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CAN destination photo
HAN destination photo

CANHAN

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

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.

Top Activities in Hanoi
Route Information

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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