Looking for a budget-friendly flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Vietnam? Vietnam Airlines offers a reliable and comfortable travel experience with one-way tickets available from just USD 800. Whether you are planning a business trip or a holiday, enjoy seamless connections, premium service, and great value on one of our most popular international routes. Read on for flight details, travel tips, and everything you need to know before booking your trip.
1. Detailed Information on the Flight Route from San Francisco to Vietnam
Non-stop Flight
Vietnam Airlines currently operates the only direct commercial flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). This convenient non-stop service is ideal for travellers seeking the fastest and most comfortable journey to Southern Vietnam.
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Distance |
Flight Duration (*) |
Flight Frequency (*) |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City (SFO → SGN) |
Approximately 13,000km (8,000 miles). |
About 15 hours and 40 minutes. |
3 - 4 flights per week. |
For full details on this direct route, including schedule and services, please refer to our SFO to Ho Chi Minh City flight guide.
Connecting Flight
If you're flying from San Francisco to Vietnam and your final destination is not Ho Chi Minh City, a connecting flight will be necessary. You’ll typically transit through Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City before continuing to other major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Nha Trang. The table below provides an overview of common transit routes and key details.
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Distance |
Flight Duration (*) |
Flight Frequency (*) |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Ha Noi (SFO → SGN → HAN) |
11,759km (about 7,306 miles). |
From 20 hours 15 minutes to 42 hours 15 minutes. |
On average, 22 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Da Nang (SFO → SGN → DAD) |
12,064.7km (7,496.6 miles). |
From 19 hours 30 minutes to 34 hours 40 minutes. |
On average, 20 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Nha Trang (SFO → SGN → CXR) |
12,331.4km (7,662.4 miles). |
From 19 hours 15 minutes to 32 hours. |
From 4 - 7 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Vinh (SFO → SGN → VII) |
12,003km (7,458.4 miles). |
From 20 hours 10 minutes to 33 hours 35 minutes. |
5 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Buon Ma Thuot (SFO → SGN → BMV) |
12,354.3km (7,676.6 miles). |
30 hours 20 minutes. |
4 flights per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Phu Quoc Island (SFO → SGN → PQC) |
12,852.8km (7,986.3 miles). |
From 20 hours 05 minutes to 32 hours 30 minutes. |
5 - 6 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Dong Hoi (SFO → SGN → VDH) |
12,048.2km (7,486.4 miles). |
From 19 hours 45 minutes to 26 hours 45 minutes. |
1 - 2 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Hai Phong (SFO → SGN → HPH) |
11,753.7km (7,303.4 miles). |
From 20 hours 55 minutes to 33 hours 40 minutes. |
4 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Pleiku (SFO → SGN → PXU) |
12,249.5km (7,611.5 miles). |
From 21 hours 40 minutes to 27 hours 10 minutes. |
1 - 2 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Hue (SFO → SGN → HUI) |
12,068.4km (7,498.9 miles). |
From 23 hours 35 minutes to 33 hours 50 minutes. |
4 - 5 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Quang Nam (SFO → SGN → VCL) |
12,083.6km (7,508.4 miles). |
From 24 hours 20 minutes to 28 hours 25 minutes. |
2 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Tuy Hoa (SFO → SGN → TBB) |
12,235.9km (7,603 miles). |
From 19 hours 50 minutes to 26 hours. |
1 - 2 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Ca Mau (SFO → SGN → CAH) |
12,856.8km (7,988.8 miles). |
23 hours 35 minutes. |
4 flights per week. |
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San Francisco → Ho Chi Minh City → Quy Nhon (SFO → SGN → UIH) |
12,181.3km (7,569.1 miles). |
From 26 hours 10 minutes to 28 hours 45 minutes. |
1 - 2 flights per day, 4 days per week. |
(*) Travel duration may vary based on the layover times. Ticket prices and flight availability are also subject to change depending on your booking date and seasonal demand.
2. Transportation Guide When Taking a Flight from San Francisco to Vietnam
Knowing your transportation options can make your journey smoother and more cost-effective. Here’s a quick guide to help you travel to and from the airports with ease.
2.1. Getting to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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Transportation |
Instruction |
Estimated One-way Cost |
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Bus |
Public bus routes such as SamTrans 292 and 397 operate between downtown San Francisco and SFO, offering a budget-friendly option for travellers. |
USD 3 - USD 5. |
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BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) |
The Yellow Line of the BART system provides a direct connection from San Francisco’s city centre and parts of the East Bay to the airport. |
~USD 8 - USD 11, depending on the departure point. |
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Taxi |
Taxis are widely available across San Francisco and offer a fast, comfortable way to reach the airport, with travel time ranging from 20 to 40 minutes. |
~USD 55 - USD 70. |
The BART train offers a direct and efficient connection to SFO, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors (Source: Internet)
2.2. Travelling from Airports in Vietnam to City Centres
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Airport |
Transport - Travel Time - Estimated Cost |
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Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) |
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Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) |
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Da Nang (Da Nang International Airport) |
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Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport) |
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Vinh (Vinh Airport) |
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Buon Ma Thuot (Buon Ma Thuot Airport) |
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Phu Quoc Island (Phu Quoc International Airport) |
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Dong Hoi (Dong Hoi Airport) |
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Hai Phong (Cat Bi International Airport) |
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Pleiku (Pleiku Airport) |
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Hue (Phu Bai International Airport) |
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Quang Nam (Chu Lai Airport) |
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Tuy Hoa (Tuy Hoa Airport) |
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Ca Mau (Ca Mau Airport) |
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Quy Nhon (Phu Cat Airport) |
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After landing in Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines, passengers can easily reach the city center with many low-cost and reliable transport
3. Top 4 Tips for a Smooth Flight from San Francisco to Vietnam
Whether you are flying directly or with a layover, preparation is key to enjoying a comfortable and stress-free journey. Here are 4 practical travel tips for your upcoming flight from San Francisco to Vietnam.
3.1. Tips for Scoring the Best Airfare Deals
To save on your flight from San Francisco to Vietnam, apply a few proven booking strategies to enjoy premium service at a more affordable price:
- Reserve your seat well in advance: Airfares tend to be lower when booked several months ahead. Ideally, securing your ticket around 2 - 3 months before your travel date gives you access to better pricing and wider seat availability.
- Choose travel dates wisely: Flights scheduled for mid-week are often more budget-friendly than those on weekends or during national holidays. Avoid high-demand periods such as summer vacations or the Lunar New Year for the most competitive fares.
- Keep an eye on limited-time offers: Visit the Official Vietnam Airlines website, app, or social platforms frequently to catch special fare deals.
- Make use of frequent flyer benefits: Signing up for a loyalty program like Lotusmiles allows you to collect points and enjoy exclusive rewards, including discounted fares, preferred check-in, and extra baggage options.
Join Vietnam Airlines’ Lotusmiles Programme to earn miles on every journey and unlock exclusive perks
3.2. Key Things to Know When Taking a Direct Flight
As of May 2025, Vietnam Airlines operates the only non-stop flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City. Passengers traveling to other destinations such as Hanoi or Da Nang need to take a connecting flight from Ho Chi Minh City. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early to allow time for security and documentation checks, or check in online in advance (from 24 hours to 1 hour before scheduled start time) to save time.
- Check your baggage allowance and the list of permitted and prohibited items in advance to ensure your packing complies with airline regulations. Find out more information Here.
- Stay hydrated during the long-haul flight and stretch your legs or do light in-seat exercises to improve circulation.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow sufficient time for check-in, security procedures, and boarding
3.3. Know About the Transit Flights Procedure
If your journey includes a layover, typically at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City before flying to Hanoi, be sure to understand:
Luggage Handling
- If you book a full itinerary (e.g., SFO - SGN - HAN under one booking code), your luggage will be transferred directly to your final destination.
- If you purchase separate tickets (e.g., SFO - SGN and SGN - HAN), you need to collect your baggage at SGN and re-check it for the domestic leg.
- Double-check the baggage tag issued in San Francisco to ensure it’s labeled with your final destination (e.g., HAN, DAD, HUI, etc.).
Check-in & Transfer Procedures
- If you have already checked in for your entire journey and have a boarding pass for the domestic leg (e.g. SGN - HAN), proceed to immigration and the domestic terminal (T1).
- If you don’t yet have your next boarding pass, proceed to the Vietnam Airlines check-in counters on Level 2 at T2 to complete check-in for your onward flight.
Transit Time Recommendations: It is recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours for layovers to accommodate terminal transfers between Domestic (T1) and International (T2) gates, complete immigration and security procedures, and handle any unexpected delays.
When transiting via Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to check your baggage tags, boarding passes, and connection time
3.4. Dress Suitable for Your Destination
Vietnam’s climate varies by region, so pack accordingly for your destination:
- Northern Vietnam (e.g., Hanoi) experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 104°F and cold winters with temperatures dropping to below 50°F.
- In central and southern Vietnam, there are distinct wet and dry seasons, with an average temperature of 86°C throughout the year.
It’s recommended to check the weather forecast before departure and bring layers or breathable clothing based on your arrival city.
4. Top 45 Must-Visit Destinations in Vietnam
Whether you're arriving in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine. From ancient temples to buzzing street markets, here are some unforgettable stops to include in your itinerary.
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City |
Destination |
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Da Nang |
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Nha Trang |
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Vinh |
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Buon Ma Thuot |
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Dong Hoi |
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Hai Phong |
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Pleiku |
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Quang Nam |
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Tuy Hoa |
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Ca Mau |
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Quy Nhon |
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Visit Reunification Palace, tourists can explore the former offices, and learn about significant historical events through displays of artifacts (Source: Internet)
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions answered to help you make the best travel decisions.
5.1. How Much Does It Cost to Fly from San Francisco to Vietnam?
One-way tickets from San Francisco to major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines start from approximately USD 800(*). It’s advisable to book early for the best fares and keep an eye on seasonal promotions for additional savings.
(*) The cost of your flight from San Francisco to Vietnam depends on various factors, including the airline, booking time, and travel season.
5.2. How Often Are Flights from San Francisco to Vietnam?
Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City 3 - 4 days per week. For routes to Hanoi, there are on average 22 connecting flights per day, available on 4 days each week. However, flight frequency can vary based on the time of year.
Flights from San Francisco to Vietnam are typically scheduled about 4 times per week
5.3. How Long Is The Flight from San Francisco to Vietnam?
A direct flight from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City takes around 15 hours and 40 minutes. If you are flying to other provinces via a connecting route, the total travel time can range from 19 to 42 hours, depending on the length of your layovers and connection times.
5.4. When Are The Best Times to Find Discounted Flights?
The best time to secure discounted flights from San Francisco to Vietnam is typically during the off-peak travel seasons. To get the best deals, avoid traveling during major holidays such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year) or the summer months.
That’s all the information you need when booking a flight from SFO to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines. Whether you choose a direct flight or a connecting route, you are guaranteed excellent service and comfort. Book your flight today with Vietnam Airlines and enjoy exclusive offers, a comfortable journey, and convenient connections to Vietnam.