To fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), you'll need to take a connecting flight, with an average duration of about 32 hours and 32 minutes (*). One-way fares starting at USD 641.5 (*). Continue reading for important flight information and travel recommendations.
1. Detailed Information of Flight from LAX to Ho Chi Minh City
You can choose to connect via San Francisco Airport (SFO), where direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City are available at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SNG). Other common transit cities include Tokyo (HND) or Taipei (TPE).
Key Flight Details:
- Distance: 13,146km.
- Flight Duration (*): From 20 hours and 24 minutes to 44 hours 40 minutes.
- Flight Frequency (*): 23 flights/day, 7 days/week.
Departure Information
|
Departure |
Los Angeles |
|
Airport Name |
Los Angeles International Airport |
|
Airport Code |
LAX |
|
Terminal |
International ( Terminal 3/B/6) |
|
Location |
1 World Way, Los Angeles, California, USA |
Transit Information
|
|
Airport Name |
Airport Code |
Terminal |
Location |
|
San Francisco, USA |
San Francisco International Airport |
SFO |
International (T1) |
San Francisco, CA 94128, USA |
|
Taipei |
Taoyuan International Airport |
TPE |
International (T2) |
Taoyuan, Taiwan |
|
Tokyo, Japan |
Tokyo Haneda International Airport |
HND |
International (T3) |
Ota, Tokyo, Japan |
|
Ha Noi (Viet Nam) |
Noi Bai International Airport |
HAN |
International (T1) |
Phu Minh, Soc Son, Ha Noi |
Arrival Information
|
Arrival |
Ho Chi Minh City |
|
Airport Name |
Tan Son Nhat International Airport |
|
Airport Code |
SGN |
|
Terminal |
International (T2/T3) |
|
Location |
Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
(*) Flight duration and terminal may vary depending on the airline and stopover time. Ticket prices and availability are subject to change based on the booking time and travel season.
2. How to Get to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ho Chi Minh City Center
Below are some common options for getting to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), along with ways to reach the city center from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN)
2.1. Getting to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
|
Transportation |
Instruction |
Estimated One-way Cost |
|
Taxi |
Flag down a taxi to the airport or book a ride using a ride-hailing app. |
~USD 60 - 70 from downtown to LAX. |
|
Hotel Shuttle |
If you reserve a hotel ahead of time and arrange for a pickup, simply wait for the vehicle at the entrance. |
Typically included in the hotel fee (please confirm beforehand). |
|
Metro |
Many lines connect to the Aviation/LAX Station, such as the C Line and the K Line, and then take a free shuttle bus to the airport terminals. |
~USD 1.75 per ride including 2 hours of free transfers. |
|
LAX FlyAway Bus |
There are 2 pickup locations: Union Station and Van Nuys. |
~USD 12.75. |
2.2. How to Get from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to the City Center
|
Transportation |
Instruction |
Estimated One-way Cost |
|
Taxi |
Catch a taxi at the designated taxi stands in front of the arrival terminal or in front of the airport, or book a car via ride-hailing apps. |
VND 180,000 - 300,000 (~USD 6.39 - 11.56). |
|
Bus |
Take bus number 152 or 109 to the city center. |
VND 5,000 - 20,000 (~USD 0.19 - 0.9). |
3. 4 Tips for Flight from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City
Here are a few helpful suggestions to make your trip more convenient and affordable:
3.1. Regularly Update on Good Flight Deals
You can better manage your budget and allocate more savings for your journey by using a few clever booking strategies. Here are some tips to help you secure the best travel experience:
- Book your ticket soon: It is advised to book your ticket at least 2 to 3 months ahead of time to avoid flights being sold out and improve your chances of getting better fares.
- Keep an eye on special promotions: Don’t forget to regularly visit the Vietnam Airlines Fanpage/Website/App to stay updated on exclusive deals and offers.
- Become a Lotusmiles member of Vietnam Airlines: This is a free membership program for passengers aged 2 and up, offering exclusive perks and rewards. Members can earn miles through flights, partner services, or everyday spending, and redeem them for tickets, upgrades, baggage, and more.
It is recommended to check-in at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) at least 2 hours before your flight departure to ensure enough time for security checks, baggage handling, and any possible delays.
3.3. Carefully Check Your Connecting Flight Information
If your flight to Ho Chi Minh City includes a layover, make sure to note the following:
Baggage policy:
- If you have booked a through-ticket under a single reservation code, your checked baggage will automatically be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City.
- If your flights are booked separately, you will need to collect your luggage at the transit airport, clear immigration if required, and re-check your baggage for the next flight.
- Always verify that your luggage tag from Los Angeles indicates "SGN" as the final destination to avoid confusion at transit points.
Layover time: It is highly recommended to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for your layover. This buffer helps accommodate possible delays, terminal changes, security screening, and immigration procedures if necessary.
3.4. Prepare Physical and Mental Health Before the Flight
Since this is a long flight with multiple layovers, it’s essential to take extra care of your health and mindset before departure to ensure a comfortable journey. Here are some key things to do:
- Prevent jet lag: Try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before your flight to match the time zone of your destination to help your body adapt more easily once you arrive.
- Adapt to weather differences: Los Angeles typically has a Mediterranean climate with dry summer, mild and wetter winters. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City has hot, humid weather year-round, distinctly wet (May to November) and dry (December to April) seasons. Check the forecast for your layover cities and your destination, and pack accordingly.
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated: Try to eat light, nutritious meals before and during the flight to avoid feeling sluggish. Drink plenty of water throughout the journey to keep yourself hydrated, as dehydration can worsen fatigue and discomfort.
4. 4 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
If you're visiting Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis where history, culture, and modern life converge, check out the guide below for some of the most iconic attractions to explore during your trip:
|
Attraction |
Distance from Ho Chi Minh City Center |
Highlights |
|
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon |
~0.6 miles (1km) |
A stunning landmark featuring Romanesque architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere right in the heart of District 1. |
|
Ben Thanh Market |
~0.6 miles (1km) |
A bustling and vibrant market offering a variety of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food, offering a true glimpse into the everyday life of Ho Chi Minh City. |
|
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) |
~0.9 miles (1.5km) |
A historic site of great significance, known for its 1960s architecture, preserved war rooms, and the iconic moment marking the end of the Vietnam War. |
|
Nguyen Hue Walking Street |
~0.6 miles (1km) |
A lively pedestrian street filled with public events, street performances, cafés, and a beautiful night-time light show. |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
5.1. How Long is the Flight from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City?
The total travel time for flights from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City can range from approximately 20 hours and 24 minutes to 44 hours 40 minutes, depending on the layover duration and airline.
5.2. When is The Best Time To Book Flight Tickets?
It is recommended to book your flight tickets at least 2 to 3 months in advance. This strategy helps you avoid the risk of flights being sold out and increases your chances of securing better fares, especially during peak travel seasons.
5.3. What Is the Flight Frequency from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City?
Flights from Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City are available daily. Although there are no direct flights, there are frequent connecting options via major transit hubs such as San Francisco, Tokyo or Taipei.
This covers all the key details for planning your flight from LAX to Ho Chi Minh City. Choose Vietnam Airlines to discover a range of flight options, enjoy exclusive promotions, and experience world-class service. Book your flight today and look forward to a seamless, stress-free trip.