While the LAX departure offers a brief, pleasant coastal glimpse, the SGN arrival delivers a longer, more visually rich sequence over the Mekong Delta's river networks and the Ho Chi Minh City skyline, giving the left side the edge over the course of the full flight.
Flown LAX to SGN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City is 8,159 miles (13,130 km), a flight of about 16 hours 30 minutes.
North Pacific Ocean, with the flight path passing well south of the Aleutian Islands and skirting the Japanese coast before descending toward the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea approach to Vietnam
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTDeparting LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, trans-Pacific flights climb out over the ocean and then bank right (northwest) to intercept the great-circle track toward Asia. This swing puts the Southern California coastline — Santa Monica Bay, the Malibu coast, and the Channel Islands — briefly visible on the right side before the plane commits to open ocean.
Landing at SGN
LEFTOn approach to Tan Son Nhat, arrivals crossing the Mekong Delta region give left-side passengers sweeping views of the delta's braided rivers and rice paddies, followed by the dense skyline of Ho Chi Minh City itself just before touchdown. The opposite side mostly shows flatter, less distinct farmland.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tansonnhat International (SGN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City. While the LAX departure offers a brief, pleasant coastal glimpse, the SGN arrival delivers a longer, more visually rich sequence over the Mekong Delta's river networks and the Ho Chi Minh City skyline, giving the left side the edge over the course of the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing LAX in the typical west-flow pattern, trans-Pacific flights climb out over the ocean and then bank right (northwest) to intercept the great-circle track toward Asia. This swing puts the Southern California coastline — Santa Monica Bay, the Malibu coast, and the Channel Islands — briefly visible on the right side before the plane commits to open ocean. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay, Malibu coastline, Point Dume, Channel Islands (distant).
What can I see when landing at Tansonnhat International in Ho Chi Minh City?
When landing at Tansonnhat International (SGN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to Tan Son Nhat, arrivals crossing the Mekong Delta region give left-side passengers sweeping views of the delta's braided rivers and rice paddies, followed by the dense skyline of Ho Chi Minh City itself just before touchdown. The opposite side mostly shows flatter, less distinct farmland. Notable sights include: Mekong Delta river channels, Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City skyline, rice paddy mosaic.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Tansonnhat International (SGN) takes about 16 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,159 miles (13,130 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean, with the flight path passing well south of the Aleutian Islands and skirting the Japanese coast before descending toward the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea approach to Vietnam