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CNX → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Chiang Mai International Airport (Chiang Mai) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the dramatic transition from the lush mountains of Southeast Asia to the snow-capped eastern Himalayan foothills and the rugged Qinling range.
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Doi Inthanon Range
Aerial views of Thailand's highest peaks and the rugged northern Thai highlands shortly after departure.
Hengduan Mountains
Dramatic, high-altitude ridges of the eastern Himalayan foothills visible as you cross into Yunnan Province.
Jinsha River Gorges
The deep, steep-walled canyons of the upper Yangtze River snaking through the mountainous terrain.
Qinling Mountains
The massive natural barrier that geographically divides northern and southern China.
Loess Plateau
Unique yellow-earth landscapes featuring intricate erosion patterns and terraced agriculture in Shaanxi.
Aim for a window seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the mountains. On afternoon flights, the sun is positioned to the west, providing perfect lighting for the Yunnan highlands and the Qinling peaks. Keep your camera ready about 40-60 minutes into the flight for the most dramatic terrain.
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Mekong River
Views of the Lancang River winding through the border regions of Thailand, Laos, and China.
Kunming & Dian Lake
The expansive 'Spring City' sprawl and the vast waters of Dian Lake in central Yunnan.
Yangtze River Crossing
A view of the mighty Yangtze River as the flight path passes near the industrial hub of Chongqing.
Central Plains Agriculture
The geometric patterns of the vast agricultural grids stretching across the North China Plain.
Beijing Urban Sprawl
A grand view of the capital's massive urban footprint and ring roads during the descent into PEK.
The right side is superior for observing the scale of China's urban development and major waterways like the Mekong and Yangtze. During winter, look for frozen lakes and the stark, brown winter landscape of the northern plains. This side often provides a clearer view of the airport layout during the final approach phase.
Book Hotels in BeijingDistance: 2,908 km (1,807 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 53 min
Departure: CNX (18.7667999268, 98.962600708)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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