The right side wins on both ends of the flight — the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong area at departure, and Manila Bay with Corregidor Island and the city skyline at arrival, bookending an otherwise open-ocean cruise.
Flown CAN to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Guangzhou to Manila is 794 miles (1,278 km), a flight of about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Open South China Sea with no significant landmarks; occasional distant shipping lanes near the Luzon Strait approach
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CAN
RIGHTDeparting CAN to the south before turning southeast toward Manila, the right side offers views over the Pearl River Delta's dense waterways, with Macau and the outer islands of Hong Kong visible in the middle distance as the aircraft climbs over the South China coast.
Landing at MNL
RIGHTOn approach into MNL from the north, the right side reveals Manila Bay's broad curve, the volcanic silhouette of Corregidor Island guarding its mouth, and the skyline of Manila's Makati and Intramuros districts hugging the shoreline just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Guangzhou to Manila. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong area at departure, and Manila Bay with Corregidor Island and the city skyline at arrival, bookending an otherwise open-ocean cruise.
What can I see during takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
During takeoff from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CAN to the south before turning southeast toward Manila, the right side offers views over the Pearl River Delta's dense waterways, with Macau and the outer islands of Hong Kong visible in the middle distance as the aircraft climbs over the South China coast. Notable sights include: Pearl River Delta, Macau peninsula, Hong Kong outlying islands, Zhuhai coastline.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into MNL from the north, the right side reveals Manila Bay's broad curve, the volcanic silhouette of Corregidor Island guarding its mouth, and the skyline of Manila's Makati and Intramuros districts hugging the shoreline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Corregidor Island, Bataan Peninsula mountains, Manila skyline (Makati/Intramuros).
How long is the flight from Guangzhou to Manila?
The flight from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 794 miles (1,278 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Guangzhou to Manila flight path pass over?
Open South China Sea with no significant landmarks; occasional distant shipping lanes near the Luzon Strait approach