Phnom Penh to Shanghai is 1,734 miles (2,790 km), a flight of about 3 hours 55 minutes.
Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Tonlé Sap Lake during departure is visually striking and sustained, while the landing approach favors the left. However, the takeoff view is more distinctive and memorable for this route.
Flight Path
Mekong River valley (northern Cambodia and southern Laos), Annamite Range foothills (Laos–Vietnam border region), Red River delta approaches (northern Vietnam), coastal plains of Guangdong Province (southern China), Pearl River estuary region
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PNH
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Tonlé Sap Lake immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward, and the massive freshwater lake dominates the right wing view during the first 10–15 minutes of flight, with its distinctive seasonal flood plains and river channels clearly visible.
Landing at PVG
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Shanghai. The aircraft approaches from the southwest, and left-wing passengers see the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the distinctive urban sprawl of Shanghai's Pudong district with its forest of skyscrapers before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pochentong International (PNH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Phnom Penh to Shanghai. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Tonlé Sap Lake during departure is visually striking and sustained, while the landing approach favors the left. However, the takeoff view is more distinctive and memorable for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Pochentong International in Phnom Penh?
During takeoff from Pochentong International (PNH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Tonlé Sap Lake immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northwestward, and the massive freshwater lake dominates the right wing view during the first 10–15 minutes of flight, with its distinctive seasonal flood plains and river channels clearly visible. Notable sights include: Tonlé Sap Lake (Southeast Asia's largest freshwater body), Mekong River confluence zone, Phnom Penh city grid (receding below), Cardamom Mountains (distant western horizon).
What can I see when landing at Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
When landing at Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Shanghai. The aircraft approaches from the southwest, and left-wing passengers see the Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, and the distinctive urban sprawl of Shanghai's Pudong district with its forest of skyscrapers before touchdown. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary (massive delta with multiple channels), Hangzhou Bay (broad coastal inlet), Shanghai Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, financial district towers), East China Sea coastline.
How long is the flight from Phnom Penh to Shanghai?
The flight from Pochentong International (PNH) to Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) takes about 3 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,734 miles (2,790 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Phnom Penh to Shanghai flight path pass over?
Mekong River valley (northern Cambodia and southern Laos), Annamite Range foothills (Laos–Vietnam border region), Red River delta approaches (northern Vietnam), coastal plains of Guangdong Province (southern China), Pearl River estuary region