Book Cheap Flights From UK to Vietnam

To fly directly from the UK to Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to two major cities in Vietnam - Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) with a duration from about 11 hours and 45 minutes (*). Continue reading our guide for important flight information and travel recommendations.

1. Detailed Information on the Flight from UK to Vietnam

Vietnam Airlines (VNA) currently operates 2 direct flights from Heathrow Airport (LHR) to major cities in Vietnam, including Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). You can choose direct flights available to Hanoi on Wednesdays and Sundays, and Ho Chi Minh flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering convenient scheduling options for your travel needs.

Direct flights:

	Distance	Flight Duration (*)	Flight Frequency (*)
London Heathrow → Hanoi (LHR → HAN)	Approximately 9,300km	11 hours and 45 minutes	3 times/week From 31st October: 4 times/week
London Heathrow → Ho Chi Minh City (LHR → SGN)	Approximately 10,200km	12 hours and 30 minutes	2 times/week From 1st November: 3 times/week

Note:

(*) Please note that the above flight times are for reference only. The schedule may change slightly due to external factors such as weather, airport conditions, etc.

2. Transportation Instructions When Flying From UK to Vietnam

Planning your journey doesn’t stop at booking the flight - knowing how to navigate to and from the airports is just as important for a smooth travel experience. Below is your essential guide to transportation before departure and after arrival.

2.1. Getting to London Heathrow Airport For Departure

London Heathrow, the UK’s busiest international airport, is well-connected to central London through various transport options that suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some methods of transportation you can opt for:

Means of Transportation	Instruction	Estimated Cost
Taxi	Available across London, 30 – 60 minutes to airport	GBP 45 - GBP 70
Hotel shuttle	Pre-booked with your hotel	Usually free or GBP 10 - GBP 20
Express Train	Heathrow Express from Victoria Station	GBP 22 During rush hour: GBP 24
London Underground	Piccadilly Line or Elizabeth Line to Heathrow Terminals	GBP 5.50 - GBP 6.00

2.2. How to Get from Vietnam Airports to City Center?

Once you land, here's how to get from major airports to your destination:

Airport	Transportation - Time travel - Cost
Ha Noi (Noi Bai Airport)	Public bus: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (depending on destination) – From VND 8,000 (approx. GBP 0.25) Taxi: 45 minutes (depending on destination) – From VND 10,000 per km (approx. GBP 0.32)
Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport)	Public bus: 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on destination) – From VND 5,000 (approx. GBP 0.16) Taxi: 25 minutes (depending on destination) – From VND 11,000 per km (approx. GBP 0.35)

3. 4 Tips When Taking A Flight From UK to Vietnam

To ensure your trip to Vietnam is smoother and more enjoyable, consider these four practical pre-flight tips designed to enhance your travel experience.

3.1. Find Best Deals on the Vietnam Airlines Website

The airline regularly offers exclusive promotions for online flights:

• Book your ticket early: You should book your flight ticket at least 3 to 5 months in advance, as early reservations tend to offer more competitive prices and better seat selection. Booking early can help you save 5% on your fare. Furthermore, if you are traveling in groups, Vietnam Airlines is currently running group buying deals up to 15% discount.
• Check for promotional fares: Travelers should frequently check Vietnam Airlines website, Mobile app, or Official social media channels for limited-time offers. These are Vietnam Airlines official channels where limited-time deals and seasonal discounts are regularly updated.
• Become a Lotusmiles member: Sign up for the Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles program to earn miles, enjoy exclusive member privileges, and accumulate miles with every flight. These miles can be redeemed for flight upgrades, discounts on future bookings, and other exclusive privileges. Sign up here to join Lotusmiles.
• Stay updated with Vietnam Airlines: Staying subscribed to email newsletters or following Vietnam Airlines on social media channels is also a great way to stay informed about flash sales and exclusive deals for Lotus members.

Why Choose Vietnam Airlines? Vietnam Airlines holds a 4-Star Airlines rating from Skytrax, reflecting excellence in cabin cleanliness, a variety of in-flight entertainment, and professional staff service. Offer a wide range of light frequencies and route options, giving travellers more flexibility to choose flights that best suit their schedules and preferences. Demonstrates a strong commitment to safety, earning a perfect 7/7 rating from AirlineRatings. This ensures a smooth, secure, and comfortable journey.

3.2. Dress Suitable for Your Destination

• Vietnam’s climate is regionally diverse, so it’s important to pack with your specific arrival city in mind. The North (e.g., Hanoi, Ha Long) has four seasons, including a chilly winter from December to February where temperatures can drop below 15°C. A light jacket, layers, and closed shoes are essential.
• In contrast, the South (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho) has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather year-round. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sun protection, and an umbrella for sudden showers will serve you well. The Central region (e.g., Da Nang, Hue) experiences a mix of both climates, with a rainy season from October to December.
• Always check the weather forecast a week before departure to fine-tune your packing and avoid discomfort upon arrival.

3.3. Check Visa and Documents Carefully

Before boarding your flight from the UK to Vietnam, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Prepare all necessary documents, including return tickets, accommodation confirmation, and Vietnam visa or visa exemption eligibility.

Foreigners and Vietnamese with foreign passports can stay in Phu Quoc Island for up to 30 days without a visa, if they come from a non-Vietnamese country (by sea or air). It is also a good idea to store digital copies on your phone or in the cloud in case of emergencies or lost documents.

3.4. Enjoy Full Service On Vietnam Airlines Flight

When flying from the UK to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines, based on your fare class, passengers can enjoy a range of full-service amenities designed for long-haul comfort and convenience:

• Complimentary meals: A curated selection of Vietnamese and international dishes, freshly prepared to suit diverse palates.
• Free beverages: Includes water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and wine served throughout the flight.
• In-flight entertainment: Personal screens offering movies, music, games, and TV shows to keep passengers entertained.
• Attentive cabin crew: Professional service ensuring comfort, safety, and assistance during the entire journey.

Vietnam Airlines business class can be a soothing experience for your journey (Source: Vietnam Airlines)

4. 44 Must-Visit Attractions in Vietnam

City	Destination
Ha Noi	Old Quarter: Approximately 30km from the airport. A historic area known for its bustling streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant markets. Hoan Kiem Lake: Around 30km from the airport. A scenic lake in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by temples and offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. Temple of Literature: Approximately 31km from the airport. Vietnam's first national university, showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and dedicated to Confucius.
Ho Chi Minh City	Ben Thanh Market: About 8km from the airport. A bustling market offering a variety of local goods, souvenirs, and street food. War Remnants Museum: Approximately 7km from the airport. A museum documenting the impacts of the Vietnam War, featuring exhibits and military equipment. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: Around 7km from the airport. A French-colonial cathedral built in the 19th century, notable for its architecture and stained glass.
Can Tho	Cai Rang Floating Market: Approximately 10km from the airport. One of the largest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, offering a unique shopping experience on boats. Binh Thuy Ancient House: Around 6km from the airport. A well-preserved French-style house showcasing the blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. Can Tho Museum: Approximately 10km from the airport. A museum displaying artifacts related to the region's history and culture.
Da Nang	My Khe Beach: About 6km from the airport. A popular beach known for its white sand and clear water, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Marble Mountains: Approximately 11km from the airport. A cluster of limestone hills with caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries. Dragon Bridge: Around 5km from the airport. A bridge shaped like a dragon that breathes fire and water during weekend nights
Nha Trang	Nha Trang Beach: Approximately 35km from the airport. A long stretch of sandy beach ideal for relaxation and water sports. Po Nagar Cham Towers: Around 40km from the airport. Ancient Hindu temples built by the Cham civilization between the 7th and 12th centuries. Vinpearl Land: Approximately 40km from the airport. An amusement park located on Hon Tre Island, accessible by cable car.
Vinh	President Ho Chi Minh's Birthplace: Approximately 15km from the airport. A historical site in Kim Lien village, showcasing the early life of Vietnam's revolutionary leader. Cua Lo Beach: Around 12km from the airport. A popular beach destination known for its gentle waves and seafood. Vinh Citadel: Approximately 7km from the airport. Remnants of a 19th-century citadel built during the Nguyen Dynasty.
Buon Ma Thuot	Dray Nur Waterfall: Approximately 30km from the airport. A majestic waterfall on the Serepok River, surrounded by lush forests. Ethnographic Museum: Around 10km from the airport. A museum showcasing the culture and history of the Central Highlands' ethnic groups. Coffee Plantations: Various locations around 15 - 20km from the airport. Buon Ma Thuot is renowned for its coffee; visiting plantations offers insight into coffee production.
Dong Hoi (Quang Binh)	Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Approximately 50km from the airport. A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone karst landscapes and extensive cave systems. Nhat Le Beach: Around 7km from the airport. A serene beach ideal for swimming and relaxation. Tam Toa Church Ruins: Approximately 6km from the airport. Remnants of a church destroyed during the Vietnam War, serving as a historical monument.
Hai Phong	Do Son Beach: Approximately 20km from the airport. A coastal resort town known for its beaches and colonial-era villas. Du Hang Pagoda: Around 6km from the airport. A historic Buddhist temple featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture. Hai Phong Opera House: Approximately 8km from the airport. A French colonial building hosting various cultural performances.
Pleiku	T’Nung Lake (Sea Lake): Approximately 7km from the airport. A volcanic crater lake offering picturesque views and tranquility. Minh Thanh Pagoda: Around 5km from the airport. A beautiful pagoda known for its intricate architecture and peaceful ambiance. Pleiku Stadium: Approximately 6km from the airport. Home to the Hoang Anh Gia Lai football club, reflecting the city's sports culture.
Hue	Imperial City (Citadel): Approximately 15 m from the airport. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the former imperial capital of Vietnam with palaces and temples. Thien Mu Pagoda: Around 18km from the airport. An iconic seven-story pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. Tomb of Khai Dinh: 20km from the airport. An elaborate royal tomb blending Vietnamese and European architectural styles.
Quang Nam	My Son Sanctuary: Approximately 50km from the airport. A cluster of abandoned Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries. Tam Thanh Mural Village: Around 35km from the airport. A coastal village transformed into an open-air art gallery with vibrant murals. Ky Anh Tunnel: Approximately 40km from the airport. A historical site showcasing the underground resistance network during the Vietnam War.
Tuy Hoa	Nhan Tower: Approximately 6km from the airport. An ancient Cham tower situated on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city. Da Dia Reef (Ganh Da Dia): Around 30km from the airport. A unique geological formation of basalt columns along the coast. Bai Xep Beach: Approximately 15km from the airport. A pristine beach known for its golden sand and clear waters.
Ca Mau	Ca Mau Cape (Mui Ca Mau): Approximately 120km from the airport. The southernmost point of Vietnam, featuring a national landmark and mangrove forests. U Minh Ha National Park: Around 25km from the airport. A biodiverse wetland area home to various flora and fauna. Bird Sanctuary in Ngoc Hien: Approximately 100km from the airport. A haven for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
Quy Nhon	Ky Co Beach: Approximately 35km from the airport. A secluded beach known for its turquoise waters and white sand. Eo Gio: Around 30km from the airport. A coastal area with stunning rock formations and clear sea views.

Hai Phong Opera House is located within Hai Phong City center (Source: Internet)

Hoan Kiem Lake by night - with the iconic Thap Rua is a must-visit when you’re in Hanoi (Source: Internet)

5. Frequently Asked Questions about the Flight From UK to Vietnam

Knowing the information before your trip will help you save time, money and avoid unnecessary trouble. Below are some frequently asked questions to help you better prepare for your trip from the UK to Vietnam.

5.1. Are there direct flights from the UK to Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) 5 times a week. From 1st November onwards, the frequency will increase to 7 flights per week. These direct flights are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, with a flight duration of approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes to 12 hours and 30 minutes.

5.2. What type of aircraft operates on these routes?

Vietnam Airlines primarily operates modern wide-body aircraft on routes between London and Vietnam. These aircraft feature advanced fuel efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort, and state-of-the-art cabin amenities for long-haul flights.

5.3. How early should I arrive at Heathrow Airport?

Passengers should arrive at Heathrow Airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures. Arriving early will help you handle any unexpected situations and enjoy the airport facilities comfortably.

5.4. What is the time difference between the UK and Vietnam?

There is a 7-hour time difference between the UK and Vietnam. Understanding this time zone difference is crucial for scheduling your flight and can help mitigate the effects of jet lag upon arrival in Vietnam.

5.5. What is the best time to visit Vietnam?

The ideal time to travel from the UK to Vietnam is during the dry season, which spans from October to April. During this period, Vietnam enjoys cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and clear skies - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. For the best deals and fewer crowds, consider booking your flight during the shoulder months (October - November or March - April).

The flight from UK to Vietnam not only connects two continents, but also connects you to the cultural, historical and culinary culture of Vietnam. With detailed information about the itinerary, procedures and travel tips shared, you can proactively plan and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Fly with Vietnam Airlines to enjoy 4-star international service quality and receive many valuable promotions for your journey to Vietnam's enchanting capital.