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HAN → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior sequence of geographical landmarks, including the Red River Delta, major Chinese freshwater lakes, the dramatic crossing of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and a high probability of seeing the Beijing city sprawl and Olympic landmarks on final approach.
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Red River Delta
A patchwork of emerald rice paddies and intricate irrigation canals immediately after take-off from Hanoi.
Dongting Lake
The massive expanse of China's second-largest freshwater lake located in the Yangtze basin.
Yangtze River Crossing
A view of the mighty Yangtze River, often passing near the industrial hubs of Wuhan or Changsha.
The Yellow River
The iconic, sediment-heavy river that carves through the North China Plain.
Beijing Metropolis
A sweeping view of the CBD, the 'Bird's Nest' stadium, and the Forbidden City during the northern descent.
For the best experience, book a window seat away from the wing. On the approach to PEK, planes often fly north before turning back south; the right side usually provides a spectacular view of central Beijing's skyline. Afternoon flights on this side offer warm, golden light over the North China Plain, but be prepared for smog which can occasionally limit visibility near Beijing.
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Hoang Lien Son Range
The rugged, cloud-shrouded peaks of Northern Vietnam, including views toward Fansipan.
Guangxi Karst Formations
Distinctive limestone 'sugar loaf' mountains as the flight enters Chinese airspace near Guilin.
Loess Plateau Edges
Unique eroded landscapes and terraced earthworks typical of North-Central China's geography.
Western Beijing Mountains
The Taihang and Jundu mountain ranges that form a natural barrier to the west of the capital.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. This side is better for those interested in the geological textures of the karst and loess landscapes. Keep an eye out early in the flight for the high-altitude terrain of the Vietnam-China border region.
Get eSIMs for Vietnam
Get eSIMs for ChinaDistance: 2,332 km (1,449 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 7 min
Departure: HAN (21.221200942993164, 105.80699920654295)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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