While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding with the Yanshan Mountains and North China Plain clearly visible. The right side also captures more of the transition from Beijing's urban core into rural terrain.
Flown PEK to HAN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Beijing to Hanoi is 1,449 miles (2,333 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
The flight path crosses central Henan Province, passing over the Dabie Mountains (low, forested range on the left/west side around 1 hour into flight), then continues southeast over Anhui Province's agricultural plains. The Yangtze River may be visible in good conditions as a broad, meandering waterway in the southern portion of Anhui. The terrain gradually transitions from the North China Plain's flat agricultural landscape to more hilly, vegetated terrain as the aircraft approaches the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PEK
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the North China Plain and the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest as the aircraft climbs. You'll see Beijing's urban sprawl fade into agricultural land and distant mountain ridges.
Landing at HAN
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Hanoi. You'll see the Red River Delta's intricate waterways, rice paddies, and the Red River itself snaking through the landscape before touchdown at Noi Bai.
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 Capital (PEK) to Noibai International (HAN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Beijing to Hanoi. While landing favors the left, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding with the Yanshan Mountains and North China Plain clearly visible. The right side also captures more of the transition from Beijing's urban core into rural terrain.
What can I see during takeoff from Capital in Beijing?
During takeoff from Capital (PEK), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the North China Plain and the Yanshan Mountains to the northwest as the aircraft climbs. You'll see Beijing's urban sprawl fade into agricultural land and distant mountain ridges. Notable sights include: Yanshan Mountains (northwest), North China Plain (agricultural grid pattern), Ming Tombs area (northwest of Beijing), Juyongguan Pass valley.
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 offer the best views during descent into Hanoi. You'll see the Red River Delta's intricate waterways, rice paddies, and the Red River itself snaking through the landscape before touchdown at Noi Bai. Notable sights include: Red River Delta (extensive paddy field network), Red River (main waterway), Tam Dao Mountains (southwest), Hanoi city sprawl.
How long is the flight from Beijing to Hanoi?
The flight from Capital (PEK) to Noibai International (HAN) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,449 miles (2,333 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Beijing to Hanoi flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Henan Province, passing over the Dabie Mountains (low, forested range on the left/west side around 1 hour into flight), then continues southeast over Anhui Province's agricultural plains. The Yangtze River may be visible in good conditions as a broad, meandering waterway in the southern portion of Anhui. The terrain gradually transitions from the North China Plain's flat agricultural landscape to more hilly, vegetated terrain as the aircraft approaches the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam.