How to Get Cheap Flights to Vietnam: 7 Tips for Affordable Air Travel

The distance between Vietnam and the U.S. is approximately 14,853 kilometers (725.5 miles); therefore, airfare prices tend to be relatively higher, averaging from USD 500 - 900. So, how to get cheap flights to Vietnam from the U.S.? Let’s explore this in the following blog!

7 Tips for Getting Cheaper Flights from the U.S. to Vietnam

Below are 7 tips to assist you in purchasing air tickets from the U.S. to Vietnam at more competitive prices:

Choose a Reasonable Time for Your Travel

Opting for your travel during the country’s off-season proves wise for U.S. travelers, with cost-effective options and lower fares. You should not secure tickets during the peak summer (June - August) or major holidays (International Labor Day, National Day).

Furthermore, considering flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays is advisable, as ticket prices tend to be lower compared to weekends. With this tip, you could save between 5 - 10% on the ticket price for your trip to Vietnam.

Besides, depending on your destination in Vietnam, you can choose a reasonable time for your trip. For instance:

Northern Vietnam: The Northern region experiences four seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Among these, Summer is quite hot with sunny weather, suitable for beach trips, for example to Ha Long or Thanh Hoa. The most beautiful season here is Fall (from August to October), you can visit Hanoi, Ha Giang, or Mai Chau.
Central Vietnam: Consider the dry season from February to May to avoid typhoons or deluges. You can visit a few amazing places like Da Nang (Ba Na Hill), Quang Nam (Hoi An), Hue.
Southern Vietnam: The best time to visit here is from October to April, as there is relatively less heavy rainfall and the average temperature is around 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F). Some suggested destinations are Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc.

Lastly, it’s important to closely monitor the weather under different conditions in both the U.S. and Vietnam when selecting the optimal time for your travel. This will help ensure that you choose a time when there isn't a significant temperature difference between the two locations.

Book in Advance

You should book your flight tickets early, preferably within 5 - 6 months or at least 45 days before your departure. This will provide you with a broader range of options concerning travel dates, flight times, and seating classes. Moreover, reserving tickets in advance enables you to avail yourself of more airline benefits, potentially saving 10 - 15% on ticket prices.

Activate Fare Alerts

It’s recommended to activate fare alerts from the airline in order to monitor and receive notifications about customer-specific promotions such as flash sales or exclusive discounts, allowing you to promptly make reservations and save 10 - 20% off the original ticket price.

Additionally, staying connected with Vietnam Airlines through social media platforms can also prove beneficial in this regard:

Be Willing to Transit Flights

You may be open to the idea of choosing flights with layovers when traveling from the U.S. to Vietnam. While direct flights from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh operated solely by Vietnam Airlines might seem convenient, transit flights with other destinations could offer you significant cost savings of about 20 - 30% fares.

However, be aware of the transit visa requirements and regulations for each country you pass through, as they may vary depending on your nationality and duration of stay.

Consider Round-Way Tickets

Depending on your itinerary and airline, booking a round-way ticket from the U.S. to Vietnam and back might be cheaper than booking two one-way tickets separately.

This is especially true if you fly with the exact airline or alliance for both legs of your trip, as they may offer discounts or perks for loyal customers. However, this may not always be the case, so it’s worth comparing both options before booking.

Considering round-trip tickets is another cautious approach when seeking cheaper flights from the U.S. to Vietnam. Round-trip fares often come with discounts compared to purchasing one-way tickets separately, typically around 5 - 10% off the fare.

Reduce Your Load to Avoid Baggage Fees

Minimizing your luggage to avoid baggage fees is a brilliant tip to secure more economical flights from the U.S. to Vietnam. Most airlines charge additional fees for checked baggage, and these costs can add up quickly.

In addition, if you have too much luggage to carry, you should consider purchasing prepaid baggage to prepare for your flight without worrying about exceeding weight limits. Buying prepaid baggage also helps passengers save up to 30% on costs compared to purchasing luggage at the airport, you can find more information here.

Be Prepared for Red-Eye Flights

Red-eye flights are those that depart late at night and arrive in the early morning. While they might not be the most convenient in terms of timing, they often come with lower prices due to their less desirable schedule. Keep in mind that this option might be particularly suitable for those seeking to optimize their budget while embarking on an adventure to Vietnam.

Plan ahead and pack a few essentials to improve your comfort and sleep quality to make the best of a red-eye flight. These include an eye mask, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, a travel pillow and blanket, a water bottle, snacks, and entertainment options like books or podcasts.

You can also adjust your sleep schedule before your trip to match your destination’s time zone, avoid caffeine and alcohol before and during your flight, and stay hydrated.

Suggested Tips: Traveling on a Budget in Vietnam

Vietnam is an ideal choice for budget travelers, as it provides excellent value for your money across accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. To enhance your travel experience in Vietnam, consider these tips:

Means of transportation: You should consider renting a motorbike if you already have a valid driving license (International driver’s licenses must undergo a procedure to convert to the equivalent Vietnamese driver’s license) and want to explore various different locations in Vietnam. On the other hand, taxis can also be an ideal option for nearby areas, although the prices can be relatively expensive.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses: Vietnam has a wide range of cheap accommodation options for backpackers and budget travelers, from dorm beds to private rooms with ensuite bathrooms. You can also use booking and official hotel sites to compare prices and reviews and book in advance to secure your spot, typically ranging from USD 35 to 64 per day.
Learn to bargain: Bargaining is a common practice in local markets and shops in Vietnam, helping you to save money. You can seek reputable tour operators or businesses to guide you in purchasing items at reasonable prices without being overcharged.
Look for free or cheap attractions and activities: Vietnam has plenty of attractions and activities that are free or low-cost, such as visiting temples, pagodas, museums, markets, parks, and beaches. You can also join free walking tours or cultural shows in some cities or take advantage of discounts or promotions for students or seniors.

Above are 7 tips to get cheap flights to Vietnam from the U.S. and a few tips to help you save costs while traveling in Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines is a top-notch option for budget travelers because we offer a wide range of destinations both within Vietnam and internationally, providing you with numerous travel options. One of the key advantages of selecting Vietnam Airlines is the wealth of experience that comes with being the national flag carrier. This experience translates into a seamless and enjoyable journey where your comfort and satisfaction are paramount.

Allow Vietnam Airlines to be your companion on the journey from the U.S. to our homeland!