The left side strings together Chiang Mai's mountain backdrop at takeoff, glimpses of Laos's forested highlands and Guangxi's karst hills during cruise, and Guangzhou's hills-and-skyline approach at landing, while the right side mostly faces the flat Gulf of Tonkin and delta lowlands.
Flown CNX to CAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Chiang Mai to Guangzhou is 977 miles (1,573 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
Mountainous terrain of northern Laos and the Mekong tributaries, followed by the karst hill country of Guangxi Province as the route curves into southern China.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CNX
LEFTDeparting Chiang Mai to the north puts the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui massif right off the left wing during the initial climb, with the Ping River valley below before the aircraft turns east toward Laos.
Landing at CAN
LEFTOn approach into Guangzhou from the north, the left side offers views of the forested Baiyun Shan hills and the dense high-rise skyline of Guangzhou before the Pearl River delta's flat waterways dominate the final turn.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chiang Mai to Guangzhou. The left side strings together Chiang Mai's mountain backdrop at takeoff, glimpses of Laos's forested highlands and Guangxi's karst hills during cruise, and Guangzhou's hills-and-skyline approach at landing, while the right side mostly faces the flat Gulf of Tonkin and delta lowlands.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Mai International Airport in Chiang Mai?
During takeoff from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing Chiang Mai to the north puts the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui massif right off the left wing during the initial climb, with the Ping River valley below before the aircraft turns east toward Laos. Notable sights include: Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Ping River, Chiang Mai city grid.
What can I see when landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou?
When landing at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Guangzhou from the north, the left side offers views of the forested Baiyun Shan hills and the dense high-rise skyline of Guangzhou before the Pearl River delta's flat waterways dominate the final turn. Notable sights include: Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou skyline (Canton Tower area), Pearl River tributaries.
How long is the flight from Chiang Mai to Guangzhou?
The flight from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 977 miles (1,573 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Chiang Mai to Guangzhou flight path pass over?
Mountainous terrain of northern Laos and the Mekong tributaries, followed by the karst hill country of Guangxi Province as the route curves into southern China.