Dreaming of a trip to Vietnam but want to make your budget stretch as far as possible? The secret to an affordable adventure often lies in the very first step: choosing the Cheapest Vietnam City to fly to. While Vietnam is known for its incredible value, this guide from Onward Free will explore the main international gateways to help you find the Cheapest Vietnam City to fly to and save the most money possible.

Why the entry city matters for budget travelers

Choosing where you land in Vietnam isn’t just about the initial ticket price. Your choice of the Cheapest Vietnam City to fly to is a strategic decision that impacts your entire budget.

Think of it this way: landing in the north when your primary goal is to explore the Mekong Delta in the south means you’ll spend extra time and money on domestic flights or long bus journeys. Your entry point should be a strategic gateway to the regions you’re most excited to see. By choosing wisely, you minimize travel time, cut down on ground transportation costs, and maximize your precious vacation days.

Which is the cheapest Vietnam city to fly to?

While prices fluctuate based on your departure location and season, three major international airports consistently emerge as candidates for the Cheapest Vietnam City to Fly to: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), and Da Nang (DAD).

Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

For many travelers, Ho Chi Minh City is the answer to “What is the Cheapest Vietnam City to Fly to?”. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam’s busiest airport, making it a highly competitive market for airlines. This fierce competition translates directly into lower prices for travelers, especially on long-haul routes. 

Depending on your origin, you can find round-trip tickets ranging from $600-$900 from North America or Europe, and significantly less from other Asian hubs. For instance, one-way flights from major hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore can often be found for as low as $40-$70.

As a major hub for Southeast Asia, the city offers more than just cheap flights. You’ll find a huge variety of budget-friendly accommodation, incredible street food, and easy bus connections to the Mekong Delta and Cambodia. The only drawback is its southern location, which means a long journey if your main goal is to explore the mountains around Sapa or Ha Long Bay.

Hanoi (HAN)

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) serves the nation’s capital. While not always number one, Hanoi is a strong contender for the Cheapest Vietnam City to Fly to, especially for those focusing on the north. Round-trip flights often fall in the $700-$1,000 range from Western countries, while one-way tickets from neighboring Asian countries can be found for as low as $50-$80.

Hanoi is the perfect launchpad for some of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, including the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay and the terraced rice fields of Sapa. While it can be marginally more expensive to fly into from some regions, the proximity to these major attractions can save you significant time and money on domestic travel.

Da Nang (DAD)

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is your entry point to central Vietnam, perfectly positioned between the charming ancient town of Hoi An and the historic imperial city of Hue. It has become a major hub for budget airlines, with incredible deals from regional capitals like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, often under $150 round-trip.

While it has fewer direct long-haul flights, meaning a layover is likely, the savings can be substantial. A flight from the US or Europe might range from $750-$1,100, but the city’s modern amenities, affordability, and less chaotic atmosphere make it an increasingly popular and cost-effective starting point for any Vietnamese journey.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights to Vietnam

Finding the Cheapest Vietnam City to fly to is only half the battle; you also need to find the cheapest ticket. Follow these tips to maximize your savings:

• Be Flexible with Your Dates: Flying mid-week is often cheaper than on weekends. Use flight search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner and select “flexible dates” to see the cheapest days to fly.
• Book in the Shoulder Season: The best deals are typically found during the shoulder seasons (April-June and September-November). Avoid traveling during the Lunar New Year (Tet), which usually falls in late January or early February, as prices skyrocket.
• Use Flight Comparison Tools: Don’t just check one airline. Use aggregate sites to compare prices across dozens of carriers.
• Book in Advance: For the best prices, aim to book your international flight 2-3 months in advance.

A Crucial note about proof of onward travel for Vietnam

Before you even book your flight, there’s a critical travel requirement to be aware of: proof of onward travel.

Many airlines will not let you board your flight to Vietnam if you cannot show proof that you will be leaving the country. This is especially true for travelers using a visa exemption or a single-entry tourist visa. The airline is responsible for flying you back if you are denied entry, so they are strict about this rule.

But what if you want to travel with flexibility and don’t know your exact departure date? Buying an expensive, fixed-date flight out of Vietnam is a risky and often wasteful option.

This is where a service like OnwardFree.com becomes essential. For a small fee of $10, you can get a legitimate, verifiable onward flight ticket that satisfies airline requirements. It’s a simple, affordable way to ensure you have a smooth check-in process without locking yourself into a rigid travel plan. We also offer free dummy tickets for those who need a more basic option.

Conclusion

While Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) often takes the crown as the Cheapest Vietnam City to Fly to, both Hanoi (HAN) and Da Nang (DAD) are strong contenders that can offer fantastic value depending on your travel plans and origin. Our top tip is to compare all three airports for your specific dates. And no matter where you land, ensure you have your proof of onward travel sorted out to avoid any stress at the check-in counter. For more details about travel, navigate to Blog Onwardfree.com. Onward Free is always honored to accompany you on every trip!