Both sides offer strong, iconic urban scenery, but the right side's Hong Kong Harbour departure combines skyline drama with genuine coastal terrain (Sai Kung's volcanic cliffs), giving it slightly more variety than the left side's single standout moment of Taipei 101 on landing.
Flown HKG to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Taipei is 519 miles (836 km), a flight of about 1 hour 40 minutes.
Open water crossing of the South China Sea into the Taiwan Strait, with Taiwan's Central Mountain Range becoming visible on the horizon as the aircraft nears the island before descending into the Taipei Basin
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDeparting HKG toward the northeast (common in winter monsoon season), the climb-out passes just north of Hong Kong Island, putting Victoria Harbour's skyline and the rugged, volcanic Sai Kung coastline on the right side of the aircraft. It's one of the most recognizable urban-meets-sea views in Asia, visible for several minutes during the initial climb.
Landing at TSA
LEFTOn the typical winter approach into Songshan (runway 28, landing to the west), the flight path tracks along the Keelung River through eastern Taipei, putting the Xinyi financial district and Taipei 101 directly on the left side during final approach. It's a close, sustained view of the city's most famous skyline landmark right before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Taipei. Both sides offer strong, iconic urban scenery, but the right side's Hong Kong Harbour departure combines skyline drama with genuine coastal terrain (Sai Kung's volcanic cliffs), giving it slightly more variety than the left side's single standout moment of Taipei 101 on landing.
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 toward the northeast (common in winter monsoon season), the climb-out passes just north of Hong Kong Island, putting Victoria Harbour's skyline and the rugged, volcanic Sai Kung coastline on the right side of the aircraft. It's one of the most recognizable urban-meets-sea views in Asia, visible for several minutes during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon Peninsula, Sai Kung Peninsula's volcanic sea cliffs, South China Sea islands.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the typical winter approach into Songshan (runway 28, landing to the west), the flight path tracks along the Keelung River through eastern Taipei, putting the Xinyi financial district and Taipei 101 directly on the left side during final approach. It's a close, sustained view of the city's most famous skyline landmark right before touchdown. Notable sights include: Taipei 101, Keelung River, Xinyi financial district, distant Yangmingshan volcanic peaks.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Taipei?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 519 miles (836 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Taipei flight path pass over?
Open water crossing of the South China Sea into the Taiwan Strait, with Taiwan's Central Mountain Range becoming visible on the horizon as the aircraft nears the island before descending into the Taipei Basin