Chiang Mai to Shanghai flight pathCNXPVG

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Flight time3h 50m
Distance1,662
Heading055° → 064°
Best side
RightMostly right

While landing views on the left are dramatic, the takeoff climb on the right offers more consistent scenic value with the Doi Luang range and river valley clearly visible. The northeastward flight path favors right-side views throughout much of the journey across northern Thailand and Laos.

Flown CNX to PVG? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Chiang Mai to Shanghai is 1,662 miles (2,674 km), a flight of about 3 hours 50 minutes.

Mekong River valley (visible during cruise over Laos), karst limestone formations near the Thailand-Laos border, scattered peaks of the Annamite Range, the broad floodplains of central Laos

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Takeoff from CNX

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Doi Luang mountain range and the Ping River valley as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Chiang Mai. The terrain rises dramatically to the right, providing clear sightlines of the forested hills surrounding the city.

Doi LuangPing River valleyChiang Mai city gridforested hills of northern Thailand
CNX Chiang Mai International AirportHub for Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air
Aerial window seat view during landing at Shanghai (left side) — Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai Pudong skyline, East China Sea coastline

Landing at PVG

LEFT

Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the Shanghai urban sprawl during descent into Pudong. The river's massive delta and the city's geometric grid are striking from altitude, especially on the approach from the southwest.

Yangtze River estuaryHangzhou BayShanghai Pudong skylineEast China Sea coastline
PVG Shanghai Pudong InternationalHub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Airlines

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chiang Mai to Shanghai. While landing views on the left are dramatic, the takeoff climb on the right offers more consistent scenic value with the Doi Luang range and river valley clearly visible. The northeastward flight path favors right-side views throughout much of the journey across northern Thailand and Laos.

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 Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Doi Luang mountain range and the Ping River valley as the aircraft climbs northeastward from Chiang Mai. The terrain rises dramatically to the right, providing clear sightlines of the forested hills surrounding the city. Notable sights include: Doi Luang (northernmost peak visible from CNX), Ping River valley, Chiang Mai city grid, forested hills of northern Thailand.

What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?

When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the Shanghai urban sprawl during descent into Pudong. The river's massive delta and the city's geometric grid are striking from altitude, especially on the approach from the southwest. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai Pudong skyline, East China Sea coastline.

How long is the flight from Chiang Mai to Shanghai?

The flight from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 3 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,662 miles (2,674 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Chiang Mai to Shanghai flight path pass over?

Mekong River valley (visible during cruise over Laos), karst limestone formations near the Thailand-Laos border, scattered peaks of the Annamite Range, the broad floodplains of central Laos