About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Noibai International (HAN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Hanoi. The left side captures the spectacular Manila Bay departure, and during the cruise portion the flight tracks north-northwest over the South China Sea and then inland over northern Vietnam, where the left side picks up views of the karst limestone terrain of northern Vietnam and the Tonkin Gulf coastline on approach. The right side has the better Hanoi landing view, but the left side wins on total scenic value across the full flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left side, giving a sweeping view of the bay and the Manila city skyline receding behind you. The right side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay and the urban sprawl of Metro Manila, which is less dramatic at low altitude. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Intramuros and the Manila waterfront, Corregidor Island in the distance, Cavite peninsula across the bay.
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. Noi Bai typically uses runway 11L/29R or 11R/29L oriented roughly east-west. Arrivals from the south on heading 11 approach from the southwest, putting the Red River delta and Hanoi city center on the right side. The right window gives a clear view of the Red River's distinctive meandering course and the urban core of Hanoi before touchdown. Notable sights include: Red River (Song Hong) and its meanders, Hanoi city center and Hoan Kiem district, West Lake (Ho Tay), flooded rice paddies of the Red River delta.
How long is the flight from Manila to Hanoi?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Noibai International (HAN) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours.
What does the Manila to Hanoi flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the South China Sea (Bien Dong) for a significant portion, passing west of the Paracel Islands area. It crosses the Vietnamese coastline near Thanh Hoa or Nghe An province, then tracks over the densely cultivated lowlands and karst hill country of northern Vietnam. The Truong Son (Annamite) mountain range is visible to the west during the Vietnam overland segment. No significant island groups are directly on the route at typical cruising altitude.