Flying Directly to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines | The Best Choice to Save Time & Money

If you wonder whether you can fly directly to Vietnam from the U.S., the answer is yes! You can fly directly from the U.S. to Vietnam on a particular flight route from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City.

As of August 2023, Vietnam Airlines is the only airline operating direct flights from the U.S. to Vietnam. Flight time from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City is about 15 hours, much shorter than the over-19-hour connecting flights.

By operating direct flights to Vietnam from San Francisco, Vietnam Airlines offers seamless travel experiences for passengers.

Click here to find information in detail about Vietnam Airlines flight schedule.

1. Direct Flights from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City in Detail

Vietnam Airlines currently offers one direct flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City per day every Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The average flight time of these flights is approximately 15 hours. It helps passengers save more time than connecting flights with 1 stop or 2 stops.

The one-way fare for direct flights from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City starts from USD 600. It is a great deal, especially considering the short flight time. 

Flying directly to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines saves you time, money, and energy. Please visit the Vietnam Airlines website, mobile app, or official Vietnam Airlines ticket agents to find detailed flight schedules and airfares.

The table below shows information about one estimated flight schedule for this route. 

Days of the week	Departure time	Arrival time	Total Duration	Fare
Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday	6:00 PM	6:00 PM  (two days later)	15 hours	From USD 619.20

Note: Fares are subject to change at any time due to seasonal demand, fuel prices, operational costs, and economic conditions. Please visit the Vietnam Airlines website or Vietnam Airlines mobile app to find real-time flight prices.

Vietnam Airlines offers all passengers the best services that gain 4-star ratings by Skytrax. Fly with us, passengers can check in for flights online up to 24 hours before departure to save more time and money. 

Besides, passengers will receive a free tasty meal and drink. Blankets and pillows are also available during the flights. And there are many more services from Vietnam Airlines to give you a comfortable air travel experience. 

So let’s take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Vietnam on the first and only direct flights from the U.S., now departing from San Francisco.

Book your direct flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City today to start your wonderful journey in Vietnam

2. Tips for Having a Comfortable Long-Haul Flight 

The direct flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City is a great way to save time, but being well-prepared for a long journey on the air is important. You can improve your long flight by using the following tips:

Wear comfortable clothes: Dress comfortably and practically for long-haul flights. Bring a change of clothes. If you want to be extra practical, consider packing a pair of special flight pants.

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water on airplanes to avoid dehydration. It is recommended to drink 8 ounces per hour while you are on the plane. Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks, as these can dehydrate you.

Take care of your skin: The dry air on airplanes can make your skin dry and irritated. Hydrate your skin on long-haul flights with a face mask or moisturizer. Use scentless products to avoid irritating others.

Prepare for jet lag: Traveling to a different time zone can cause your body's natural sleep-wake cycle to get out of sync. Align your sleep schedule with the new time zone before and after your flight to avoid jet lag. If traveling east, stay awake. If traveling west, sleep early.

Above are some tips for individuals during a long air trip. If you travel with elders or children, it is crucial to prioritize their comfort by taking advantage of airlines’ services. 

Vietnam Airlines offers customized support, such as priority boarding, wheelchairs, and dedicated flight attendants. 

We also offer Sky Sofa, a service that provides comfort and private space for all passengers, including children and seniors. Sky Sofa is a service package including two open seats. So older passengers can stretch out and relax. It is perfect for families with young children as it provides a safe and secure space for them to play and sleep.

Let’s fly with Vietnam Airlines and enjoy a more comfortable and spacious flight experience with Sky Sofa!

Enjoy a more relaxing flight with Sky Sofa service from Vietnam Airlines

3. FAQs

Is there a non-stop flight from LAX to Vietnam?

There is no non-stop flight from LAX to Vietnam so far; only connecting flights are available. The average flight time is from 19 hours to 30 hours or more.

How long does it take to fly from the U.S. to Vietnam?

There is no exact answer to this question because of the difference in distance from the East Coast and the West Coast of the U.S. to Vietnam. 

For example, from Washington D.C. on the East Coast to Ho Chi Minh City, the distance is about 9,000 miles (14,500km), while the distance from San Francisco on the West Coast to that city is 7,800 miles (12,600km). 

The direct flights departing from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City will only take about 16 hours 20 minutes. For other connecting flights, the flight time is from 19 hours to 30 hours, depending on the airline.

Do you need a visa for Vietnam from the U.S.? 

Americans do need a visa to travel to Vietnam. You can apply for a visa in advance at the Vietnam Embassy in the U.S. or get a visa on arrival at any of the international airports in Vietnam, provided that you have a pre-approved visa letter. It is better to process your visa before your journey starts.

Is Vietnam still cheap to travel to?

Yes. Vietnam is a cheap country to travel to, especially when compared to Western countries. The average daily budget for a backpacker in Vietnam is around USD 40 - 50 per day, which can cover accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. However, it is possible to travel even cheaper if you are willing to stay in hostels, eat street food, and use public transportation.

Of course, your actual costs will vary depending on your travel style and budget. But overall, Vietnam is a very affordable country to visit, and you can have a great time without spending much money.

With Vietnam Airlines’ new direct flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly directly from the U.S. to Vietnam within a much shorter time than ever at a better price. You can save money on your flight and spend more on traveling and experiencing Vietnam's beautiful culture and attractions.

Book your direct flight from the US to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines today and start your adventure!