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HKT → CTU
Which side of the plane to sit from Phuket International Airport (Phuket) to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (Chengdu)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is slightly superior due to the spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay immediately after takeoff and the better perspective of the Sichuan Basin's transition into the urban sprawl of Chengdu.
Phang Nga Bay
World-famous limestone karsts and emerald green waters visible almost immediately after takeoff from HKT.
Bangkok Perimeter
Distances views of the Gulf of Thailand and the massive urban expansion of the Thai capital region.
The Mekong River
A grand view of the Mekong as it snakes through the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Yunnan Plateaus
A patchwork of high-altitude agricultural terraces and red soil characteristic of the Kunming region.
Chengdu Megacity
Expansive views of the dense urban grid and skyscrapers of Chengdu during the final approach into Shuangliu.
The right side is essential for seeing Phang Nga Bay right after takeoff. For morning flights, this side offers the best lighting over the Mekong River. As you approach Chengdu, keep your eyes peeled for the rapid transition from rural farmland to dense high-rise developments.
Andaman Coastline
Aerial views of Phuket's northern beaches and the clear turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea shortly after departure.
Tenasserim Range
The rugged, jungle-clad mountains forming the natural border between Thailand and Myanmar.
Hengduan Mountains
Deeply incised valleys and snow-capped peaks as the flight traverses the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau in Yunnan.
Jinsha River Gorges
The upper reaches of the Yangtze River winding through dramatic high-altitude canyons in Southern China.
Sichuan Basin Edge
The dramatic geographic shift from the high Hengduan mountains to the flat, fertile Sichuan Basin.
Sit on the left for the best sunset views if taking an afternoon flight, as the sun will illuminate the Yunnan highlands. It is also the preferred side for viewing the high-altitude glaciers of the Daxue Shan range if the flight path tracks slightly westward.
Distance: 2,566 km (1,594 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 25 min
Departure: HKT (8.1132, 98.316902)
Arrival: CTU (30.578500747680664, 103.9469985961914)
Route Type: International
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