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PEK → HAN
Which side of the plane to sit from Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing) to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of China's inland geography, featuring the rugged Taihang Mountains, a clear crossing of the Yangtze River, and the world-famous karst limestone formations of Guangxi as you approach the Vietnamese border.
Taihang Mountains
Dramatic ridges and peaks that mark the boundary between the North China Plain and the Loess Plateau.
Wuhan Skyline
Views of the sprawling 'Three Cities of Wuhan' and the numerous bridges spanning the wide Yangtze.
Guangxi Karst Landscape
The visual highlight of the trip featuring thousands of jagged limestone peaks near the Guilin region.
Northern Vietnam Highlands
Rugged, forested mountain ranges that transition into the fertile plains near Hanoi.
Hanoi Approach
Close-up views of the suburban expansion and the Red River as the aircraft turns for final approach.
The Guangxi Karst peaks are best viewed about 45-60 minutes before landing; ensure your window is clean for photography. Mid-afternoon flights provide the best lighting for the western mountain ranges without the direct glare of the sun.
Beijing Sprawl
Expansive views of the capital's eastern districts and the Olympic Park area shortly after takeoff.
Yangtze River Crossing
A massive aerial view of the Yangtze river basin near the industrial hubs of Central China.
Dongting Lake
One of China's largest freshwater lakes visible in the distance across the Hunan province plains.
Red River Delta
The final descent offers a mosaic of rice paddies and winding waterways characteristic of Northern Vietnam.
Choose this side for early morning flights to see the sunrise over the horizon. During the descent into Hanoi, look for the intricate irrigation systems and vibrant green rice fields that define the landscape of the Red River Delta.
Distance: 2,332 km (1,449 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 7 min
Departure: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Arrival: HAN (21.221200942993164, 105.80699920654295)
Route Type: International
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