• The Best Way to Travel by Flight in Vietnam on Budget

Exploring Vietnam has never been easier with Vietpower Travel, your trusted local expert for seamless journeys. Choosing to travel by flight in Vietnam lets you move quickly between cultural cities, scenic coasts, and tropical islands while staying within budget. With reliable domestic airlines, smart booking tips, and updated airport technology, air travel offers the perfect balance of speed, comfort, and affordability for every traveler.

1. Why Traveling by Flight Is the Smartest Way to See Vietnam

Vietnam stretches more than 1,650 km from north to south, making air travel the fastest way to explore. A flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes only two hours, saving over 28 hours compared to the train.

Flights connect all key tourist areas - Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang - with many daily routes. This network lets travelers move easily between mountains, beaches, and cultural centers.

Since 2023, Vietnam’s airports have introduced advanced runway object detection systems, enhancing both domestic flights Vietnam and international operations with higher safety and punctuality.

Learn more about transport connections in Vietnam Main Transportation, where Vietpower Travel helps you plan journeys by air, road, and sea.

Traveling by plane is the smartest way to explore Vietnam.

2. How To Book Flights In Vietnam?

Booking flights in Vietnam is simple. You can reserve tickets directly on:

  • Airline websites: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines
  • Price comparison tools: Skyscanner, Traveloka, Google Flights

Domestic fares usually range from US $35–150 one-way. Prices rise during Tết or peak seasons, so booking 45–60 days early helps save money and secure good seats.

 If you need wheelchair support, Vietpower Travel can register the service 48–72 hours before departure. This guarantees boarding priority and smooth airport assistance at all major airports in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Book tickets via Vietnam Airlines website

3. Vietnam’s Major Airports and Routes (2025 Update)

Airport

IATA

Role

2025 Update

Hanoi – Noi Bai

HAN

Northern hub

Facial-ID boarding via VNeID

Ho Chi Minh – Tan Son Nhat

SGN

Southern hub

Security pre-screening gate system 

Da Nang

DAD

Central connector

~90 min to Hue / Hoi An

Phu Quoc / Nha Trang / Can Tho

-

Resort & leisure hubs

New route expansion 2025

From 2025, passengers at Noi Bai Airport can check in and board with facial recognition through the VNeID App, removing the need for paper IDs and speeding up procedures.

 At Tan Son Nhat Airport, travelers go through a security scan at the main entrance before check-in. This two-step process enhances safety and keeps terminal areas less crowded.

Together, these upgrades make Vietnam’s airports faster, safer, and more convenient, improving every flight experience for both locals and international visitors.

Security scan at the main gate before checking in at the airport

You can find more posts related to this topic in the category below:

4. The Best Airlines for Budget and Comfort in Vietnam

Vietnam Airlines vs Vietjet Air – Which Fits You?

Criteria

Vietnam Airlines

Vietjet Air

Fare Type

Full-service

Low-cost

Price

Higher, includes meals and baggage

Cheaper, add-on charges

On-Time Rate

95.1 %

Moderate

Safety Rank

Top 25 safest global airlines (2025)

Among safest low-cost carriers

Infant Policy

Accepts infants from 7 days old

Accepts infants from 14 days 

Ideal For

Business and comfort-seeking travelers

Students and budget explorers

Lesser-Known Airline Rules to Watch For

 Small name errors-up to three letters-can be corrected free of charge. Changes beyond this limit cost about €95–100, so double-check your booking details carefully.

 Pets can travel only when temperatures are between 7.2 °C and 29.4 °C at all airports on the route. If the weather drops below –6.6 °C, owners must show a veterinary certificate proving that the animal can handle the cold. These conditions keep pets safe and reduce stress during flights.

5. Extra Airlines Worth Considering

  • Bamboo Airways: A hybrid carrier that blends comfort and fair pricing. Good service quality and competitive domestic routes.
  • Pacific Airlines: Budget option operated under the Vietnam Airlines Group, ideal for short routes and promotions.
  • VASCO: Small regional airline flying to Con Dao, Ca Mau, and other remote destinations, perfect for travelers seeking unique experiences.

Bamboo Airways

6. Baggage Rules, Lounges & Add-Ons (2025 Update)

Airline

Cabin (kg)

Checked (kg)

Notes

Vietnam Airlines

12

23

Included in fare

Bamboo Airways

7

15–20

Depends on ticket tier

Vietjet / Pacific

7

Paid extra

Cheaper online purchase available

Most major airports such as Hanoi (HAN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), and Da Nang (DAD) allow travelers to buy a lounge daypass directly at the counter for USD 14–27. You can relax up to three hours with snacks, Wi-Fi, and refreshments - no membership required. It’s a smart option for those who want extra comfort without paying for business-class tickets.

7. Practical Flight Tips for First-Time Flyers in Vietnam

Flying within Vietnam is simple, but a few small tips can make your trip even smoother - especially if it’s your first time traveling by plane in the country.

  • Arrive early: Be at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to allow enough time for check-in and security screening.
  • Use ride-hailing apps: Services like Grab or Be are the fastest and most reliable way to reach the terminal directly.
  • Keep your baggage tags: Airport staff may verify these before you leave the arrival hall.
  • Avoid restricted items: Do not carry durian, flammable sprays, or power banks above 100 Wh in your checked bags.
  • Dress comfortably: Wear light clothing, stay hydrated, and keep noise levels low to maintain a pleasant atmosphere for everyone on board.

Let’s explore more posts on this topic to discover even more about Vietnam:

8. How to Fly Vietnam on Budget – Expert Saving Tips

Smart Booking Strategies

Vietnam’s domestic flight network offers frequent deals if you know the right time to book:

  • Look for mid-week sales: Airlines often run promotions between Tuesday and Thursday (11:00–14:00 Vietnam time).
  • Avoid peak periods: Prices rise sharply during Tết and weekends - flying midweek can save 20–30%.
  • Try open-jaw tickets: Arriving in Hanoi (HAN) and departing from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) lets you explore more without paying for return domestic flights.

Combine Flights + Tours with Vietpower Travel

Vietpower Travel offers customized packages that include domestic flights, hotel stays, and guided Vietnam tours - ideal for travelers who prefer convenience and support throughout their journey.

With experienced local teams in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietpower ensures your travel plans run seamlessly from takeoff to landing. You can also combine your air itinerary with ground or sea transfers found in Vietnam Main Transportation to create a complete Vietnam travel experience.

9. Conclusion

Flying across Vietnam opens endless possibilities - from Hanoi’s heritage streets to Phu Quoc’s beaches - all connected through a modern and affordable flight network. With expert planning from Vietpower Travel, you can enjoy smooth connections, special flight deals, and personalized tour packages that fit your itinerary perfectly. To explore further options and travel insights, visit our guide on Vietnam Transportation for complete details on how to move around the country with ease.