Shanghai to Hanoi flight pathSHAHAN

Sit on the right side of the plane

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Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Flight time2h 15m
Distance1,182
Heading238° → 231°
Best side
RightMostly right

Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery on both legs: the Yangtze delta and coastal features during departure, and good views of the Red River approach during descent. The takeoff views are particularly striking and unique to this route.

Flown SHA to HAN? Did we get it right?

Flight Path

Flight path overview

Shanghai to Hanoi is 1,182 miles (1,902 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.

Zhejiang Province coastline and islands, Jiangxi Province terrain, the transition from the Yangtze River basin to the Red River basin, limestone plateau regions of northern Vietnam

Great circle distance and headings ›

Phase by phase

Aerial window seat view during takeoff from Shanghai (right side) — Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River estuary, Shanghai urban sprawl, East China Sea coastline

Takeoff from SHA

RIGHT

Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Hongqiao. You'll see the intricate network of waterways, agricultural fields, and coastal marshlands that characterize the Shanghai region before heading toward Hanoi.

Hangzhou BayYangtze River estuaryShanghai urban sprawlEast China Sea coastline
SHA Hongqiao InternationalHub for China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines
Aerial window seat view during landing at Hanoi (left side) — Red River valley, Hanoi city center, limestone karst hills, Haiphong Bay region

Landing at HAN

LEFT

Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Hanoi, including the Red River valley, Hanoi's urban core, and the surrounding limestone karst formations. The approach typically descends from the northeast, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of these major geographical features.

Red River valleyHanoi city centerlimestone karst hillsHaiphong Bay region
HAN Noibai InternationalHub for Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways

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About This Route

Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Noibai International (HAN)?

Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Hanoi. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive scenery on both legs: the Yangtze delta and coastal features during departure, and good views of the Red River approach during descent. The takeoff views are particularly striking and unique to this route.

What can I see during takeoff from Hongqiao International in Shanghai?

During takeoff from Hongqiao International (SHA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yangtze River delta and Hangzhou Bay as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Hongqiao. You'll see the intricate network of waterways, agricultural fields, and coastal marshlands that characterize the Shanghai region before heading toward Hanoi. Notable sights include: Hangzhou Bay, Yangtze River estuary, Shanghai urban sprawl, East China Sea coastline.

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 provide excellent views during descent into Hanoi, including the Red River valley, Hanoi's urban core, and the surrounding limestone karst formations. The approach typically descends from the northeast, giving left-side passengers clear sightlines of these major geographical features. Notable sights include: Red River valley, Hanoi city center, limestone karst hills, Haiphong Bay region.

How long is the flight from Shanghai to Hanoi?

The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Noibai International (HAN) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,182 miles (1,902 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.

What does the Shanghai to Hanoi flight path pass over?

Zhejiang Province coastline and islands, Jiangxi Province terrain, the transition from the Yangtze River basin to the Red River basin, limestone plateau regions of northern Vietnam