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KMG → MDL
Which side of the plane to sit from Kunming Changshui International Airport (Kunming) to Mandalay International Airport (Mandalay)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the rugged Hengduan Mountains and the dramatic gorges of the Mekong and Salween rivers before descending into the pagoda-dotted plains of central Myanmar.
Search flights from KMG to MDL
Hengduan Range
The southern fringes of the Himalayas, featuring steep ridges and deep valleys.
Mekong (Lancang) River
A glimpse of the upper Mekong carving a deep gorge through the Yunnan mountains.
Salween (Nu) River
Crossing the narrow and dramatic gorge of one of the last free-flowing rivers in Asia.
Irrawaddy Basin
The flat, arid heartland of Myanmar appearing as a stark contrast to the Chinese highlands.
Mingun Pahtodawgyi
The massive, unfinished brick stupa on the banks of the Irrawaddy River visible on approach.
The right side is superior for mountain scenery. Choose a morning flight to have the sun behind you, illuminating the deep river gorges of the Three Parallel Rivers region. During the monsoon season (June–Sept), the right side often provides better views of the clouds breaking over the windward side of the mountains.
Book Hotels in MandalayDianchi Lake
A massive freshwater lake south of Kunming, visible shortly after departure from KMG.
Shan Hills
The rolling limestone karst and dense forests of the Shan Plateau as the flight enters Myanmar.
Myitnge River
A winding tributary of the Irrawaddy that snakes through the landscape just south of Mandalay.
Mandalay Hill
Clusters of gold-topped pagodas visible on the outskirts of the city during the final descent.
Sit on the left for a clear view of Dianchi Lake upon takeoff. For evening flights, this side avoids the harsh western sun, offering softer light over the lush Myanmar countryside. Watch for the square moat of the Mandalay Palace if the approach path curves from the south.
Get eSIMs for China
Get eSIMs for BurmaDistance: 804 km (500 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min
Departure: KMG (25.101944399999997, 102.9291667)
Arrival: MDL (21.70219993591309, 95.97789764404295)
Route Type: International
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