Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Chiang Mai. While takeoff offers the Yangtze estuary, the landing approach into Chiang Mai provides more sustained and dramatic scenery: the Doi Luang range, Ping River valley, and transition from mountains to city are visually superior and occupy more of the descent phase.

During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs southwest from Pudong. The river's massive delta system and tidal mudflats are distinctive from altitude and visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: Yangtze River estuary, Hangzhou Bay, Shanghai urban sprawl extending south, East China Sea coastline.

When landing at Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Doi Luang mountain range and the Ping River valley as the aircraft descends into Chiang Mai from the northeast. These dramatic forested mountains and the river's serpentine path through the valley are the most visually distinctive features during final approach. Notable sights include: Doi Luang mountain range, Ping River valley, Chiang Mai city grid, forested hills surrounding the valley.

The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) takes 2h 15m.

Laos border region with Mekong River valley, transition from coastal plains to mountainous terrain, scattered peaks of the Annamite Range, agricultural valleys of northern Thailand