The left side wins because the cruise phase of this route tracks south of the Himalayas and near the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges, offering hours of dramatic high-altitude mountain scenery unmatched by the right side's largely featureless stretches over Iran's deserts and the Bay of Bengal.
Flown LHR to SGN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Ho Chi Minh City is 6,350 miles (10,219 km), a flight of about 11 hours 45 minutes.
Caspian Sea coastline, Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges, Tibetan Plateau foothills, Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
RIGHTEastbound departures from Heathrow typically climb out to the west then bank south and east, giving right-side passengers a brief view of the Thames and London's skyline before the aircraft turns onto its easterly track over southeast England and the Channel.
Landing at SGN
LEFTOn approach into Tan Son Nhat, arrivals from the northwest cross the Mekong Delta's braided rivers and rice paddies before turning onto final, with the delta's intricate waterways and Ho Chi Minh City's dense urban sprawl visible on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Tansonnhat International (SGN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Ho Chi Minh City. The left side wins because the cruise phase of this route tracks south of the Himalayas and near the Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges, offering hours of dramatic high-altitude mountain scenery unmatched by the right side's largely featureless stretches over Iran's deserts and the Bay of Bengal.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound departures from Heathrow typically climb out to the west then bank south and east, giving right-side passengers a brief view of the Thames and London's skyline before the aircraft turns onto its easterly track over southeast England and the Channel. Notable sights include: River Thames, Central London skyline, Kent countryside, English Channel coastline.
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 into Tan Son Nhat, arrivals from the northwest cross the Mekong Delta's braided rivers and rice paddies before turning onto final, with the delta's intricate waterways and Ho Chi Minh City's dense urban sprawl visible on the left side. Notable sights include: Mekong Delta waterways, rice paddy mosaic, Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Ho Chi Minh City?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Tansonnhat International (SGN) takes about 11 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,350 miles (10,219 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Ho Chi Minh City flight path pass over?
Caspian Sea coastline, Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges, Tibetan Plateau foothills, Irrawaddy River basin in Myanmar