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YVR → TPE
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers spectacular views of the rugged British Columbia coastline, the Aleutian Islands chain, and the snow-capped volcanic peaks of the Kamchatka Peninsula and Northern Japan.
BC Coast Mountains
Stunning views of the rugged, snow-capped peaks of British Columbia immediately after departure.
Aleutian Islands
The dramatic volcanic arc of the Aleutians is often visible if the Great Circle route tracks north.
Kamchatka Peninsula
Distant views of Russia's remote, volcanic wilderness and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Hokkaido Coastline
The northernmost island of Japan, featuring dramatic cliffs and mountainous terrain.
Northern Taiwan
Clear views of the Keelung coastline and the mountains surrounding Taipei during the arrival sequence.
The right side is the 'land side' for most of this transpacific route. Since many YVR-TPE flights depart in the morning, this side provides excellent lighting for photography of the Alaskan and Japanese coastlines. Keep your window shade open during the first 3 hours and the last 3 hours for the most interesting terrain.
Vancouver Island
Aerial view of the dense forests and coastline of Vancouver Island shortly after takeoff.
Pacific Horizon
Vast, unobstructed views of the North Pacific Ocean, ideal for observing cloud formations and deep blue waters.
Ryukyu Islands
A chain of small islands stretching toward Taiwan, visible during the final descent into Taipei.
Mid-Ocean Sunrise
Depending on flight timing, the left side offers front-row seats to the sun rising over the Pacific.
Choose the left side for better lighting conditions during late-day arrivals to avoid direct glare. It is also the side typically favored for views of the Ryukyu island chain during the final leg of the journey south toward Taiwan.
Distance: 9,592 km (5,960 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 11 hrs 17 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: TPE (25.0777, 121.233002)
Route Type: International
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