The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Taiwan's mountainous spine during departure and the textured Mekong Delta and Saigon River during arrival, while the right side offers mostly featureless strait and delta plains.
Flown TPE to SGN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City is 1,372 miles (2,208 km), a flight of about 2 hours 50 minutes.
South China Sea open water, Vietnamese central coastline near Nha Trang/Cam Ranh Bay visible in the distance if routing hugs the coast, otherwise open sea for most of cruise
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
LEFTDeparting TPE toward the northeast before turning south, the left side gives passengers a good look at Taiwan's Central Mountain Range and the rugged terrain of the island's interior as the aircraft banks south along the west coast. The right side mostly shows the flatter Taipei basin and the Taiwan Strait haze.
Landing at SGN
LEFTOn approach into SGN from the northeast, the left side faces south toward the sprawling green-and-brown patchwork of the Mekong Delta's canals and rice paddies, plus glimpses of the Saigon River winding through the city before landing. The right side mainly shows flat agricultural land with less visual variety.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Tansonnhat International (SGN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City. The left side wins on both ends of the flight: Taiwan's mountainous spine during departure and the textured Mekong Delta and Saigon River during arrival, while the right side offers mostly featureless strait and delta plains.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing TPE toward the northeast before turning south, the left side gives passengers a good look at Taiwan's Central Mountain Range and the rugged terrain of the island's interior as the aircraft banks south along the west coast. The right side mostly shows the flatter Taipei basin and the Taiwan Strait haze. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 and Taipei Basin, Central Mountain Range (Xueshan foothills), Taiwan west coast plains.
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. On approach into SGN from the northeast, the left side faces south toward the sprawling green-and-brown patchwork of the Mekong Delta's canals and rice paddies, plus glimpses of the Saigon River winding through the city before landing. The right side mainly shows flat agricultural land with less visual variety. Notable sights include: Saigon River bends, Mekong Delta rice paddies and canals, Ho Chi Minh City skyline (District 1).
How long is the flight from Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Tansonnhat International (SGN) takes about 2 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,372 miles (2,208 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Taipei to Ho Chi Minh City flight path pass over?
South China Sea open water, Vietnamese central coastline near Nha Trang/Cam Ranh Bay visible in the distance if routing hugs the coast, otherwise open sea for most of cruise