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HKT → PVG
Which side of the plane to sit from Phuket International Airport (Phuket) to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most dramatic scenery, starting with the iconic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay upon takeoff and continuing with the spectacular mountainous terrain of Guangxi and the famous Guilin karst landscapes mid-flight.
Phang Nga Bay
Immediately after departure, look down for the world-famous limestone islets and emerald green waters of the bay.
Khao Sok National Park
View the dense, ancient rainforests and the massive Cheow Lan Lake as you climb toward central Thailand.
Mekong River Crossing
Cross the mighty Mekong River near the border of Thailand and Laos, observing the winding brown waters below.
Guilin Karst Mountains
Over southern China, the unique sugar-loaf mountains of the Guilin and Yangshuo regions offer a surreal landscape.
Lake Taihu
On the descent into Shanghai, catch a glimpse of China's third-largest freshwater lake known for its traditional fishing boats.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Thai coastline during departure. For day flights, the sun will be on the right side during the morning, making the left side better for photography without glare. Keep your window shade open during the first 15 minutes of the flight to catch the best of Phuket's archipelago.
Gulf of Thailand Coast
A distant view of the eastern seaboard of Thailand and the various islands dotting the Gulf.
Bangkok Metropolitan Area
Depending on the flight path, you may see the sprawling urban density of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River.
Pearl River Delta
Distant views of the massive industrial and urban hubs of Shenzhen and Guangzhou as you track northeast.
Fujian Coastline
Observation of the rugged and indented coastline of Fujian province, featuring many small islands and aquaculture farms.
Shanghai Pudong Approach
On final approach, view the busy shipping lanes of the East China Sea and the massive infrastructure of the Pudong district.
The right side is ideal for sunrise views on early morning departures from Phuket. As you approach Shanghai, the right side often offers a better view of the massive bridge networks and the coastline. However, be aware that mid-afternoon flights will experience intense sun glare on this side.
Distance: 3,534 km (2,196 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 9 min
Departure: HKT (8.1132, 98.316902)
Arrival: PVG (31.143400192260746, 121.80500030517578)
Route Type: International
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