How to Get to and Travel Around Vietnam: Where to Fly Into

Vietnam is a popular destination, a blend of the mysterious culture of the East and the romantic influence of France. Furthermore, Vietnam borders Laos and Cambodia in the west and China in the north. When planning a trip to Vietnam, most travelers also include these beautiful nearby countries on their itineraries. Well, how to get to Vietnam and travel to other Asian countries in better ways? Find the answer below.

How to Get to Vietnam

Now Vietnam is an open country and has many international airlines, direct or transfer to other countries. There are three main international airports in Vietnam: HAN, SGN, and DAD. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City serve as the primary international main gateways in Vietnam.

• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi: best for a first-time visit from north to south, experience Vietnam's culture and traditions at a more relaxed pace.
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City: handles over 30 million passengers annually, the best place for an international flight from overseas to start your quick southern Vietnam tour.
• Danang International Airport (DAD), Danang: ideal for beach vacations and cultural experiences, a key gateway for tourists also looking for sightseeing in other Asian countries.

Fly to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

For most first-time visitors, Hanoi is the better gateway to a more authentic introduction to Vietnam, while Ho Chi Minh City is ideal if you prefer a faster-paced urban trip or are focusing on southern Vietnam, with quick access to downtown in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Hanoi (HAN) is ideal for:

• First-time visitors interested in Vietnam's history, culture, and local atmosphere
• Travelers looking for Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, or Sapa sightseeing
• Who prefers a classic north-to-south itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) is better for:

• Visitors planning for a quick, short Vietnam journey and looking for the widest choice of international flights to arrange a flexible schedule
• Couples and families with teens prefer a modern city with vibrant nightlife
• The Mekong Delta or Phu Quoc exploration
• Travelers looking for more affordable flight tickets

Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Which is Better

Hanoi Airport is generally calmer and easier to navigate, while Ho Chi Minh City Airport offers more international flights but can feel busier, especially during peak travel periods.

Category	Hanoi (HAN)	Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Size	Medium	The largest & biggest airport in Vietnam
Crowds	Less crowded	Busy at immigration and security
Distance to downtown	27 to 30 km (17 to 19 mi)	6 to 8 km (4 to 5 mi)
Transfer time	40 to 60 minutes	20 to 30 minutes

Where to Fly into Vietnam

From North America to Vietnam

At present, there is only one direct flight from North America to Vietnam. Offered by Vietnam Airlines and operating 4 times a week from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 15 hours and 40 minutes. Usually, Los Angeles to Hanoi flights take about 20 hours, including layovers.

However, when departure cities in Canada or the east coast of America, a one-stop flight transiting through China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Taipei), Japan (Tokyo), or South Korea (Seoul) would be the best option for flying to Vietnam. For example, try flying Toronto-Taipei-Ho Chi Minh City or New York-Hong Kong-Hanoi, and you will arrive in Vietnam after 20 to 22 hours.

Check out China Airlines, Emirates, Korean Airlines, China Southern, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Qatar Airlines, Jin Air, Asiana Airlines, etc for flight schedules.

How to Get to and Travel Around Vietnam?

From Europe to Vietnam

As a popular Asian tourist destination, European tourists can inquire with Vietnam Airlines and Air France, which will fly directly from London, Paris, and Frankfurt to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It takes about 11 to 13 hours for a whole journey, and if you are comparing each airline for schedules or fares, Turkish Airlines is also a common one-stop choice on Europe-Vietnam routes.

Check the table below for more direct flight details from Europe to Vietnam:

From Europe to Vietnam

As a popular Asian tourist destination, European tourists can inquire with Vietnam Airlines and Air France, which will fly directly from London, Paris, and Frankfurt to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. It takes about 11 to 13 hours for a whole journey.

Departure City	HAN	SGN	Main Company
London	11 to 12 hours	12 to 13 hours	Vietnam Airlines
Paris	11 hours	12 hours	Vietnam Airlines, Air France
Frankfurt	11 to 12 hours	12 to 13 hours	Vietnam Airlines
Munich	11 hours	-	Vietnam Airlines
Milan	11 hours	-	Vietnam Airlines
Copenhagen	-	12 hours	Vietnam Airlines
Amsterdam	11 hours	-	Vietnam Airlines

From Australia to Vietnam

When starting from Australia, there are more direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City, with scheduled direct flights to Hanoi.

You can take nonstop flights to HAN and SGN from Sydney or Melbourne with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Jetstar, while from Brisbane and Perth, direct flights are available to Ho Chi Minh City only. The whole journey will take about 9 to 10 hours.

You can have a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong for non-direct flights. Generally, you may get a cheaper ticket with AirAsia, Scoot, or Jetstar, but do be aware that your luggage may not be included in the price quoted.

Tips: If you can't get a favorable price for direct flights, a connecting flight transferring at Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, or Singapore may be much cheaper. It is advisable to leave no less than 3 hours for catching your connecting flight in case your first carrier is delayed.

Other Asian Destinations to Vietnam

You can find many direct flights from other Asian countries to Vietnam, such as Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, through Vietnam Airlines, Scoot, AirAsia, VietJet, and Jetstar, making it easy to enter Vietnam by air from neighbouring countries as well.

Apart from flying, you can get to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City through land borders with Cambodia, Laos, and China, though some travelers may prefer these overland routes while others compare them with available flight options for faster regional access. You can take a bus from Vientiane (Laos) to Hanoi, or the thrice-weekly train from China along the Nanning-Hanoi route. There are two main train crossings, Dong Dang (160 km from Hanoi) and Lao Cai (near Sapa).

How to Travel Around Vietnam

Vietnam is a long, narrow country, so air travel is often the most efficient option when transferring from north to south, as it is the fastest way and leaves more time for sightseeing. Popular domestic flights include Hanoi ↔ Da Nang ↔ Ho Chi Minh City.

If you are not in a hurry, the overnight train connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is also recommended. Taking advantage of the comfortable sleeper cabins, while enjoying scenic coastal views between Hue and Da Nang.

For a long-distance trip to some remote destinations like Sapa or the Mekong Delta, a sleeper bus is a widely used option. Or consider a Vietnam tour with Odynovo, and let your private driver and guide handle the comfortable driving tour, with a smoother and more flexible experience during the long journey.

The ancient town of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City District are highly walkable, with many attractions, cafés, and restaurants close together for your relaxing stroll.

While in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, local transport from Grab to taxi is very convenient. For those who want to try local transportation, you can try a cyclo, xe ôm (motorcycle taxi), bike, or motorcycle for a half-day tour. Or still with Odynovo, take advantage of the door-to-door convenience by air-conditioned vehicles.

Ho Chi Minh City

More Tips about Getting to Vietnam

For Flight Booking

• It is recommended to book your flights to Vietnam at least 4 weeks in advance to improve your chances of getting the cheapest flights and better airline tickets.
• December to March and June to August are the high season in Vietnam, when flight prices and overall prices can quickly rise. For cheaper options, book early or consider a shoulder-season journey in September.
• Flying on weekdays is often cheaper than on weekends.
• It also helps to stay flexible with your travel dates and departure day, as even small changes can open up a better fare.

For Visa & Passport

• Check the visa requirements before your journey. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens need a visa to enter Vietnam. While most European countries can now visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.
• Vietnam's official e-Visa is available online, is valid for up to 90 days, and can be issued for single or multiple entry.
• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months, and please ensure 2 blank pages for the stamps.
• Visa on Arrival is also available at international airports, while not as recommended as the e-visa.

Travel Around Vietnam With Odynovo

You'll find it's easy to reach Vietnam and travel around the country through an ever-improving network of transportation services and international flights. If you have any questions about the flights, transportation, or Vietnam tours, feel free to contact our travel specialists. Alternatively, let us customize a Vietnam tour for you, and you will get a perfect and free itinerary within 24 hours.