Planning a trip to Vietnam can be exciting and daunting, especially when budgeting for airfare. As one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations, Vietnam attracts travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. However, finding the most affordable time to fly can significantly affect your travel expenses.
Understanding the various factors that influence flight prices, such as seasonality, holidays, and booking strategies, can help you make informed decisions and secure the best deals. In this guide, we’ll explore the key elements to consider when looking for the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam.
When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Vietnam in 2024?
Generally, the cheapest time to fly to Vietnam is during the shoulder seasons and low seasons:
- Shoulder Seasons (late April – early May, late October – early November): These shoulder months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower flight prices compared to peak season.
- Low Season (May – September): This is the wet season in Vietnam, with frequent rain showers. However, it’s also the cheapest time to fly to the country. While some outdoor activities may be hampered by the rain, you can still score great deals on flights and hotels during this time.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Vietnam with Average Prices
Here are 9 of the cheapest airlines that fly to Vietnam, along with their average prices:
- VietJet Air (VJ): This budget airline is a great option for finding cheap flights to Vietnam. They offer a variety of domestic and international destinations within Vietnam. Average price range:
- Peach Aviation (AP): Another budget airline, Peach Aviation, is a subsidiary of Japan Airlines and offers low-cost flights to Vietnam from several Asian cities. Average price range: $100 – $300
- Bamboo Airways (QH): This relatively new airline offers competitive prices on flights to Vietnam from various destinations. Average price range: $200 – $500
- Philippines AirAsia (PQ): Part of the AirAsia Group, Philippines AirAsia offers budget-friendly flights to Vietnam from the Philippines. Average price range: $180 – $450
- Jetstar Pacific (PZ): This Vietnamese low-cost airline is a subsidiary of Jetstar and offers flights within Vietnam and to some international destinations. Average price range: $120 – $350
- Thai Lion Air (SL): A subsidiary of Lion Air, Thai Lion Air offers no-frills flights to Vietnam from Thailand and other destinations in Southeast Asia. Average price range: $150 – $400
- Malaysia Airlines (MH): Malaysia Airlines is Malaysia’s national carrier. Malaysia Airlines offers budget-friendly options on some routes to Vietnam, particularly when flying during promotions. Average price range: $250 – $600
- Cebu Pacific Air (5J): A low-cost airline in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air offers affordable flights to Vietnam from the Philippines. Average price range: $180 – $420
- Singapore Airlines (SQ): Singapore Airlines is Singapore’s national carrier and is generally not considered a budget airline. However, they can sometimes offer competitive prices on flights to Vietnam, especially during sales or promotions. Average price range: $300 – $700
Pros & Cons of Flying to Vietnam During the Cheapest Time
Pros of Flying to Vietnam During the Cheapest Time
- Cost Savings: The biggest advantage is significant savings on flights and potential accommodation. You can stretch your travel budget further and experience more of Vietnam.
- Fewer Crowds: Popular tourist destinations can feel less crowded during the off-season. This can lead to a more relaxed and intimate experience, with shorter wait times at attractions.
- Unique Events: Some festivals and cultural events might occur during the shoulder seasons, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese traditions you might miss during peak season.
Cons of Flying to Vietnam During the Cheapest Time
- Weather: This is the main drawback. The cheapest times to fly often coincide with the rainy season (May – September). Heavy downpours and potential flooding in some areas can disrupt outdoor activities and sightseeing.
- Limited Service: Some tourist attractions, restaurants, and tours may have limited hours or availability during the off-season, restricting your options for activities and dining.
- Unpredictable Conditions: Shoulder seasons can be unpredictable weather-wise. While not as rainy as peak monsoon months, you might encounter occasional showers or unpredictable weather patterns.
Additional Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Vietnam
- Consider Alternative Airports: Major international airports like Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City tend to be more expensive. Look for flights into smaller airports closer to your final destination, especially if you’re flexible with your arrival location.
- Be Open to Layovers: Direct flights are often more expensive. Consider flights with layovers, especially if the layover is short and in a destination, you wouldn’t mind exploring for a few hours.
- Clear Your Browsing Data: Websites sometimes track your searches and inflate prices after you’ve shown interest in a particular route. Clear your browsing data and cookies or use incognito/private browsing mode to avoid potential price hikes.
- Consider Weekend Getaways: Flights to Vietnam might be cheaper for shorter trips, particularly mid-week flights departing Tuesday or Wednesday and returning Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Search for Error Fares: Occasionally, airlines publish fares with mistakes that lead to incredibly low prices. Websites like Secret Flying or Errorfare Search can help you find these deals, but be prepared to act quickly as they get snapped up fast.
- Utilize Flight Deal Alerts: Many flight search engines and travel websites offer fare alert options. Set up alerts for your desired route and receive notifications when prices drop. This way, you can jump on deals as soon as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's generally recommended to book your flight to Vietnam 2-3 months in advance. This timeframe usually offers a good balance between availability and price.
Yes, flights to Vietnam are often cheaper on weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoiding weekend travel can result in significant savings.
Yes, flight prices can vary depending on the departure and arrival airports. Major airports like Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) often have more competitive prices due to higher traffic.
Absolutely. Using flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak can help you compare prices across different airlines and find the best deals for your trip to Vietnam.
