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SGN → CGK
Which side of the plane to sit from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Jakarta)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Indonesian archipelago, specifically the stunning turquoise waters of Belitung Island and the picturesque Thousand Islands cluster during the descent into Jakarta.
Vung Tau Peninsula
Aerial view of the coastal city and the Ba Ria-Vung Tau beaches immediately after departing Vietnam.
Con Dao Archipelago
Rugged mountainous islands visible in the South China Sea about 30 minutes into the flight.
Belitung Island
Spectacular views of white sand beaches and unique granite rock formations surrounded by clear blue water.
Thousand Islands
The 'Pulau Seribu' chain appearing as tiny green dots scattered across the Java Sea as you approach Jakarta.
Tanjung Priok
One of the busiest seaports in Southeast Asia, visible just before the final turn toward the runway.
Sit on the left for the best morning light when flying south. About 40-50 minutes before landing, keep your eyes peeled for Belitung; its distinct turquoise shoreline is the highlight of the trip. Use a polarized lens if photographing to cut through the tropical haze typical of the Java Sea.
Mekong Delta
The intricate 'Nine Dragons' river network and lush green rice paddies of southern Vietnam.
Singapore Strait Traffic
Hundreds of cargo ships and tankers anchored or transiting near one of the world's busiest maritime bottlenecks.
Sumatra Coastline
The vast, muddy estuaries and dense mangrove forests of the Jambi and South Sumatra provinces.
Tangerang Skyline
The rapidly growing urban landscape of the Greater Jakarta area during the final approach.
Mount Salak
On very clear days, the silhouette of this massive volcano can be seen rising behind the Jakarta metropolis.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct tropical sun. It offers the best perspective of the Mekong Delta's scale. If landing from the west, you may catch a glimpse of the Sunda Strait in the distance. Watch for the dramatic change from the brown silt-filled rivers of Sumatra to the urban sprawl of Java.
Distance: 1,884 km (1,171 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 31 min
Departure: SGN (10.8187999725, 106.652000427)
Arrival: CGK (-6.1255698204, 106.65599823)
Route Type: International
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