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CAN → HKT
Which side of the plane to sit from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Guangzhou) to Phuket International Airport (Phuket)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled view of the iconic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay during the descent into Phuket, offering one of the most scenic arrival sequences in the world.
Pearl River Delta
Aerial perspective of the massive urban sprawl and complex bridge networks of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong megalopolis shortly after takeoff.
Leizhou Peninsula
The southernmost tip of mainland China, showcasing distinctive red soil agricultural patches and the Qiongzhou Strait.
Da Nang Coastline
Gliding past the central Vietnamese coast, offering views of the Son Tra Peninsula and the sprawling sandy beaches of Da Nang.
Mekong River Mouth
The intricate network of the Mekong Delta as it empties into the South China Sea, visible if the flight path tracks slightly inland.
Phang Nga Bay
The star attraction; hundreds of dramatic limestone islets rising from emerald green waters just minutes before touchdown.
Sit on the left for the iconic Phang Nga Bay view. Opt for a morning flight (around 08:00-10:00) to ensure the sun is behind you, illuminating the limestone cliffs and reducing haze. During the monsoon season (May to October), morning flights also offer better chances to avoid the typical afternoon tropical cloud build-up that can obscure the landscape.
Hainan Island West Coast
Views of the less-developed western side of Hainan, including the industrial city of Dongfang and coastal wind farms.
Annamite Range
The rugged, jungle-clad mountains that form the natural border between Vietnam and Laos, often shrouded in dramatic mist.
Tonle Sap Basin
On clear days, the shimmering expanse of Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake in Cambodia can be spotted to the west.
Gulf of Thailand
A vast expanse of deep blue water frequently dotted with large cargo ships and brightly colored traditional fishing fleets.
Phuket West Coast
If the aircraft approaches from the south or performs a wide loop, the right side catches a glimpse of the famous white sands of Bang Tao and Mai Khao beaches.
The right side is ideal for travelers who prefer inland scenery and mountain ranges over coastal views. It is generally the 'shady side' during a southbound afternoon flight, which is better for photography as it prevents lens flare. Keep an eye out for the transition from the rugged mountains of Indochina to the flat, watery plains of the Gulf of Thailand.
Distance: 2,332 km (1,449 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 7 min
Departure: CAN (23.39240074157715, 113.29900360107422)
Arrival: HKT (8.1132, 98.316902)
Route Type: International
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