While the takeoff favors left seats for Pacific views, the landing approach to Hanoi from the northeast strongly favors right seats for views of the Red River Delta and Hanoi itself—the most visually distinctive portion of this 13+ hour flight. The landing scenery is more geographically dramatic and memorable than the takeoff.
Flown LAX to HAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Hanoi is 7,643 miles (12,300 km), a flight of about 13 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean (no visible landmarks for 8-10 hours), then approaches Asia over the Philippines and northern Luzon, with views of the Philippine archipelago and Luzon's mountain spine. As the aircraft continues northwest toward Vietnam, the Tonkin Gulf becomes visible, followed by the Red River Delta and Hanoi approach.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
LEFTLeft seats offer views of the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Channel Islands as the aircraft climbs westbound over the ocean. Right seats face inland toward the San Gabriel Mountains and urban sprawl with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at HAN
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the Red River Delta, Hanoi's urban grid, and the surrounding agricultural landscape as the aircraft descends from the northeast toward Noibai. Left seats face the Gulf of Tonkin with less distinctive features during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Noibai International (HAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Hanoi. While the takeoff favors left seats for Pacific views, the landing approach to Hanoi from the northeast strongly favors right seats for views of the Red River Delta and Hanoi itself—the most visually distinctive portion of this 13+ hour flight. The landing scenery is more geographically dramatic and memorable than the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of the Pacific coastline, Santa Monica Bay, and the Channel Islands as the aircraft climbs westbound over the ocean. Right seats face inland toward the San Gabriel Mountains and urban sprawl with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Pacific Ocean coastline, Channel Islands (visible as distant landmasses), Santa Monica Pier area.
What can I see when landing at Noibai International in Hanoi?
When landing at Noibai International (HAN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats provide views of the Red River Delta, Hanoi's urban grid, and the surrounding agricultural landscape as the aircraft descends from the northeast toward Noibai. Left seats face the Gulf of Tonkin with less distinctive features during final approach. Notable sights include: Red River Delta (extensive patchwork of rice paddies and waterways), Hanoi city grid, Thai Nguyen Mountains to the northwest, Gulf of Tonkin coastline.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Hanoi?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Noibai International (HAN) takes about 13 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,643 miles (12,300 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Hanoi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Pacific Ocean (no visible landmarks for 8-10 hours), then approaches Asia over the Philippines and northern Luzon, with views of the Philippine archipelago and Luzon's mountain spine. As the aircraft continues northwest toward Vietnam, the Tonkin Gulf becomes visible, followed by the Red River Delta and Hanoi approach.