Many people do not realize that a comfortable and stress-free flight to Vietnam is the first step to a great vacation. After all, you’ll be able to enjoy the destination more if you’re well-rested and if you have peace of mind about your return trip.
Unfortunately, planning a flight to Vietnam can be daunting. It’s more than worth the effort as one of the most popular countries to visit in Asia, but there are lots of moving parts to think about: where to fly to, what airline to take to Vietnam, and how to make the long flight more bearable or even enjoyable.
That’s why we’ve put together this in-depth guide to arranging a flight to Vietnam and how you can do it in a way that provides a positive experience.
Where should I go for the first time in Vietnam?
Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang
Phu Quoc International Airport in Phu Quoc
Starting your trip at one of these locations that appeals to you is always a good idea. Check out the destinations pages linked above to see which city looks most appealing to you. You can also browse the 18 places in Vietnam listed on our destinations page, which is divided into Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam. Find the region you think is best for you and your travel companions and then fly to the international airport in that region.
It’s a good idea to also check out yearly weather patterns in Vietnam when planning your flight. Different regions of the country. For instance, if you’re visiting in January or February and want to avoid the cold then you’d probably rather fly into Ho Chi Minh City than Northern Vietnam.
How to Find Vietnam Flight Deals
Some people prefer to pore through flights themselves to find cheap flights to Vietnam. Lots of international airlines fly to Vietnam – Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines Turkish Airlines, China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, Qatar Airways, and EVA Air are just a few of the best ones.
The Best Flight Finders
Rather than visiting each airline’s site individually, we’d recommend using one of the flight search portals below.
| Flight Finder | Support Email | Support Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapoair | Chat messenger on site | +1 800-566-2345 |
| Traveloka | cs@traveloka.com | +44 2031-399-021 |
| Google Flights | N/A | N/A |
| Scyscanner | N/A | N/A |
The last two options in the table above are purely aggregators for flights and do not actually have a support team you can contact. However, Skyscanner’s site includes a page with a gigantic database of airline support phone numbers that you can call to book a flight with that airline or to get support after making a booking.
How to Use Flight Finders: A Step-by-Step Guide
All you have to do to use one of the above flight finders is:
- Select “one-way” or “round-trip” (you don’t need a return ticket for a Vietnam visa).
- Select your departure airport and the airport you want to fly to. Refer to the previous section if you need help deciding exactly which international airport you should fly into.
- Select your dates of departure and return if applicable. When selecting dates, most of these flight finders show the price to fly on each date in the calendar view to make it easier to find the cheapest flight.
- Select the number of passengers in your party.
- Click the search button and the portal will find all the flights between the selected airports on the day selected and with enough free seats to accommodate the number of passengers.
- It is generally at this point you can select the class you want to fly in.
- You will then be given lots of options like seat selection, meal selection, extra inflight services, etc. Most of them will cost extra, and remember that you can skip any of them to avoid added fees.
- You’ll have to enter personal information including your name, email, and often passport number. Make sure to enter all the information exactly as it appears on your passport, as it will be cross-referenced at the airport.
- Last, you’ll be asked to provide your credit or debit card info for payment. In rare cases, you might be asked to show the credit card used for payment when you’re at the airport, so try to pay with a card that you keep with you.
Localized Vietnam Flight Options
Lastly, note that your country may have a local airline that provides service to Vietnam. These local options are often cheaper or offer specialized service. We have localized pages for finding a flight to Vietnam from specific countries for:
If you’re from one of these countries, the page for your nationality is definitely worth checking out for the best or cheapest Vietnam flights.
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Vietnam
No matter what booking portal you’re using to book flights to Vietnam, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to find cheap tickets or good flight deals. Some of our top tips are:
- Check multiple airports – If there’s more than one airport near you, check if flight prices to Vietnam are cheaper from each of the airports in your area. Also, check if ticket prices are cheaper if you fly into other Vietnam airports. Even if you want to head into Phu Quoc, for example, it might be cheaper to fly to Ho Chi Minh City and then take an inexpensive domestic flight to Phu Quoc International Airport.
- Time your booking – Book 2-3 months in advance for the lowest prices on flights to Vietnam. You might also find the best deals just 5-10 days before the flight, but it’s not a guarantee and it’s very risky both in terms of trip planning and visa processing.
- Book during the middle of the week – On the same note, flight prices to Vietnam are often slightly lower on Tuesday-Thursday.
- Fly during the off-season – The cheapest months to fly to Vietnam are generally October-November and March-April, both of which fall between the heaviest tourism seasons.
- Set price alerts – When looking for cheap flights to a particular location, such as Ho Chi Minh City, you can make use of the “Set price alerts” feature found on many flight search websites. Activating this option means you will be alerted via email whenever there’s a fluctuation in the cost of flight tickets, allowing you to jump on any particularly cheap flights.
- Try multiple booking platforms – Don’t go with only one booking platform and call it a day. Every reservation site might offer access to unique airlines, promotions, and discounts, making it beneficial to check out a variety of platforms.
- Use incognito mode for flight searches – Search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode to prevent airlines and booking sites from tracking your searches and potentially raising prices based on your interest.
- Don’t be afraid of layovers – Direct flights are nice, but stopping for a few hours in Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, or Bangkok before continuing on to Vietnam really isn’t that bad… especially if it’s saving you hundreds of dollars.
Vietnam Packing Checklist
Checking off as many items as possible on this Vietnam packing checklist will help ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. That being said, try to travel light by only packing the items on this checklist you think you’ll need:
Essential Travel Documents
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Vietnamese visa (if required)
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets and itinerary
- Accommodation booking confirmations
- International driving permit (if planning to drive)
- Photocopies of important documents
- Emergency contacts and addresses
Clothing
- Lightweight and breathable clothing (cotton, linen). Bring 7 each of t-shirts, trousers, pairs of socks, and pears of underwear.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants (for sun and mosquito protection)
- A sweater or jacket (for cooler evenings, especially in the north or central highlands)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Flip-flops (for beaches and showers)
- Swimwear
- Raincoat or poncho (especially if traveling during the rainy season)
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock
- Scarf or shawl (for temple visits)
Money
- Vietnamese Dong (VND) for immediate expenses
- Credit/debit cards (notify your bank of travel plans so they don’t block your card)
- Small amount of USD or Euros (for emergency exchange)
Toiletries & Health Items
- Personal toiletries (travel-sized)
- Mosquito repellent (with DEET)
- Sunscreen (high SPF)
- Hand sanitizer
- First-aid kit (including motion sickness pills if you’re prone)
- Prescription medications (with doctor’s note)
- Contact lenses and solution (if needed)
Gadgets & Accessories
- Smartphone and charger
- Travel adapter and power bank
- Camera, memory cards, and charger
- Waterproof phone case
- Headphones or earbuds
- Travel apps downloaded (maps, translation, ride-sharing)
Miscellaneous
- Daypack or backpack
- Water bottle (preferably one with a filter)
- Snacks (for long bus or train rides)
- Notebook and pen
- Books or e-reader
- Travel guidebook or phrasebook
- Compact umbrella if it’s the rainy season
- Laundry bag
- Locks (for luggage and hostel lockers)
Optional (Depending on Activities)
- Trekking gear (if planning hikes)
- Diving certification and logbook (for diving activities)
- Lightweight sleeping bag or travel sheet (for budget accommodations or overnight trains)
- Remember to pack as light as possible. Vietnam has many shopping opportunities from well-stocked supermarkets to merchants selling handmade goods, so you can easily pick up anything you might have forgotten or find you need. Check the weather forecast for your specific destinations within Vietnam to fine-tune your packing list, especially since the country spans several climate zones.
- Pro tip, if you realize you forgot something in Vietnam and cannot find it in a store, the country has several Amazon-like online shopping platforms you can use and often get 2-day delivery.
Making the Most of Your Flight
Most tourists coming to Vietnam are looking at quite a long journey. Fear not, though; we have some actionable tips to help you make the most of the trip, both during the flights and during the layovers.
In-Flight Tips During a Flight to Vietnam
- Choose Your Seat Wisely – Opt for an aisle seat if you need to get up a lot to go to the bathroom or just stretch your legs. Opt for a window seat if you can sit for long periods of time and want to check out Vietnam’s unique landscape when you’re coming in for landing. Consider paying extra for more legroom or a seat in a quieter part of the plane.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing – Flights to Vietnam are often heavily air conditioned, so you should bring at least a jacket for the plane. Wearing comfortable clothes will improve the flight, too, and compression socks will help with blood circulation during the flight. Make sure you can shed your warm clothing once you arrive in Vietnam, though, because the climate is usually pretty hot and humid.
- Stay Hydrated – Airplane cabins are dry, so drink plenty of water throughout the flight to stay hydrated.
- Bring a Neck Pillow and Blanket – Enhance your comfort with a supportive neck pillow and a compact travel blanket.
- Pack Snacks – Bring healthy snacks to keep your energy up without relying solely on airplane food. That being said, Asian airlines usually provide frequent meals that are often quite tasty, so you don’t need to bring full meals with you on the flight.
- Entertainment – Load your devices with movies, books, podcasts, and music. Pro tip, choose some contemporary Vietnamese artists like Binz for pop or Andree Right Hand for old school rap to begin immersing yourself in Vietnam’s culture! Don’t forget your earphones and a portable charger.
- Move Around – Take regular walks down the aisles and stretch your legs and back to prevent stiffness and discomfort. It’s not good for your body to sit for more than an hour at a time, so take a walk up and down the aisle every now and then.
- Adjust to the Time Zone – All of Vietnam is in the same time zone – ICT. Try to time your sleeping hours on the flight to the hours people would be asleep in Vietnam to minimize jet lag.
Layover Tips During a Flight to Vietnam
- Explore the Airport – Most of the airports you might connect to during a flight to Vietnam are among the coolest and most amenity-packed stopovers in the world. Check out the next section for more details on everything you can explore in the commonly used airports for layovers during flights to Vietnam.
- Use Airport Lounges – Purchase a day pass to an airport lounge for a more comfortable waiting area, complete with food, drinks, and showers. Again, some of the airports you’ll find on the way to Vietnam have incredible facilities.
- Catch Up on Work or Reading – Use the layover as an opportunity to get ahead on work or dive into a good book. Protip, bring along a translated book by a Vietnamese writer like Nguyen Nhat Anh to begin your cultural immersion.
- Plan for Short Excursions – If your layover is long enough, research if there’s an option to take a quick tour of the city. Some airports offer city tours specifically designed for layover passengers. Exploring a city like Tokyo or Singapore may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t sleep on this option!
- Stay Connected – Use the airport’s Wi-Fi to stay in touch with friends or update your travel plans. Download any necessary apps or boarding passes.
- Relax and Recharge – Find a quiet corner or an airport lounge to meditate, do some light stretching, or simply relax before your next flight.
- Check out Airport Facilities – Look for shower facilities to freshen up, or enjoy a meal at one of the airport restaurants. This might be a good opportunity to sample a local cuisine you’ll never get to try again!
Recheck Your Flight and Gate Information – Make sure to keep an eye on any changes to your flight details or gate information to avoid missing your connection.
Common Airports for Layovers During Flights to Vietnam
Unless you’re coming from somewhere nearby, the vast majority of flights to Vietnam will stop at one of Asia’s major airports before continuing to Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi or wherever your destination might be. Some of the most common airports for layovers during flights to Vietnam are listed in the table below. The table also lists several notable attractions at each airport and whether it has a free-to-use area for taking a nap during your layover.
| Airport (Code) | Location | Notable Features | Free Sleeping Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) | Singapore | – Butterfly Garden, Movie Theatre, Swimming Pool – Numerous Art Installations, Gardens, Free Singapore Tour | Yes |
| Incheon International Airport (ICN) | Seoul, South Korea | – Cultural Museum, Traditional Performances – Ice Skating Rink, Sleeping Lounges | Yes |
| Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) | Hong Kong | – IMAX Theatre, Aviation Discovery Centre – SkyDeck, Rest Zones | Yes |
| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) | Bangkok, Thailand | – Observation Deck, Traditional Thai Massage – Gardens, Rest Zones | Yes |
| Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | – Jungle Boardwalk, Free Movie Lounge – Sleeping Zones, Rest Areas | Yes |
| Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) | Tokyo, Japan | – Observation Decks, Traditional Japanese Bathhouse – Free Rest Lounges, Cultural Activities | Limited |
| Qatar Airways Hamad International Airport (DOH) | Doha, Qatar | – Art Installations, Quiet Rooms – Swimming Pool, Spa, Luxury Shopping | Yes, in lounges |
| Dubai International Airport (DXB) | Dubai, UAE | – Gardens, Health Club – Swimming Puul, Snooze Cubes | Yes, in lounges |
Additional Resources
We’d recommend that, before actually clicking the confirmation on your flight purchase, you look into the other factors you’ll have to know about before you go to Vietnam. Luckily, we’ve got you covered with helpful step-by-step guides to:
Time to Fly!
Before you begin, planning a trip to Vietnam can seem like a daunting prospect. Once you begin, though, you’ll find it’s not all that difficult given all the great resources we’ve tried to provide you in this guide! Finding and booking a flight should be easy with the search portals we suggested, and you’ll know what to expect during the day of travel if you’ve read all our tips.
Now it’s time to begin planning your time in Vietnam using our destination guides. Let us know if you have any questions!
Related FAQs
Some of our favorite apps for organizing a trip to Vietnam are:
- TripIt, which automatically collects all trip-related emails on your device and uses the details to fill in an itinerary for you on your calendar.
- Packpoint, which helps you generate a packing list based on your destination and the activities you’re planning on participating in.
- Vietnam is Awesome’s itinerary planner, which allows you to enter details like your hobbies, intended location, travel style, and intended level of physical exertion before putting you in touch with one of our representatives to help you plan an itinerary.
- Agoda, a Booking.com-style app that specializes in Southeast Asian hotels.
The cheapest months to fly to Vietnam are September and November, monsoon season in many Vietnamese locales. It is also generally cheap to fly during May and June, which are on the heels of the peak tourist season ending in April.
Try to book plane tickets to Vietnam 2-3 months in advance of the flight for the best deals. It’s possible to get a very cheap ticket 5-10 days in advance of the flight when the airline is trying to get rid of empty seats, but it’s obviously riskier than securing the plane tickets well in advance.
The best airline overall is Vietnam Airlines, as they offer premium service, comfortable planes, thorough in-flight entertainment, and a lot of direct routes to Vietnam. Other fantastic choices include Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines.
For budget travelers, AirAsia and VietJet are fantastic. They offer rock-bottom prices on flight tickets and the service is not half-bad, although flight delays are often issues on both airlines.
The most commonly traveled-to international airports in Vietnam are:
- Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam’s northern city.
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s southern city.
- Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang, Vietnam’s central city.
- Phu Quoc International airport on the island of Phu Quoc, off the southern coast of Vietnam.
Several other airports in Vietnam are technically able to operate international flights but are not used as often, including:
- Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang
- Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong
- Can Tho International Airport in Can Tho
- Lien Khuong International Airport near Da Lat.
