While takeoff offers compelling delta views, the landing approach into JFK provides more visually dramatic and iconic scenery—the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River are among the most recognizable urban features visible from aircraft. The left side captures these signature New York landmarks during descent.
Flown SGN to JFK? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ho Chi Minh City to New York is 8,881 miles (14,293 km), a flight of about 17 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Himalayan mountain range (visible as a distant snow-capped ridge during daylight hours over northern India), the Arabian Sea, the Middle East's desert plateaus, and the Atlantic Ocean. Over the Himalayas, the snow-covered peaks of the central range appear as a white jagged line on the horizon. The Arabian Peninsula shows as arid, tan-colored terrain with minimal vegetation. The Atlantic crossing offers views of open ocean with occasional cloud formations and, depending on latitude, the Greenland ice sheet or Canadian Arctic islands on the northern approach to North America.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SGN
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Saigon River delta and Mekong River system during climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward over the Mekong Delta's intricate waterway network, which is visually distinctive with its patchwork of rice paddies and water channels.
Landing at JFK
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's distinctive grid pattern, and the New York City skyline during descent into JFK. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, making the left side ideal for viewing the East River, Brooklyn, and Manhattan's urban geometry.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tansonnhat International (SGN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ho Chi Minh City to New York. While takeoff offers compelling delta views, the landing approach into JFK provides more visually dramatic and iconic scenery—the Hudson River, Manhattan's skyline, and the East River are among the most recognizable urban features visible from aircraft. The left side captures these signature New York landmarks during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Tansonnhat International in Ho Chi Minh City?
During takeoff from Tansonnhat International (SGN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Saigon River delta and Mekong River system during climb-out. The aircraft departs eastward over the Mekong Delta's intricate waterway network, which is visually distinctive with its patchwork of rice paddies and water channels. Notable sights include: Saigon River, Mekong River Delta, Can Tho region, Mekong estuary.
What can I see when landing at John F Kennedy International in New York?
When landing at John F Kennedy International (JFK), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Hudson River, Manhattan's distinctive grid pattern, and the New York City skyline during descent into JFK. The aircraft approaches from the northeast, making the left side ideal for viewing the East River, Brooklyn, and Manhattan's urban geometry. Notable sights include: Hudson River, East River, Manhattan grid, Brooklyn waterfront.
How long is the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to New York?
The flight from Tansonnhat International (SGN) to John F Kennedy International (JFK) takes about 17 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,881 miles (14,293 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ho Chi Minh City to New York flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Himalayan mountain range (visible as a distant snow-capped ridge during daylight hours over northern India), the Arabian Sea, the Middle East's desert plateaus, and the Atlantic Ocean. Over the Himalayas, the snow-covered peaks of the central range appear as a white jagged line on the horizon. The Arabian Peninsula shows as arid, tan-colored terrain with minimal vegetation. The Atlantic crossing offers views of open ocean with occasional cloud formations and, depending on latitude, the Greenland ice sheet or Canadian Arctic islands on the northern approach to North America.