Stretching from the mountainous north near China to the tropical beaches bordering the South China Sea, Vietnam has something for everyone! From lively cities to sandy beaches, it's a vast country (over 1,650 kilometres in length) with plenty to discover.
Buses and trains are great for seeing the sights along the way, but they can take a while. If you're short on time, flying domestically in Vietnam is a quicker and easier way to get between all the sights that the country has to offer.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about domestic flights in Vietnam. We'll explore the advantages of flying, compare airlines like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, and detail baggage allowances for each. Plus, we'll give you a rundown of Vietnam's major airports to make navigating arrival and departure a breeze.
To search for domestic flights within Vietnam, simply use our search form at the top of the page.
Flying is by far the fastest way to travel between cities in Vietnam. With flights taking just a couple of hours for most routes, you can cover large distances quickly. For instance, a direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, whereas driving the same route can take 27 hours!
Compared to other options like trains or buses, domestic Vietnamese flights offer a more comfortable and convenient experience. You can expect air conditioning, assigned seating, and potentially even in-flight meals depending on the airline. Trust us, flying within Vietnam is much more pleasant than taking the train or bus!
While generally the most expensive option, domestic flights in Vietnam can often be surprisingly affordable, especially with budget airlines (such as VietJet Air). Depending on the route, promotions, and time of year, flights might even be cheaper than train tickets.
Choosing a domestic airline in Vietnam depends on your needs. Some airlines offer full-service amenities, while others focus on budget-friendly travel. Let’s take a look at each in detail.
Vietnam Airlines, founded in 1956, is Vietnam's national carrier. It operates domestic flights within Vietnam and international flights to Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The airline has hubs in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, flies to 66 destinations across 20 countries, and has a modern fleet of aircraft.
Domestic destinations: Buon Ma Thuot, Cà Mau, Can Tho, Chu Lai, Con Dao, Da Lat, Da Nang, Dien Bien, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Ha Long, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Rach Gia, Thanh Hóa, Tuy Hòa, Vinh, & Vung Tau.
The baggage policy with Vietnam Airlines depends on your fare type:
VietJet Air is a low-cost airline based in Hanoi, Vietnam. Launched as the country's first private airline, they fly to 17 cities within Vietnam and 25 destinations abroad from major hubs like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Their fleet consists of Airbus A320 and A321 planes, and they add more international locations with seasonal flights during peak travel times.
Domestic destinations: Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Chu Lai, Da Lat, Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ha Long, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Thanh Hóa, Tuy Hòa, & Vinh.
VietJet Air’s baggage policy is as follows:
Newer to the scene, Bamboo Airways (founded 2017) is another Vietnamese airline. This carrier focuses on modern planes, using Airbus A320s for its fleet. Bamboo flies to 27 destinations, including domestic routes and a handful of international charter flights. Their hubs are in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with plans to grow their reach in the future.
Domestic destinations: Da Lat, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Thanh Hóa, & Vinh.
Here’s the baggage allowance when flying Bamboo Airlines:
Pacific Airlines is a budget-friendly airline based in Vietnam. They predominantly operate domestic flights within Vietnam and short routes within East Asia. In 2020, they rebranded from Jetstar Pacific Airlines to Pacific Airlines. They are part of the Vietnam Airlines group and their frequent flyer program is Lotusmiles.
Domestic destinations: Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, Da Lat, Dong Hoi, Hai Phong, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Quy Nhon, Thanh Hóa, Tuy Hòa, & Vinh.
Pacific Airlines has a strict baggage policy:
Vietravel Airlines is a fairly new airline in Vietnam, founded in 2019. They started commercial flights in late 2020. Currently, they focus on domestic routes with a hub in Da Nang. They also offer some charter flights to nearby countries. The airline is still expanding, and they plan to include more international destinations in the future. Their fleet is small right now, with only 3 Airbus A321 aircraft.
Domestic destinations: Da Lat, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, & Quy Nhon.
Here’s a breakdown of Vietravel Airlines’ baggage allowance for domestic flights:
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam, serving Ho Chi Minh City. It's a major international hub with flights to destinations worldwide. The airport operates out of two terminals, domestic and international, and handles over 40 million passengers annually.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is the second busiest airport in Vietnam, serving Hanoi, the capital city. It's a major hub for several airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. The airport consists of two terminals: Terminal 1 handles domestic flights, and Terminal 2 handles international flights.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is a major airport in Vietnam located near Da Nang city. It's the third busiest airport in the country, after those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, Da Nang International Terminal was the first and only terminal in Vietnam to be awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax.
Heading to Nha Trang? You’ll likely fly through Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR). This hub is just 30 kilometres away from the centre of Nha Trang. As Vietnam's fourth busiest airport, CXR offers frequent connections from major cities in Asia.
It couldn’t be easier to book domestic Vietnam flights with Alternative Airlines. We offer 40+ payment methods, including the Vietnamese Dong.
You can also pay using cryptocurrencies, or choose Buy Now, Pay Later plans to spread the cost of your flights.
Use our search form at the top of the page and start your search for flights to Vietnam.
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Domestic flights in Vietnam are generally reliable. While occasional delays can happen, especially during peak travel times, we've found that with a little flexibility and planning, Vietnamese airlines can get you where you need to go on-time.
Yes, flying within Vietnam is considered safe. The country's airlines have a good safety record and adhere to international aviation safety standards. Vietnam Airlines, the national airline, is considered the most reliable and safest option for domestic flights within Vietnam.
We’d say that Vietnam Airlines is the best airline to fly within Vietnam. They consistently rank highly for safety, service, and on-time performance. While other airlines may offer lower fares, Vietnam Airlines offers a reliable and comfortable travel experience.
In most cases, you won't need a visa for domestic flights within Vietnam. As long as you have a valid visa for entering Vietnam in the first place, you're good to fly around internally. However, transit visa rules can change. We recommend double checking with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate before your trip for the latest information.
