The right side carries the flight's most dramatic scenery: Vancouver's skyline and North Shore mountains at takeoff, followed by roughly an hour of the glaciated Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle fjords along the BC coast. This outweighs the left side's mostly open-ocean view, even though the left side gets the better glimpse of Hong Kong's skyline on landing.
Flown YVR to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Hong Kong is 6,381 miles (10,269 km), a flight of about 13 hours 55 minutes.
After the BC and Alaska coastline, the route crosses the open North Pacific and passes near the volcanic peaks of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, then continues over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea before descending toward the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTDeparting YVR on runway 26 westbound, the aircraft banks right (north) to join the great-circle track toward Asia, swinging the right side of the cabin toward downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the steep North Shore peaks. The climb-out then tracks north along the BC coast with the Coast Mountains staying on the right for the next hour.
Landing at HKG
LEFTOn the descent into Hong Kong the flight typically comes down from the north over Kowloon and the New Territories before turning onto final approach toward Chek Lap Kok, giving left-side passengers a clear look across Victoria Harbour at the Hong Kong Island skyline before the aircraft lines up over Lantau's waters.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Hong Kong. The right side carries the flight's most dramatic scenery: Vancouver's skyline and North Shore mountains at takeoff, followed by roughly an hour of the glaciated Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle fjords along the BC coast. This outweighs the left side's mostly open-ocean view, even though the left side gets the better glimpse of Hong Kong's skyline on landing.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YVR on runway 26 westbound, the aircraft banks right (north) to join the great-circle track toward Asia, swinging the right side of the cabin toward downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the steep North Shore peaks. The climb-out then tracks north along the BC coast with the Coast Mountains staying on the right for the next hour. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour), downtown Vancouver skyline and Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park peninsula, Coast Mountains stretching north.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Left side for the best views. On the descent into Hong Kong the flight typically comes down from the north over Kowloon and the New Territories before turning onto final approach toward Chek Lap Kok, giving left-side passengers a clear look across Victoria Harbour at the Hong Kong Island skyline before the aircraft lines up over Lantau's waters. Notable sights include: Hong Kong Island skyline and Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Kowloon high-rise towers, Lamma Island in the distance.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 13 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,381 miles (10,269 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
After the BC and Alaska coastline, the route crosses the open North Pacific and passes near the volcanic peaks of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, then continues over the Sea of Japan and East China Sea before descending toward the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong.