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CAN → HAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is highly recommended as it offers the best chance to spot the stunning coastline of the Gulf of Tonkin and, weather permitting, the world-famous limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay during the descent into Hanoi.
Pearl River Delta
Panoramic views of the massive urban sprawl and intricate river networks of Guangzhou and Foshan shortly after takeoff.
Gulf of Tonkin
Clear views of the coastline where southern China meets the sea, featuring busy shipping lanes and turquoise coastal waters.
Ha Long Bay
On the approach to Hanoi, look south to see the iconic limestone islands and emerald waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Red River Delta
A vibrant patchwork of green and yellow rice paddies crisscrossed by ancient irrigation canals as you enter Vietnamese airspace.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the afternoon haze common in the Pearl River Delta. As the plane descends into HAN, keep your camera ready for the dramatic limestone formations near the coast.
Guangxi Karst Landscapes
Stunning views of the unique cone-shaped limestone hills that define the topography of southern China's Guangxi region.
Nanning Cityscape
The flight path often passes near Nanning, providing a view of the rapidly growing capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Vietnamese Highlands
Rugged, densely forested mountains and deep valleys that characterize the border region between China and Northern Vietnam.
Red River Meanders
The winding, silt-laden Red River provides a dramatic visual guide leading directly toward the outskirts of Hanoi.
The right side is better for mountain enthusiasts. During the winter months, be prepared for cloud cover over the mountains of Northern Vietnam. Afternoon flights on this side may experience significant glare from the sun, so polarized sunglasses are recommended for the best view.
Distance: 808 km (502 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 21 min
Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Arrival: HAN (21.221200942993164, 105.80699920654295)
Route Type: International
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