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HGN â CNX
Which side of the plane to sit from Mae Hong Son Airport (Mae Hong Son) to Chiang Mai International Airport (Chiang Mai)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most iconic views of Northern Thailand, including the peaks of the Thanon Thong Chai Range, a distant glimpse of Doi Inthanon, and the definitive aerial view of Doi Suthep temple as you descend into the Chiang Mai valley.
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Doi Inthanon View
On clear days, look south to spot the massive silhouette of Thailand's highest mountain in the distance.
Highland Ridges
Endless waves of green mountain ridges that define the geography of the Thanon Thong Chai Range.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The famous golden pagoda visible on the mountainside as the plane turns toward the Chiang Mai runway.
Chiang Mai Old City
A perfect overhead view of the square moat and the dense urban grid of the historic city center.
Airport Approach
Excellent views of the Wing 41 Air Force base and the southern suburbs of Chiang Mai just before touchdown.
The right side is essential for seeing the city landmarks. Request a seat that is not over the wing (usually avoid rows 5-10 on the regional aircraft typically used). Visibility is significantly better from November to January; during March and April, smoke from seasonal burning can obscure the mountain views.
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Mae Hong Son Rim
Aerial view of the steep limestone mountains surrounding the remote Mae Hong Son valley immediately after departure.
Pai River Canyons
Dramatic views of the winding river cutting through narrow gorges and dense jungle to the north.
Mae Taeng Valley
The transition from rugged mountains to the flatter, fertile agricultural basins of northern Chiang Mai province.
Northern Chiang Mai
Views of the suburban expansion and the 700th Anniversary Stadium during the final approach phase.
Sit toward the front for a clear view of the mountain ranges toward the Myanmar border. Morning flights are ideal to avoid the glare of the southern sun and to catch the 'sea of mist' trapped in the Pai valley.
Get eSIMs for Thailand
Get eSIMs for ThailandDistance: 120 km (75 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: HGN (19.301300048828125, 97.97579956054688)
Arrival: CNX (18.7667999268, 98.962600708)
Route Type: Domestic
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