The right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Hong Kong skyline and harbor views at takeoff combined with a cruise path that skirts the karst limestone peaks of Guangxi near Guilin, giving a more varied and dramatic viewing experience than the left side's mostly flat plateau farmland.
Flown HKG to KMG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Kunming is 721 miles (1,160 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
Guangxi karst limestone peaks near Guilin and Liuzhou, the Nanpan River valley, and the rising terrain of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau leading into Kunming's basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDeparting HKG, the right-side windows capture Hong Kong Island's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the Lantau Link bridges as the aircraft climbs and banks toward the northwest. The left side mostly shows open South China Sea and outlying islands with less definition.
Landing at KMG
LEFTOn approach into Kunming, the left side offers views of Dianchi Lake's long shoreline and the city of Kunming spreading across the plateau basin, framed by the surrounding Yunnan hills. The right side typically faces open plateau farmland with fewer distinct landmarks.
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 Hong Kong International (HKG) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Kunming. The right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Hong Kong skyline and harbor views at takeoff combined with a cruise path that skirts the karst limestone peaks of Guangxi near Guilin, giving a more varied and dramatic viewing experience than the left side's mostly flat plateau farmland.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing HKG, the right-side windows capture Hong Kong Island's skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the Lantau Link bridges as the aircraft climbs and banks toward the northwest. The left side mostly shows open South China Sea and outlying islands with less definition. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Lantau Link bridges, Tsing Ma Bridge.
What can I see when landing at Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming?
When landing at Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into Kunming, the left side offers views of Dianchi Lake's long shoreline and the city of Kunming spreading across the plateau basin, framed by the surrounding Yunnan hills. The right side typically faces open plateau farmland with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Dianchi Lake, Kunming city basin, Xishan (Western Hills) ridge, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau terrain.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Kunming?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 721 miles (1,160 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Kunming flight path pass over?
Guangxi karst limestone peaks near Guilin and Liuzhou, the Nanpan River valley, and the rising terrain of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau leading into Kunming's basin