Flights to Vietnam – Cheapest time to fly to Vietnam

Vietnam is quickly becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Known for its stunning natural landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, fascinating history and vibrant culture, Vietnam has something to offer every type of traveler. However, as an overseas destination, getting a flight to Vietnam can be quite pricey, especially during peak seasons.

The cost of flights to Vietnam varies greatly depending on factors like season, destination airport, airline and how far in advance you book. With some strategic planning, you can find relatively cheap flights to Vietnam even during the high season. This article outlines everything you need to know about finding the most affordable flights to Vietnam.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam?

The cheapest time to fly to Vietnam is typically during the country’s shoulder and low seasons:

Shoulder Seasons (late April – early May, late October – early November)

• Airfares usually drop 20-30% compared to high season
• Good time to visit northern Vietnam
• Lower hotel rates
• Fewer crowds at major attractions

Low Season (May – September)

• Up to 50% cheaper flight prices than peak times
• Hot and humid weather
• Occasional heavy rain, especially in the south
• Low hotel occupancy and airfares

Avoid Vietnamese holidays like Tet and National Day when demand skyrockets.

When is the best time to visit Vietnam?

While flight costs are lowest during the summer rainy season, it’s generally not an ideal time for visiting Vietnam. The best time depends on which part of the country you want to explore:

• North of Vietnam – September to November offers cooler weather, less rain and comfortable hiking conditions. From February to April the weather is also pleasant.
• Central of Vietnam– The dry season from January to August brings sunshine and blue skies. July and August can be very hot.
• South of Vietnam – December to April has less rain while May to November sees higher temperatures.

When is the best time to buy the ticket to Vietnam?

The best time to buy a ticket to Vietnam typically varies depending on several factors, such as the time of year, demand, and current promotions. However, there are a few general tips to consider:

• Domestic tickets – Purchase 1-2 months in advance
• Regional flights – Buy 2-4 months before departure
• Long-haul international – Start checking prices 5-8 months ahead and book once you see a good deal.
• Holiday times – Buy as early as you can, ideally 4-6 months in advance.

Booking during shoulder seasons can yield great flight deals, especially if you book a couple of months ahead of time.

Tips for booking the cheapest flight ticket to Vietnam

Follow these tips to score low airfares on flights to Vietnam:

1. Be flexible with your travel dates: Check for flight prices on different dates and try to avoid peak seasons or weekends when tickets tend to be more expensive.

2. Compare prices on multiple websites: Use flight search engines like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Google Flights to compare prices across different airlines and travel agencies.

3. Sign up for fare alerts: Subscribe to newsletters or fare alert services to receive notifications about any special offers or discounts for flights to Vietnam.

4. Consider alternative airports: Look for flights to alternative airports near your intended destination in Vietnam. Sometimes, flying into a nearby city and taking a domestic flight or bus can be cheaper.

5. Book in advance: It is generally recommended to book your flight tickets well in advance, as prices tend to increase the closer it gets to the departure date. Book at least a month ahead of time, and even earlier for peak travel seasons. Last-minute tickets are almost always much pricier.

6. 2-way ticket or 2 one-way tickets? Sometimes 2 one-way tickets are cheaper than a round trip ticket if booked separately. Check both options.

7. Use incognito mode: When searching for flights, use the private or incognito mode on your browser. This can prevent airlines from tracking your search history and potentially raising prices the next time you search for the same route.

8. Fly on weekdays: Flying on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is often cheaper than flying on weekends as there is less demand.

9. Consider connecting flights: Sometimes, flights with layovers or connecting flights can be cheaper than direct flights. However, be mindful of the layover duration and ensure you have enough time to make your connection.

10. Avoid additional fees: Be mindful of additional fees such as baggage charges, seat selection fees, or in-flight meals. Compare the total cost, including potential additional fees, when comparing flight options.

11. Join frequent flyer programs: Consider joining the frequent flyer program of your preferred airline or alliances to earn points and redeem them for future discounted flights.

Remember to always double-check the terms and conditions, as well as any travel restrictions or requirements, before booking your flight.

International Airports in Vietnam

There are several international airports in Vietnam, including:

1. Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
2. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
3. Da Nang International Airport (Da Nang)
4. Cam Ranh International Airport (Nha Trang)
5. Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc Island)
6. Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
7. Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
8. Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
9. Lien Khuong International Airport (Dalat)
10. Van Don International Airport (Quang Ninh)

These airports serve as major gateways for both domestic and international flights, connecting Vietnam to various destinations around the world.

When searching for deals, check flight prices into all the airports to see which offers the lowest fare.

Which airlines operate flights to Vietnam?

Many global airlines and budget carriers offer flights into Vietnam. Which one has the best rates depends on your country of origin.

Flying to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

For flights into Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), search these airlines:

• Vietnam Airlines – The national carrier with an extensive international network
• VietJet Air – Vietnamese low-cost airline with great regional flight deals
• Bamboo Airways – Newer budget airline with expanding long-haul routes
• Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways – Major Asian international airlines
• AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar – Asian low-cost carriers

Flying from Europe to Vietnam

Look at these airlines for flights from Europe into Vietnam:

• Vietnam Airlines – Direct flights from Paris, Frankfurt, London
• Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates – One-stop routings via the Middle East
• Etihad Airways – Stopovers in Abu Dhabi
• KLM, Lufthansa – Routings via Amsterdam or Frankfurt
• Aeroflot – Flights with a stop in Moscow

Flying from United States & Canada to Vietnam

The top options for flights from North America include:

• Vietnam Airlines, United Airlines – Nonstop flights from several major US cities
• Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways – Routings via Hong Kong or Tokyo
• China Airlines, Eva Air – Stopovers in Taipei
• Philippine Airlines – Manila stopover

Flying from Australia & New Zeeland to Vietnam

Airlines with flights from Oceania to Vietnam:

• Vietnam Airlines – Direct flights from Sydney & Melbourne
• Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas – Routings via Hong Kong or Singapore
• Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei – Via Kuala Lumpur or Brunei

Flying from Asia to Vietnam

Cheap flights from other Asian regions:

• AirAsia, VietJet, Jetstar, Scoot – Budget flights between Southeast Asian countries
• Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines – Full-service regional flights
• Cathay Dragon, Hong Kong Airlines – Flights from Hong Kong
• Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines – Routings from the Philippines
• Air China, China Southern – Options from mainland China

Services and additional charges of Airlines

When comparing airfares, be sure to factor in baggage fees, seat selection charges, food costs and other services. Full-service airlines like Vietnam Airlines include more amenities than budget carriers in the base fare.

Also consider route maps and flight schedules. Direct flights are quicker but sometimes connecting flights on other airlines are much cheaper.

Extra: Getting to Vietnam from neighbor countries

If you are already traveling in Southeast Asia, you can cross into Vietnam by land from these neighboring countries:

From Cambodia

The easiest land crossings from Cambodia are:

• Moc Bai to Bavet – Bus or taxi from Phnom Penh
• Prek Chak to Xa Xia – Route from Sihanoukville & southern beaches
• Trapeang Plong to Vinh Xuong – Crossing in southern Vietnam

From China

Popular overland routes from China into Vietnam:

• Hekou to Lao Cai – Train crossing to northern Vietnam
• Mong Cai to Dongxing – Northern border, good for Halong Bay
• Youyiguan to Huu Nghi – Central route from Nanning

From Laos

Convenient Laos – Vietnam land border crossings:

• Cau Treo to Nam Phao – Central crossing near Vinh and Lak Sao
• Na Meo to Thanh Thuy – Northern route from Sam Neua
• Bo Y to Phou Keua – Remote western crossing

From Thailand

Overland to Vietnam through these Thai border points:

• Mukdahan to Savannakhet – East-central route via Lao Bao border gate
• Chong Mek to Vang Tao – Southern crossing, near Pakse
• Aranyaprathet to Poipet – Travel via Cambodia through this busy crossing

From Myanmar

There is currently only 1 crossing open from Myanmar into Vietnam at:

• Hteekhee to Lao Bao – Remote western border crossing

Overland travel provides an interesting alternative for moving between Vietnam and surrounding countries. Just be sure to arrange proper visas in advance!

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Finding affordable airfares to fly into Vietnam takes a bit of advance planning and comparison shopping. With some flexibility in dates and destinations, plus booking early, you can often score much cheaper flights even during busy tourist seasons. Following tips like choosing budget airlines, trying different airports and travel search sites, and considering overland transport can lead to big savings. With the right approach, you can discover great flight deals and enjoy an amazing Vietnam vacation without breaking the bank.