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Book Domestic Flights in Vietnam

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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Book domestic flights in Vietnam

Vietnam stretches more than 1,600 kilometres from north to south. Buses and trains - while great for seeing sights along the way - can be slow, especially if you’re short on time or moving between major cities.

Domestic flights are a quicker, easier, and often more practical way to get around. Flying around Vietnam can cut journeys that take a full day by road down to a couple of hours.

This guide explains how domestic flights in Vietnam work, when flying makes sense, which airlines operate the key routes, and what to expect at Vietnam’s main airports.

To search for domestic flights within Vietnam, simply use our search form at the top of the page or press the button below 👇

Discover popular domestic flights around Vietnam

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Lady wearing traditional Vietnamese hat in Hoi An

Why book domestic flights in Vietnam?

Speed

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!

Convenience

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!

Cost

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. 

A person in an airport wearing a backpack and holding hand luggage

When to take a domestic flight in Vietnam

Flying isn’t always the best option, but it can be a big time-saver on longer routes.

Domestic flights are especially helpful if you’re an international traveller with limited time and want to cover more of the Vietnam efficiently.

Good routes to fly

  • Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh City (around 1 hour 45 minutes by air)
  • Hanoi ↔ Da Nang (around 1 hour 20 minutes by air)
  • Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Da Nang (around 1 hour 45 minutes by air)
  • Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Phu Quoc (around 1 hour 10 minutes by air)
  • Hanoi ↔ Nha Trang (Cam Ranh) (around 1 hour 45 minutes by air)
  • Da Nang ↔ Phu Quoc (around 1 hour 50 minutes by air)
  • Hanoi ↔ Hue (around 1 hour 15 minutes by air)

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A Vietnam Airlines plane with blue and yellow on it taking off

Airlines flying domestically in Vietnam

Vietnam has a mix of full-service and low-cost airlines. The right choice depends on your budget, baggage needs, and schedule.

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier and operates the most domestic flights. It suits travellers who want baggage included and more flexible tickets.

  • Carry-on: usually up to 10kg
  • Checked baggage: included on most economy fares (except basic economy) - see Vietnam Airlines official baggage guide for more information.
  • Best for: longer routes and connecting itineraries ⭐

VietJet Air

VietJet Air focuses on low fares, with baggage sold separately on most tickets.

  • Carry-on: 7kg-10kg depending on fare
  • Checked baggage: not included on basic fares - see Vietjet Air's official baggage guide to find out more.
  • Best for: short flights if you’re travelling light ⭐
Plane taking off

Bamboo Airways

Bamboo Airways sits between full-service and low-cost airlines.

Pacific Airlines

Pacific Airlines is part of the Vietnam Airlines group and flies domestic routes with a low-cost model.

  • Carry-on: 7kg
  • Checked baggage: not included
  • Best for: budget-focused travel within Vietnam

Vietravel Airlines

A smaller airline with a limited domestic network, mainly operating from Da Nang.

Airports for domestic flights in Vietnam

Vietnam’s main airports connect the country’s top cities and domestic routes. Here’s where you’ll likely fly into when travelling domestically in Vietnam.

Airport Location & Overview Notes / Tips
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s busiest airport, serving both domestic and international flights with two separate terminals. Expect long security queues during peak times. Arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Hanoi – One terminal for domestic flights and one for international services. Hub for Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Plan extra time at check-in during holidays or weekends. Domestic terminal is generally busy in the morning.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) Da Nang – Main gateway for central Vietnam. Compact and generally quicker to navigate than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City airports. Good choice for travellers heading to Hoi An or central Vietnam resorts. Peak times see moderate queues.
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) Nha Trang – About 30 km from the city centre, serving domestic and regional flights. Taxi or shuttle is needed to reach Nha Trang. Domestic flights are generally smooth and on time.
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) Phu Quoc Island – Main gateway for the island, serving both domestic flights from major cities and limited international flights. Arrive early during peak holiday periods. Taxi or shuttle required to reach resorts on the island.
Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) Hue – Serves central Vietnam including the city of Hue and surrounding tourist areas. Small airport; domestic flights are straightforward. Limited lounges, so plan accordingly for connections.
A map of Vietnam with a small golden toy plane on top of the map

Top tips for domestic flights in Vietnam

Book as early as possible

Although domestic flights in Vietnam can be affordable in general, you can save even more money by booking as early as possible. Popular routes will fill up and sell out quickly!

Check baggage policies

Many low-cost airlines in Vietnam will charge extra for checked baggage. Make sure you check the baggage allowances for the airline you're flying with and consider pre-purchasing additional baggage to avoid extra fees at the airport.

Arrive early at the airport

Vietnam's airports can get very busy, especially during peak times. We recommend arriving 1.5-2 hours before departure for domestic Vietnam flights so you have enough time to check in and clear security.

Use local airlines

Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer many frequent domestic flights. You can compare their routes, services and prices when you search through Alternative Airlines.

Search & book flights within Vietnam

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.

Domestic Flights Vietnam FAQs

How reliable are domestic flights in Vietnam?

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. For extra peace of mind, check out the Travel Protection offered at Alternative Airlines.

Is it safe to fly within Vietnam?

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.

What is the best airline to fly 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.

Do I need a visa for domestic flights in Vietnam?

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.

Can international travellers book domestic flights in Vietnam?

Yes. International travellers can book and take domestic flights within Vietnam. You’ll need your passport, and in some cases your visa may be checked at the airport, especially if you’re flying from a terminal that also handles international departures.

How early should I arrive for a domestic flight in Vietnam?

For domestic flights in Vietnam, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure. Airports can be busy, especially during holidays and peak travel periods.

Are domestic flights in Vietnam expensive?

Domestic flights in Vietnam are generally affordable, especially on budget airlines. Prices differ by route, season and how early you book. Flying can sometimes be cheaper than trains on longer routes.

Can I book flights and pay later in Vietnam?

Yes. On Alternative Airlines, you can use Buy Now, Pay Later options to pay for domestic Vietnam flights. Availability depends on your country of residence and the selected payment provider.