Domestic Flights
Vietnam's elongated shape makes domestic air travel the most efficient way to cover its vast distances. What could be a 30-hour train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City is a quick two-hour flight. With a competitive market of local airlines, flying is often an affordable and practical choice for travelers looking to maximize their time exploring different regions of the country. Understanding the key players and booking process is essential for a smooth journey.
Vietnam's Main Airlines: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Choosing the right airline depends on your priorities: budget, comfort, or reliability. Here’s a breakdown of the main players in Vietnam's skies.
Vietnam Airlines
As the national flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines is a full-service airline offering the highest level of comfort and reliability. Fares typically include a meal or snack and a generous checked baggage allowance (usually 23kg). It is the preferred choice for travelers who value punctuality and a more premium experience, flying the busiest routes with high frequency.
Vietjet Air
Vietjet is Vietnam's largest low-cost carrier, famous for its rock-bottom prices and extensive route network. The base fare is often extremely cheap, but be aware that all extras, including checked baggage, seat selection, and meals, come at an additional cost. While it's an excellent budget option, Vietjet is also known for frequent delays and schedule changes.
Bamboo Airways
Positioning itself as a "hybrid" carrier, Bamboo Airways aims to offer a higher quality of service than a typical budget airline but at a more competitive price than Vietnam Airlines. They are known for their modern fleet and excellent on-time performance. Fares sometimes include checked baggage, making them a great value proposition when the price is comparable to Vietjet.
Vietravel Airlines
The newest airline, operated by a major tour company, Vietravel Airlines primarily serves popular tourist routes. Their service level is comparable to other budget carriers, but they often fly from more convenient, smaller airports. Their network is not as extensive, but they are a solid option for direct flights between major tourism hubs.
Popular Domestic Routes & Key Airports
Vietnam has a well-connected network of airports, but most travelers will use three primary hubs.
Key International & Domestic Airports
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi: The main gateway to northern Vietnam, serving the capital city and destinations like Ha Long Bay and Sapa.
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam's busiest airport and the primary hub for the south, connecting travelers to the Mekong Delta and southern islands.
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD), Da Nang: The main airport for central Vietnam, providing easy access to Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.
Most Common Domestic Flight Routes
- Hanoi (HAN) ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): This is one of the busiest air routes in the world, with dozens of flights daily.
- Hanoi (HAN) / HCMC (SGN) ↔ Da Nang (DAD): The essential route connecting the north and south to the central coast.
- Hanoi (HAN) / HCMC (SGN) ↔ Phu Quoc (PQC): The primary way to reach the popular island destination of Phu Quoc.
- HCMC (SGN) ↔ Dalat (DLI): A quick flight to the cool mountain highlands of Dalat.
How to Book Flights: Essential Steps
Booking domestic flights in Vietnam is straightforward, but following these steps can save you money and hassle.
Book Directly for Best Results
While online travel agencies (OTAs) like Skyscanner or Agoda are useful for comparing prices, it is almost always best to book your ticket directly on the airline's official website. This ensures you receive direct communication about schedule changes and makes managing your booking or adding extras like baggage much easier.
Pay Attention to Baggage Fees
For low-cost carriers like Vietjet and Vietravel, the most common mistake is underestimating baggage needs. The base fare includes only a small carry-on bag (typically 7kg). Checked baggage must be purchased as an add-on. Always purchase your baggage allowance online during the booking process, as the fees are significantly higher at the airport check-in counter.
Book in Advance, Especially for Holidays
For the best prices, book domestic flights at least 3-4 weeks in advance. During major public holidays, especially Tết (Lunar New Year), prices can skyrocket, and flights sell out months ahead. If your travel dates fall during a holiday period, booking is the first thing you should do.
Navigating the Airport: Your Departure Day Guide
Vietnamese airports are modern but can be chaotic, especially during peak hours.
- Arrive Early: For domestic flights, plan to arrive at the airport 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled departure.
- Passport is Required: As a foreigner, your passport is your required form of identification for check-in and security.
- Weigh Your Bags: If you are flying a low-cost carrier, be prepared for them to weigh your carry-on luggage at the check-in counter or the gate. Ensure it is within the 7kg limit to avoid expensive last-minute fees.
- Check for Terminal Changes: Major airports like Hanoi and HCMC have separate domestic terminals. Double-check your ticket to ensure you are in the right place.
Tips from locals
Local tips
✈️ When booking with Vietjet Air, it's wise to choose them for flights where a delay of a few hours won't disrupt your itinerary. For critical connections, such as a flight to an international departure, the reliability of Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways is worth the extra cost.
⚖️ The single biggest "gotcha" for budget airlines is baggage. Before you even get to the airport, weigh your bags. If you are even slightly over the limit, go to the airline's website and purchase extra kilograms online. The price difference between buying online beforehand and paying at the check-in counter can be enormous.
📱 Download the official app for the airline you are flying with. It's the fastest way to get real-time updates on delays, gate changes, or cancellations, which are relatively common, especially during the rainy season.
Be aware
💰 Watch out for hidden fees on budget airline websites. The initial price is tempting, but costs for seat selection, checked baggage, processing fees, and even in-person check-in can be added during the booking process. Always review the final price summary carefully before you pay to understand the true cost of your ticket.
🚕 Be cautious of taxi touts upon arrival. After collecting your luggage, ignore anyone who approaches you offering a taxi. Instead, use a ride-hailing app like Grab or look for the designated official airport taxi ranks (such as Mai Linh or Vinasun), where drivers use the meter and prices are regulated.
FAQs
Which Vietnamese airline is the most reliable?
Vietnam Airlines is generally considered the most reliable, with the best on-time performance. Bamboo Airways also has a strong reputation for punctuality.
Do I need my passport for a domestic flight in Vietnam?
Yes, as a foreign national, your passport is the required form of identification for all domestic flights.
How much is checked baggage on Vietnamese airlines?
On Vietnam Airlines, a 23kg bag is often included. On budget carriers like Vietjet, a 20kg checked bag can cost between $15 and $30 USD if purchased online in advance, but much more at the airport.
How early should I arrive for a domestic flight in Vietnam?
It is recommended to arrive 90 to 120 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in and security.
Is it cheaper to fly or take a train in Vietnam?
For long distances, flying can often be cheaper than a sleeper berth on a train, especially if you book in advance with a budget airline and travel light.
Can I book flights at the airport?
While possible, it is not recommended. You will pay the highest possible price for the ticket, and there is no guarantee that seats will be available on your desired flight.
What is the carry-on liquid limit for domestic flights?
The rules are generally less strict than international flights, but it's safest to adhere to the standard of containers no larger than 100ml.
Are Vietnamese domestic flights safe?
Yes, Vietnam has a strong aviation safety record. All major airlines operate modern fleets (primarily Airbus and Boeing) and adhere to international safety standards.
Which is better for tourists, Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet?
If your budget is the top priority and your schedule is flexible, Vietjet is a great option. If you value reliability, comfort, and an all-inclusive fare, Vietnam Airlines is the better choice.
What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
Airlines are required to provide assistance, which may include refreshments or accommodation depending on the length of the delay. However, with budget carriers, proactive communication can be limited, so it's best to have travel insurance that covers trip disruptions.
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