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ICN → HAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Incheon International Airport (Seoul) to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the most iconic landmark on this route: the limestone karsts of Halong Bay during the approach into Hanoi, alongside coastal views of mainland China.
Incheon Bridge
A stunning view of one of the world's longest cable-stayed bridges immediately after takeoff from ICN.
Shanghai & Yangtze Estuary
On clear days, the massive urban sprawl of Shanghai and the sediment-rich waters of the Yangtze River meeting the sea.
Fujian Coastal Mountains
Rugged, green mountain ranges along China's southeastern coast that provide texture to the landscape.
Halong Bay
The absolute highlight; thousands of limestone islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin during descent.
Hanoi Cityscape
As the plane aligns for Noi Bai, you get a sweeping view of the densely packed buildings and narrow streets of the Vietnamese capital.
For the best experience, choose a seat toward the front to avoid the wing obstructing the view of Halong Bay. Morning flights (08:00–10:00) offer the crispest lighting for the coastline, while nighttime flights provide a spectacular view of the brightly lit fishing fleets in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Yellow Sea
The initial leg features the vast, shimmering expanse of the Yellow Sea with distant cargo ships.
Southern China Highlands
Deeply forested mountain ranges and river valleys of the Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.
Guangxi Karst Peaks
As you move inland toward Vietnam, the unique 'sugarloaf' karst mountains typical of Guilin become visible.
Red River Delta
The intricate mosaic of rice paddies and agricultural canals that define the landscape of Northern Vietnam.
Inland Sunset
On late afternoon flights, this side offers a front-row seat to the sun setting over the mountainous interior of Indochina.
Opt for the right side if you are flying in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset over the mountains. Keep your camera ready as you cross the border from China into Vietnam, as the terrain transitions into dramatic, steep-sided karst formations that are very photogenic in golden hour light.
Distance: 2,684 km (1,668 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 35 min
Departure: ICN (37.46910095214844, 126.45099639892578)
Arrival: HAN (21.221200942993164, 105.80699920654295)
Route Type: International
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