Right-side seats provide superior scenery on both legs: the Red River Delta and Gulf of Tonkin during departure, and during the long overwater cruise, right-side passengers face the sun's typical afternoon position, reducing glare. The landing approach favors left, but the extended takeoff views from the right outweigh this.
Flown HAN to AKL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hanoi to Auckland is 6,024 miles (9,695 km), a flight of about 12 hours.
The flight crosses the South China Sea, passing east of the Philippines and south of Taiwan. Passengers may glimpse the Luzon Strait region (if daylight permits) and later the vast Pacific. The route then approaches New Zealand from the northwest, crossing the Tasman Sea. No major landmasses are visible during the 8-10 hour overwater cruise; the midpoint is entirely open ocean.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HAN
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Red River Delta and Hanoi's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northeastward over the Gulf of Tonkin. The contrast between the river's sediment plumes and the surrounding landscape is striking during initial climb.
Landing at AKL
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during approach to Auckland. The aircraft descends from the southwest over the Tasman Sea, and left-side passengers see the Waitakere Ranges, Manukau Harbour, and Auckland's isthmus with the Hauraki Gulf beyond—a comprehensive view of the city's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Noibai International (HAN) to Auckland International (AKL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hanoi to Auckland. Right-side seats provide superior scenery on both legs: the Red River Delta and Gulf of Tonkin during departure, and during the long overwater cruise, right-side passengers face the sun's typical afternoon position, reducing glare. The landing approach favors left, but the extended takeoff views from the right outweigh this.
What can I see during takeoff from Noibai International in Hanoi?
During takeoff from Noibai International (HAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Red River Delta and Hanoi's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northeastward over the Gulf of Tonkin. The contrast between the river's sediment plumes and the surrounding landscape is striking during initial climb. Notable sights include: Red River Delta (brown sediment patterns), Hanoi city grid, Gulf of Tonkin coastline, Ba Vi Mountain range to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Auckland International in Auckland?
When landing at Auckland International (AKL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during approach to Auckland. The aircraft descends from the southwest over the Tasman Sea, and left-side passengers see the Waitakere Ranges, Manukau Harbour, and Auckland's isthmus with the Hauraki Gulf beyond—a comprehensive view of the city's geography. Notable sights include: Waitakere Ranges (forested hills), Manukau Harbour (large southern inlet), Auckland's isthmus and city center, Hauraki Gulf with volcanic cones.
How long is the flight from Hanoi to Auckland?
The flight from Noibai International (HAN) to Auckland International (AKL) takes about 12 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 6,024 miles (9,695 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hanoi to Auckland flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the South China Sea, passing east of the Philippines and south of Taiwan. Passengers may glimpse the Luzon Strait region (if daylight permits) and later the vast Pacific. The route then approaches New Zealand from the northwest, crossing the Tasman Sea. No major landmasses are visible during the 8-10 hour overwater cruise; the midpoint is entirely open ocean.