Loading map...
SYD → SGN
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Left Side of the Plane
The Left Side is superior for this route because it offers iconic views of the Australian interior's red earth and provides the best perspective of the lush Mekong Delta during the descent into Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, for daytime flights, the sun is typically on the right side (north), meaning the left side benefits from softer lighting and fewer reflections.
Search flights from SYD to SGN
Botany Bay and Royal National Park
Spectacular views of Sydney's southern coastline and the cliffs of the Royal National Park immediately after takeoff.
The Red Centre Outback
Deep red soil and massive salt pans of the Australian interior, showcasing the unique geology of the Northern Territory.
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf
The rugged coastline of the Kimberley and Northern Territory transition into the Timor Sea.
Indonesian Volcanic Peaks
On clear days, the distant peaks of volcanoes in East Nusa Tenggara or Java may be visible across the horizon.
Mekong Delta
An incredible bird's-eye view of the 'Nine Dragons' river branches and the intricate green patchwork of rice paddies.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side to avoid the harsh northern sun glare during the day. About 30-45 minutes before landing, look out for the shimmering waterways of the Mekong Delta. If the flight departs in the morning, the light over the Australian outback provides high-contrast shadows that make for excellent photography.
Get eSIMs for Australia
Get eSIMs for Vietnam
Sydney Harbour & CBD
If departing on a northerly runway, you may catch a glimpse of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge during the initial climb.
Gulf of Carpentaria
The vast, shallow turquoise waters of the Gulf are visible as the flight exits the Australian landmass.
Maluku Islands
Aerial views of the remote and lush 'Spice Islands' scattered across the Banda and Molucca Seas.
Vung Tau Coastline
The popular coastal city of Vung Tau and its surrounding beaches mark the entrance to Vietnamese territory.
Dong Nai River
The winding loops of the Dong Nai river as the plane aligns for its final approach into Tan Son Nhat.
The right side (Starboard) is best for spotting the remote islands of Indonesia and the coastal fringes of Vietnam. Be aware that the sun will likely be on this side for much of the journey, so keep your window shade down during the mid-flight segment to avoid heat. During the final descent, look for the tall skyscrapers of District 1 as the plane turns toward the airport.
Book Hotels in Ho Chi Minh CityDistance: 6,846 km (4,254 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 8 hrs 3 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: SGN (10.8187999725, 106.652000427)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.