I recently had the chance to fly with Vietnam Airlines, a full-service airline, in Economy Class on the Incheon–Bangkok route. The price I paid was comparable to that of a low-cost airline — even before adding baggage and meals.
Overall Experience with Vietnam Airlines
As a full-service airline, Vietnam Airlines offers a noticeably better experience than most low-cost airlines. The ticket includes meals, seat selection, baggage allowance, and access to in-flight entertainment (IFE). Complimentary beverages are served throughout the flight.
The aircraft was quite clean and relatively new. The seats were comfortable with decent legroom — not as spacious as Zip Air, but still good. I even encountered Thai cabin crew onboard, which was a nice touch.
In-Flight Meal
On this flight, I was served a choice between Vietnamese and Western meals. Options included dishes like beef pho, rice, and various types of bread. The offerings may vary depending on the flight. Throughout the journey, they provided free drinks such as water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and juice.
Aircraft Types Used by Vietnam Airlines
For the Incheon to Ho Chi Minh City leg, I flew on an Airbus A350 — a wide-body aircraft with three columns of seats. It featured personal in-flight entertainment screens, headphones, a meal service, and a variety of drinks — all included in the fare.
The Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok leg was operated by an Airbus A320, a smaller narrow-body aircraft with two columns of seats. This plane had only shared overhead screens, no personal IFE, and served only a light snack.
Where Do You Transfer?
On my trip, I had to transfer at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The transfer process was relatively straightforward and didn’t involve much walking. However, I recommend booking a flight with at least a 2.5-hour layover just in case of delays on the first leg.
It’s a good idea to carry a travel card and exchange some Vietnamese dong in advance to buy food during the layover, as you might get hungry while waiting. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal.
Overall, the airport was clean and not too crowded. It was fairly quiet, with clean restrooms and enough food options to accommodate travelers.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you dislike flight transfers, a direct flight may suit you better. However, if you’re flexible, this can be a great option. I was lucky to find a fare that matched low-cost prices — but with added benefits like free baggage, meals, entertainment, and more comfortable seating.
If you’re considering Vietnam Airlines, I hope this review helps you make your decision. Please forgive any mistakes in this article — it’s based solely on my personal experience and may not cover everything.
Enjoy your journey and happy travels!
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