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SGN → PEK
Which side of the plane to sit from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to Beijing Capital International Airport (Beijing)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Vietnamese mountain ranges, the urban layouts of inland Chinese hubs, and a much better chance of spotting the Great Wall during the approach to Beijing.
Saigon Departure
Aerial view of the winding Saigon River and the dense urban core of Ho Chi Minh City.
Annamite Range
The rugged, jungle-covered mountains forming the natural border between Vietnam and Laos.
Red River Delta
The sprawling, fertile agricultural plains surrounding Hanoi in Northern Vietnam.
Yangtze River
Crossing Asia's longest river, often near the industrial heartland of central China.
Henan Farmlands
Intricate patterns of the North China Plain, showcasing one of the world's most productive agricultural regions.
The Great Wall
On the descent into PEK, look for sections of the Ming-era wall snaking over the mountains north of the city.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid direct glare while seeing the sunset over the mountains. The approach into Beijing often banks over the western hills, providing a dramatic entry into the capital. Keep your camera ready as you pass the 35th parallel for changing landscape textures.
Central Coast
Stunning views of the South China Sea coastline near Da Nang and the Marble Mountains.
Hainan Island
Bird's eye view of the lush tropical landscapes and white sand beaches of China's southern paradise.
Pearl River Delta
Distant views of the massive megalopolis encompassing Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan.
Bohai Bay
The approach over the sea reveals massive cargo ships entering the busy ports of Tianjin and Tangshan.
Tianjin Skyline
Modern skyscrapers and the distinct urban grid of North China's major port city.
Best for morning flights to see the sunrise over the South China Sea. If the flight path stays further east, you get excellent views of the Hainan coastline. During landing at PEK, the right side often looks toward the expansive urban sprawl of Beijing's eastern districts.
Distance: 3,398 km (2,111 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs
Departure: SGN (10.8187999725, 106.652000427)
Arrival: PEK (40.0801010131836, 116.58499908447266)
Route Type: International
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