Right-side seats capture Shanghai's coastal departure over the Huangpu River and East China Sea, then offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and coastal Vietnam during cruise. Left seats miss the Shanghai departure scenery and provide less continuous visual interest across the route.
Flown SHA to SGN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City is 1,693 miles (2,724 km), a flight of about 3 hours.
Yangtze River estuary (visible as a massive sediment-laden delta roughly 100 km south of Shanghai), Hangzhou Bay, transition from China's developed eastern coast to Vietnam's rural landscape, Hainan Island (visible to the southeast during cruise at altitude), Red River Delta approaching Vietnam, coastal mountains of northern Vietnam becoming visible during descent
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SHA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Huangpu River winding through Shanghai's urban landscape and the East China Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward. Left seats face inland toward industrial areas with less visual interest.
Landing at SGN
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of the Mekong River Delta's intricate network of waterways and agricultural fields during descent into Ho Chi Minh City. The approach path from the northeast brings the delta's distinctive landscape directly into view on the left side.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Tansonnhat International (SGN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City. Right-side seats capture Shanghai's coastal departure over the Huangpu River and East China Sea, then offer views of the Yangtze River estuary and coastal Vietnam during cruise. Left seats miss the Shanghai departure scenery and provide less continuous visual interest across the 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 Huangpu River winding through Shanghai's urban landscape and the East China Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs southwestward. Left seats face inland toward industrial areas with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Huangpu River (distinctive meanders through central Shanghai), Hangzhou Bay (visible as the coast curves southeast), Shanghai's Pudong district high-rise cluster, East China Sea horizon.
What can I see when landing at Tansonnhat International in Ho Chi Minh City?
When landing at Tansonnhat International (SGN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of the Mekong River Delta's intricate network of waterways and agricultural fields during descent into Ho Chi Minh City. The approach path from the northeast brings the delta's distinctive landscape directly into view on the left side. Notable sights include: Mekong River Delta (extensive braided channels and rice paddies), Saigon River (converging toward the city), Ho Chi Minh City urban sprawl, Tan Son Nhat Airport runway orientation.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City?
The flight from Hongqiao International (SHA) to Tansonnhat International (SGN) takes about 3 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,693 miles (2,724 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Shanghai to Ho Chi Minh City flight path pass over?
Yangtze River estuary (visible as a massive sediment-laden delta roughly 100 km south of Shanghai), Hangzhou Bay, transition from China's developed eastern coast to Vietnam's rural landscape, Hainan Island (visible to the southeast during cruise at altitude), Red River Delta approaching Vietnam, coastal mountains of northern Vietnam becoming visible during descent