Domestic Flights in Vietnam: Airlines, Routes, Baggage, and Booking Tips
Vietnam is long and narrow — around 1,650 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City by air and much further by road — so domestic flights are often the smartest way to cover big distances on a short trip. Fares are low, flights are frequent, and most major tourist destinations have an airport within an hour of the center. Here's how to choose an airline, book well, and avoid the common pitfalls.
Vietnam's Domestic Airlines
Vietnam Airlines
The national carrier and a full-service airline. Fares usually include checked baggage, seat selection, and a snack or meal. It has the widest network and the best on-time record, and it's a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Choose it when reliability matters — for example, when connecting to an international flight.
VietJet Air
Vietnam's largest low-cost carrier, with a huge network and very cheap base fares. Checked bags, seat selection, and meals cost extra. VietJet is known for frequent schedule changes and delays, so avoid tight connections.
Bamboo Airways
A hybrid carrier that sits between full-service and budget. Its network shrank significantly after financial difficulties, so check current routes before planning around it.
Vietravel Airlines and Sun PhuQuoc Airways
Smaller carriers serving popular leisure routes. Vietravel Airlines operates a handful of trunk routes, while Sun PhuQuoc Airways, launched in 2025, focuses on flights to and from Phu Quoc island.
The Most Useful Domestic Routes
| Route | Flight time | Why fly |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City | ~2 hours 10 min | Saves 30+ hours by train |
| Hanoi – Da Nang (for Hoi An) | ~1 hour 20 min | Gateway to central Vietnam |
| Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang | ~1 hour 20 min | Central coast connection |
| Hanoi / HCMC – Phu Quoc | ~1–2 hours | Island beaches |
| Hanoi – Dong Hoi | ~1 hour 30 min | For Phong Nha caves |
| HCMC – Da Lat | ~55 min | Highland escape |
| HCMC – Con Dao | ~55 min | Remote islands |
| Hanoi / HCMC – Hue | ~1–1.5 hours | Imperial city |
| Hanoi / HCMC – Nha Trang (Cam Ranh) | ~1–1.5 hours | Beach resort |
How Much Do Domestic Flights Cost?
Booked a few weeks ahead, one-way fares on trunk routes are often US$30–80 on low-cost carriers and US$60–130 on Vietnam Airlines. Prices rise sharply around Tet (Lunar New Year), the 30 April–1 May holiday, and the summer school break (June–August), when Vietnamese families travel. During Tet, flights can sell out weeks in advance — see our Tet holiday guide.
Baggage Rules
- Vietnam Airlines: Economy fares usually include 23 kg checked baggage (check your fare type) plus 10–12 kg carry-on.
- VietJet: The cheapest fares include only 7 kg carry-on. Add checked baggage online in advance — it's much more expensive at the airport.
- Carry-on weights are enforced, particularly on budget carriers. Your bag may be weighed at check-in or the gate.
Booking Tips
- Book directly on the airline's website or app for easier changes and refunds, or use a reputable aggregator to compare fares.
- Add bags at booking, not at the airport.
- Avoid same-day connections to international flights on separate tickets; leave a buffer of at least 4–5 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Check the terminal. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have separate domestic and international terminals. In Ho Chi Minh City, many domestic flights now use the newer Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat, while others still use Terminal 1 — check your booking.
- Use online check-in to save time, but you'll still need to drop bags at the counter.
At the Airport
Arrive 1.5–2 hours before domestic departures. Security is similar to international standards: liquids rules are applied, power banks must go in carry-on, and there are limits on power bank capacity. Bring your physical passport — foreign travelers must show it for domestic flights. Our airport arrival guide covers getting to and from the main airports.
Flying vs Train vs Bus
Flying wins for long distances: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes about two hours by plane versus 30–35 hours by train. For shorter hops, though, ground transport can be more enjoyable and nearly as fast once you add airport time — the Reunification Express train between Hue and Da Nang over the Hai Van Pass, for example, is a scenic trip in its own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best domestic airline in Vietnam?
For reliability and included baggage, Vietnam Airlines. For the lowest prices, VietJet — just add bags in advance and allow buffer time for delays.
Do I need my passport for domestic flights in Vietnam?
Yes. Foreign nationals must present their passport (and, if applicable, a valid visa) at check-in and boarding.
How early should I book domestic flights?
Two to four weeks ahead usually gets good fares. Book much earlier for Tet and major holidays.
Are domestic flights in Vietnam often delayed?
Delays are fairly common, especially on low-cost carriers and during the rainy season. Build flexibility into your itinerary.
With a bit of planning, domestic flights make it possible to see the north, centre, and south of Vietnam in a single two-week trip.
Information notice: Prices, opening hours, and travel conditions can change. Content on EnViet is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most current situation. Please verify important details with official or local sources before travelling or booking.
EnViet Editorial Team
The EnViet Editorial Team creates practical Vietnam travel and food guides using local knowledge, public sources, and manual editorial review. Content is reviewed before publication and updated periodically.
