Direct flights to Vietnam from the U.S. are still limited and not widely offered by most airlines. So, is it possible to fly directly to Vietnam without any connecting or transit flight with one or two layovers? Let’s find out in this article.

Flight Directly from the U.S. to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines achieved a significant milestone on 28 November 2021, as it became the sole airline in Vietnam authorized to provide affordable direct flights from the U.S. to Vietnam. The only direct flight from the U.S. to Vietnam provided by Vietnam Airlines is the flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City.

Here are the flight specifics for San Francisco - Ho Chi Minh City route:

Flight route: San Francisco (The U.S.) to Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Departure airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Arrival airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Flight distance: 13,000km (8,000 miles)
Duration: About 15 hours
Flight frequency: 4 flights per week (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Average price: Economy (~ USD 1,178), Premium Economy (~ USD 2,800), Business (~ USD 3,067)

>>> For additional information regarding the flights, including flight time and any related inquiries, simply click here: Direct Flights from the U.S. to Ho Chi Minh City.

Apart from being the only airline in Vietnam that provides non-stop flights from the U.S. to Vietnam, there are several compelling reasons why you should opt for Vietnam Airlines:

Boasts a professional and amiable staff, wholeheartedly committed to ensuring its passengers a pleasant and enjoyable journey.
Places safety as a top priority and complies with global aviation regulations, guaranteeing a safe and dependable travel journey.
Experiences quality service, comfort, and amenities with our 4-star rating by Skytrax.
Offers a great mileage reward system called Lotusmiles, which allows you to earn and redeem miles with Vietnam Airlines and its SkyTeam partners. Depending on your membership tier, you can also enjoy perks like lounge access, priority services, preferred seating, and extra baggage allowance.
Manages a contemporary aircraft fleet furnished with state-of-the-art amenities and cutting-edge technology to ensure the utmost comfort for passengers.
Offers comfortable seating, wider seats, and more legroom in premium economy and business class. We also provide adjustable footrests, pillows, blankets, and amenity kits for your convenience.
Punctuality and on-time performance are vigorously upheld, as Vietnam Airlines diligently ensures that passengers reach our destinations as per our scheduled itineraries.
Provides good quality amenities such as in-flight entertainment, Wifi, power outlets, and magazines. We also offer Vietnamese cuisine and culture in our catering and service.

FAQs: Vietnam Travel Tips

How can I travel to Vietnam from a location other than San Francisco?

For neighboring cities of San Francisco, such as Daly City, Brisbane, Berkeley, Pacifica, etc., it is advisable to travel to San Francisco and then take a direct flight to Vietnam.

On the contrary, for cities far from San Francisco or located outside California, it is recommended to choose a transit flight. They typically have layovers in cities such as Paris, Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo,... The flight time for transit flights is about 19 - 22 hours (depending on the airline and weather conditions).

What if you want to travel to a destination other than Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city in southern Vietnam, offering a bustling atmosphere and numerous entertainment options for tourists.

Additionally, if you want to travel to other cities within Vietnam, you can choose the following transportation options:

City	Distance	Transportation
Hanoi	1,723km	Domestic Flights (2 hours 30 minutes)
Da Nang	959km	Domestic Flights (2 hours)
Long Thanh (Ba Ria - Vung Tau)	91.3km	Ferry (2 hours) Bus (2 hours 35 minutes) Taxi (1 hour 23 minutes) Drive (1 hour 23 minutes)
Khanh Hoa (Nha Trang)	419.3km	Fly to Cam Ranh and Drive (3 hours 54 minutes) Fly to Tuy Hoa and train (5 hours 18 minutes)

Tips for booking the cheapest direct flights to Vietnam

To acquire more affordable airline tickets, kindly take into account the following recommendations:

Reserve your tickets in advance, ideally 5 - 6 months prior to your desired travel date. If that’s not possible, securing your tickets 3 - 4 weeks before your intended flight is advisable.
Set up price alert notifications from Vietnam Airlines to monitor promotional programs and offers for passengers.
By registering as a member and purchasing tickets online, you can avail yourself of preferential fares. For further information, please visit here.
Prioritize purchasing tickets during periods with lower travel demand, such as Winter or Autumn,...

Travel tips for first-time visitors to Vietnam

Embarking on your first adventure to Vietnam? Here’s a comprehensive list of travel tips to help you make the most of your visit and ensure a smooth, unforgettable experience:

Before your trip to Vietnam, ensure to review the visa requirements applicable to your nationality. Verify that you possess the correct visa or meet the criteria for visa exemption to enter the country.
Vietnam has four distinct seasons with relatively clear weather differences. Therefore, before coming to Vietnam, it is essential to check the weather forecast to prepare appropriate clothing for your trip.
Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases for greetings, directions, transportation, and shopping is advisable.
If you are in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, choosing taxis or the metro is recommended. In other cities, contemplating the rental of a motorbike or a car can afford you a more flexible and efficient journey.
For optimal convenience, consider staying at hotels situated near popular tourist attractions. To secure the best deals and convenient accommodations for your trip, you may book these hotels through travel apps or directly on the airline’s website.

Let Vietnam Airlines accompany you on the journey from the U.S. to our country!

Look for Related Flights

Flights to Vietnam	Flights from the U.S.
The U.S. to Vietnam	San Francisco (SFO) to Hanoi (HAN)
	San Francisco (SFO) to Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

Direct Flights to Vietnam from the U.S. with Vietnam Airlines