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MNL destination photo
LAO destination photo

MNLLAO

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point of the Philippine coastline, providing views of Manila Bay, the Zambales mountain range, and the turquoise waters of the South China Sea.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Manila Bay

Aerial view of the historic bay and the busy port area of Manila immediately after takeoff.

🌋

Bataan Peninsula

Visuals of Mount Samat and the rugged coastline of the Bataan province.

🏝️

Hundred Islands

On clear days, the cluster of small islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan, is visible as the plane crosses the Lingayen Gulf.

🏛️

Vigan Coastline

The scenic western coast of Ilocos Sur, showing the transition from sea to heritage city landscapes.

🏜️

Laoag Sand Dunes

Unique desert-like landscapes of the Paoay and Laoag sand dunes appearing during the final descent.

Sit on the left for the best sunset views on late afternoon flights. For photography, morning flights are ideal as the sun is behind the plane, illuminating the coastline without glare. Look specifically for the distinct blue-to-green water transitions in the Lingayen Gulf.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏙️

Metro Manila Skyline

Panoramic views of the dense urban sprawl of Quezon City and Caloocan during the initial climb.

🌋

Mount Arayat

A solitary extinct volcano rising sharply from the flat plains of Central Luzon.

⛰️

Cordillera Mountains

The massive, jagged peaks of the Cordillera Central range visible to the east throughout the mid-flight.

💧

Abra River

The wide, winding path of the Abra River as it cuts through the mountains toward the sea.

🌊

Paoay Lake

A horse-shoe shaped lake near the end of the route, situated just south of the Laoag airport.

The right side is perfect for those who prefer mountain scenery over ocean views. It provides a great perspective of the agricultural heartland of Luzon. During the rainy season (June-October), this side offers dramatic views of cloud formations over the Cordillera range.

Top Activities in Laoag
Route Information

Distance: 411 km (255 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 41 min

Departure: MNL (14.5086, 121.019997)

Arrival: LAO (18.1781005859375, 120.53199768066406)

Route Type: Domestic

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