline

Large shipping vessels and offshore wind farms visible as the flight enters Dutch airspace.

The right side is ideal for passengers who prefer indirect light and a cooler cabin feel. If traveling between October and March, keep your eyes on the northern horizon during the middle of the flight for potential Aurora activity. This side also offers a clear view of the Ural Mountains without the sun's reflection on the wing.

Top Activities in Amsterdam
Route Information

Distance: 9,140 km (5,679 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 10 hrs 45 min

Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)

Arrival: AMS (52.308601, 4.76389)

Route Type: International

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