Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles is 8,159 miles (13,130 km), a flight of about 14 hours 35 minutes.
The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Saigon's riverside skyline at departure and the San Gabriel Mountains plus LA basin during the LAX approach — while the long Pacific crossing offers little differentiation between sides.
Flight Path
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Islands vicinity, Gulf of Alaska
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SGN
RIGHTDeparting Tan Son Nhat, the climb-out and turn toward the Pacific routing put the Saigon River bends and the dense Ho Chi Minh City skyline on the right side of the aircraft, with the Mekong Delta's patchwork rice fields stretching beyond. The left side mostly shows flat delta terrain with fewer distinct features.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTArriving from the Pacific, LAX's westerly approach typically loops inland before turning back to land west, giving views over the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA basin's urban sprawl before the final descent toward the coast. The right side captures the mountain backdrop and downtown LA skyline better during this turn than the ocean-facing left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Tansonnhat International (SGN) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — Saigon's riverside skyline at departure and the San Gabriel Mountains plus LA basin during the LAX approach — while the long Pacific crossing offers little differentiation between sides.
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. Departing Tan Son Nhat, the climb-out and turn toward the Pacific routing put the Saigon River bends and the dense Ho Chi Minh City skyline on the right side of the aircraft, with the Mekong Delta's patchwork rice fields stretching beyond. The left side mostly shows flat delta terrain with fewer distinct features. Notable sights include: Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City downtown skyline, Mekong Delta rice paddies.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving from the Pacific, LAX's westerly approach typically loops inland before turning back to land west, giving views over the San Gabriel Mountains and the LA basin's urban sprawl before the final descent toward the coast. The right side captures the mountain backdrop and downtown LA skyline better during this turn than the ocean-facing left side. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles skyline, Pacific coastline near LAX, LA basin urban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles?
The flight from Tansonnhat International (SGN) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 14 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 8,159 miles (13,130 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ho Chi Minh City to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Islands vicinity, Gulf of Alaska