While the takeoff offers good Thames estuary views, the landing approach into Hanoi provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Red River delta's striking color contrast, extensive rice paddies, and the transition from rural to urban landscape make it the more compelling window experience overall.
Flown LHR to HAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Hanoi is 5,740 miles (9,238 km), a flight of about 11 hours.
The flight path typically crosses the Alps (visible on clear days during the initial European leg), the Mediterranean coast near Greece or southern Turkey, the Taurus Mountains in Turkey, the Zagros Mountains in Iran, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian subcontinent (including the Western Ghats in India and the Deccan Plateau). Over the Bay of Bengal, the Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar becomes visible before reaching Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is often visible during the final approach into Southeast Asia.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding patchwork of suburbs and green spaces are clearly visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight.
Landing at HAN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Red River delta and Hanoi's urban landscape during descent into Noibai. The river's distinctive red-brown color, rice paddies, and the city's sprawling layout are prominent in the final 20-30 minutes of approach.
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 Heathrow (LHR) to Noibai International (HAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Hanoi. While the takeoff offers good Thames estuary views, the landing approach into Hanoi provides more dramatic and visually distinctive scenery—the Red River delta's striking color contrast, extensive rice paddies, and the transition from rural to urban landscape make it the more compelling window experience overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Thames estuary and London's urban sprawl during the initial climb-out. The river's distinctive meanders and the surrounding patchwork of suburbs and green spaces are clearly visible within the first 10-15 minutes of flight. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, Greater London urban area, Windsor Castle region, Chiltern Hills to the northwest.
What can I see when landing at Noibai International in Hanoi?
When landing at Noibai International (HAN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Red River delta and Hanoi's urban landscape during descent into Noibai. The river's distinctive red-brown color, rice paddies, and the city's sprawling layout are prominent in the final 20-30 minutes of approach. Notable sights include: Red River delta, Hanoi city center, Thai Nguyen highlands to the northwest, Haiphong coastal plain to the southeast.
How long is the flight from London to Hanoi?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Noibai International (HAN) takes about 11 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 5,740 miles (9,238 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Hanoi flight path pass over?
The flight path typically crosses the Alps (visible on clear days during the initial European leg), the Mediterranean coast near Greece or southern Turkey, the Taurus Mountains in Turkey, the Zagros Mountains in Iran, the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian subcontinent (including the Western Ghats in India and the Deccan Plateau). Over the Bay of Bengal, the Irrawaddy Delta in Myanmar becomes visible before reaching Vietnam. The Mekong Delta is often visible during the final approach into Southeast Asia.