Voyaging across Vietnam by plane remains the most convenient solution to cover the long distances separating the North, Central region, and the South. This updated guide compiles all essential information to help you choose the right airline, understand the most useful domestic routes, master baggage rules, and avoid common pitfalls — based on the most recent public data (2024–2025).

Why Choose Domestic Flights Vietnam?

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from North to South. Whether traveling for tourism or business, flying saves valuable time and allows you to string together multiple destinations without losing days in transit.

Time Savings

Flying between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or between Da Nang and Hoi An (via Da Nang), saves dozens of hours compared to train or bus travel. For 7–14-day trips, domestic flights allow for a richer itinerary without excessive fatigue.

Frequency & Reliability

Major routes such as Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi ↔ Da Nang, and Da Nang ↔ Ho Chi Minh offer numerous daily flights. This high frequency provides flexibility and reduces waiting time in case of schedule changes or missed connections.

Attractive Costs

Competition between full-service and low-cost airlines creates great fare opportunities. With advance booking and comparison, travelers can often secure very competitive one-way prices outside peak season.

Main Airlines Operating Domestic Flights Vietnam: Strengths & Specificities

The Vietnamese market is dominated by a few key players. Understanding their strengths helps you choose based on budget, comfort, and flexibility.

Vietnam Airlines (Full Service)

The national carrier, favored for comfort and included baggage allowance.

Highlights:

• Full-service offering (checked baggage usually included depending on fare class).

• Dense network and centralized hub system.

Vietjet Air (Low-Cost Leader)

A major low-cost airline offering frequent promotions and strong domestic presence.

Highlights:

• Very low fares but most extras (baggage, meals, seat selection) are paid options.

• Airbus-based fleet with confirmed expansion plans through recent industrial agreements.

Bamboo Airways (Hybrid in Restructuring)

A hybrid between full-service and low-cost, currently undergoing restructuring while maintaining operations.

Highlights:

• Offers service levels close to full-service on some routes.

• Publicly announced restructuring efforts aiming for financial stability.

Other Operators

Vietravel Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and several regional or charter operators complete the domestic aviation landscape.

Market Share & Recent Trends (2024–2025)

Who Dominates the Domestic Market?

According to available reports (2024), Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet share most of the domestic flights Vietnam market, each holding around 42–45% during certain periods. Combined, they overwhelmingly dominate domestic traffic.

Fleet Trends & Orders

Vietjet continues its expansion strategy with additional Airbus orders, signaling growing capacity for both domestic and regional routes.

Key Domestic Flight Routes Vietnam

These routes can help build a classic North → Central → South itinerary or short getaways.

Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh (Main Axis)

The busiest route in the country and one of the most flown air routes globally in 2024, offering extensive daily frequencies.

Hanoi ↔ Da Nang

Quick and practical for reaching Central Vietnam and Hoi An without long overland travel.

Da Nang ↔ Ho Chi Minh

Perfect for combining beach cities and urban destinations while avoiding long bus journeys.

Ho Chi Minh ↔ Phu Quoc / Con Dao

Direct flights to island destinations; limited capacity during high season and higher fares during peak periods.

Mountain & Highlands Destinations (Dalat, Pleiku)

Convenient flights to diversify landscapes without long drives from coastal regions.

Baggage Rules & Practical Tips by Airline

Below is the accurate, updated overview of baggage policies for the best airlines in Vietnam, suitable for all travelers using domestic flights Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines

Carry-On Baggage

• Weight limit: 7 kg

• Dimensions: total linear dimensions ≤ 115 cm (e.g., 56 × 36 × 23 cm)

• Infants under 2 years: 1 carry-on up to 3 kg + 1 collapsible stroller

For families flying with a baby, our practical guide to flying with a baby offers additional tips to ensure smoother domestic flights.

Checked Baggage (Domestic Flights)

• Economy Class: 20 kg

• Business Class: up to 30 kg

• Max size per piece: up to 203 cm total dimensions

Excess Baggage

Fees apply if your weight exceeds the allowance. Responsibility limits may apply (e.g., 20 USD/kg in some cases).

Practical Tips

• Check the allowance of your fare type (promo / flex).

• Weigh your luggage beforehand to avoid surprise fees.

• Tag your luggage clearly.

Vietjet Air (Low-Cost)

Carry-On Baggage

• 1 main bag + 1 personal item

• Total weight: 7 kg for standard Economy

• Dimensions: 56 × 36 × 23 cm

• SkyBoss fares: up to 10 kg

• Optional: extra 2 kg of cabin allowance purchasable online

Checked Baggage

• Max weight per piece: 32 kg

• Dimensions: 119 × 119 × 81 cm

• Economy base fare: no free checked baggage

• Add-on baggage must be purchased at least 3 hours before departure

• Example: 15 kg ≈ 300,000 VND when bought online in advance

• Overweight fees apply per kg

Tips

• Always check your fare type before booking.

• Buy baggage allowance online — airport prices are much higher.

• Expect cabin baggage checks at the boarding gate.

Bamboo Airways

Carry-On Baggage

• Economy: 7 kg total (1 piece + 1 personal item)

• Business: 2 pieces, total 14 kg

• Dimensions: max 115 cm (56 × 36 × 23 cm)

Checked Baggage

• Max weight per piece: 32 kg

• Max dimensions: 203 cm total

• Fare-dependent allowance:

  • Saver/Hot Deal: no free checked baggage

  • Smart/Flex: 20 kg included

  • Business: 40 kg

Excess Baggage

• Buy up to 60 kg online in advance for better rates

• Overweight cabin baggage at the gate: 50,000 VND/kg

Tips

• Weigh all bags beforehand.

• Purchase baggage packages early if needed.

• Contact the airline for sports equipment policies.

Tips for Booking & Traveling Smoothly

Good preparation helps avoid unnecessary fees and stress when using domestic flights Vietnam.

• Book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best fare.

• Compare total price, not base fare (especially for low-cost airlines).

• For deeper insights, see our guide on how to book cheap flights in Vietnam to optimize your budget.

• Keep extra margins during the rainy or typhoon season (May–Oct).

• Double-check the airport you're flying from/to.

• Use online check-in to save time.

Pros & Cons of Getting Around Vietnam by Plane

Traveling around Vietnam by plane offers many advantages for visitors. Above all, it is the fastest and most convenient way to connect distant regions, from North to South, or to reach islands and highland areas. Domestic flights save precious hours compared to buses or trains, making them ideal for short vacations or multi-city itineraries. With both low-cost and full-service airlines operating on most routes, travelers benefit from a wide range of prices and comfort levels while enjoying high safety standards. Multiple daily frequencies on major routes also provide excellent flexibility when planning.

However, flying also presents some limitations. Fares can rise significantly during peak season or when adding extras like checked luggage, seat selection, or flight changes. Some regional routes operate with limited flights per day, which may complicate connections. Weather disruptions — especially during the rainy season — can cause delays. And although major airports are modern, check-in and security wait times vary, requiring travelers to plan adequate margins.

Checklist Before Buying Your Ticket

• Confirm baggage allowance (compare total cost).

• Check seasonal schedules & frequencies.

• Read modification / refund conditions.

• Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights (3 hours in peak season).

• Save boarding passes & airline contact info.

Conclusion

Domestic flights Vietnam remain the most efficient solution for most tourist and business itineraries. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet dominate the market, Bamboo Airways continues to operate while restructuring, and main routes such as Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang–Hanoi, and Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh are among the busiest in the region. By applying the right booking strategies, checking baggage rules, and allowing flexibility for weather or schedule variations, you’ll ensure a smooth and budget-friendly trip.

For more inspiration, itineraries and practical travel tips, feel free to visit our Vietnam travel website!