How to Fly from Manila to Vietnam: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like Legend Travel Group’s expertise in Vietnam. Legend Travel Group since 2008. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations for Philippine citizens.

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A Practical, Cultural, and Rewarding Journey

Vietnam, with its rich history, vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, is one of the closest and most convenient destinations from Manila — e-visa available for Philippine citizens (up to 90 days, single or multiple entry), convenient direct and connecting flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Hanoi (HAN) (total travel time ~2.5–5 hours for direct/1-stop), bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, ancient temples, Halong Bay cruises, Mekong Delta explorations, and excellent value for money. The Best Vietnam Tours from Legend Travel Group offer perfectly tailored experiences blending culture, history, nature, adventure and gastronomy. Legend Travel Group specialises in packages with English-speaking guides, vegetarian/halal meal options, and flexible payments—deposit just 10% and pay the rest 30 days before departure. Ideal for families, couples, solo travellers, retirees, and eco-conscious visitors.

Legend Travel Group connects the Philippines and Vietnam seamlessly. This guide provides practical flight information, tips and sustainable travel ideas.

Administrative Note

Philippine citizens can apply for an e-visa online (up to 90 days; passport valid 6+ months). No vaccinations required but recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid. Flight costs vary widely ($150–$550+ round-trip depending on season, airline and booking time). Direct flights available to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Main arrival airports: Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City or Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi. Verify travel advisories, visa rules and entry requirements via official sources or Legend Travel Group support.

Main Routes & Airlines

• To Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — Most popular and frequent: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines.
• To Hanoi (HAN) — Northern gateway: Cebu Pacific, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines.
• Flight Time — Direct flights: ~2.5–3 hours to SGN, ~3.5–4 hours to HAN. With connections: 4–6 hours.
• Best Airlines — Vietnam Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines offer reliable service and good connectivity [Legend Travel Group expertise].
• Accessibility from Manila — Direct flights from MNL to SGN and HAN; frequent daily departures; easy onward domestic flights within Vietnam.

Key Tips for Booking

• Book 1–3 months in advance for best prices (cheapest often mid-week departures).
• Use tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak or airline apps to compare.
• Consider flexible dates for savings; shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) often cheaper.
• Low-cost carriers (Cebu Pacific, VietJet) offer great deals but check baggage fees.

E-Visa Process

• Apply online via official Vietnam e-visa portal (evisa.gov.vn).
• Single-entry: $25 USD; multiple-entry: $50 USD.
• Valid up to 90 days; processing usually 3–5 working days.
• Passport must have 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages.
• Print e-visa and present at immigration.

General Advice:

• E-visa is the most convenient option for Philippine passport holders.
• Respect local customs; modest dress at temples and pagodas.

Here are popular options based on current trends and Legend Travel Group recommendations. Always confirm schedules and prices.

1. Direct & Fastest (to Ho Chi Minh City)

• Airlines — Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air.
• Duration — ~2.5–3 hours direct.
• Cost — Round-trip often $150–$300 (economy).
• Tip — Morning or evening flights available daily; one traveller noted: “Super convenient and affordable direct flight.”

2. Direct to Hanoi (Northern Vietnam)

• Airlines — Cebu Pacific, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines.
• Duration — ~3.5–4 hours direct.
• Cost — Round-trip $180–$350.
• Tip — Great for starting a north-to-south itinerary.

3. Budget-Friendly Low-Cost Options

• Airlines — Cebu Pacific and VietJet Air.
• Duration — 2.5–5 hours (direct or 1-stop).
• Cost — Round-trip from $120–$250.
• Tip — Book early for promotional fares; add baggage if needed.

4. Comfortable Full-Service (via Vietnam Airlines)

• Airlines — Vietnam Airlines (direct or via codeshare).
• Duration — 3–5 hours.
• Cost — Round-trip $220–$450.
• Tip — Better legroom and in-flight service; ideal for business or families.

Main opportunities:

• November–April (dry season) — Best overall: cooler in the north, dry in the south, ideal for Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, and beaches.
• May–October (wet season) — Afternoon showers, lush greenery, fewer crowds, excellent for budget flights and central/southern beaches.

Dry season (Nov–Apr) is ideal for first-time visitors. Shoulder months offer good deals and pleasant weather. Check forecast via Legend Travel Group support.

• Online Platforms — Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, Cebu Pacific or Vietnam Airlines websites.
• Tour Packages — Contact Legend Travel Group for flight + tour combos (e-visa assistance, airport transfers, guides).
• Advice — Book early for high season (Dec–Feb & Jul–Aug); compare baggage allowances; carry small USD for airport fees if needed; confirm e-visa approval before travel.

• Documents — Passport (6+ months validity), printed e-visa, flight tickets.
• Clothing — Lightweight clothes, modest attire for temples, rain jacket (wet season), comfortable shoes.
• Essentials — Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, power bank.
• Extras — Small USD/VND notes, travel adapter (Type A/C), medications. Advice — Pack light; reusable items support sustainability.

Flight Costs (Round-Trip Economy)

• Low season: $120–$250.
• High season: $250–$550+.

Other Costs

• E-visa: $25–$50.
• Airport transfers: $8–$25.
• Internal Vietnam flights: $40–$120.

Advice — Budget $150–$600+ for flights depending on season and airline.

• Arrive at MNL 2–3 hours early for international flights.
• Choose direct flights when possible to minimize travel time.
• Stay hydrated; low-cost carriers may charge for water/snacks.
• Download offline maps (Maps.me) and the Grab app for Vietnam.
• Safety: Keep valuables secure; emergency number 112/113.
• Sustainability: Choose airlines with carbon offset programs; support eco-friendly tours in Vietnam.

• Are there direct flights? Yes — direct flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
• Best airlines? Cebu Pacific for budget, Vietnam Airlines for comfort [Legend Travel Group expertise].
• Flight time? 2.5–4 hours direct.
• Visa needed? Yes, e-visa online recommended (90 days max).
• Cheapest time? Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct).
• Combine with tours? Yes, Legend Travel Group offers seamless flight + tour packages.

Combine your flight with sustainable tours:

• Classic Vietnam Discovery ($1,200–$2,500/person, 10 days) — Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Premium Vietnam Explorer ($2,500–$5,000/person, 14 days) — Luxury accommodations, private guides, Mekong Delta.
• Southern Highlights ($900–$2,000/person, 7 days) — Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc.

Prices include guides, transport, entries; group discounts available. Contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.

Flying from Manila to Vietnam is quick, affordable, and opens the door to an incredible adventure in a land of timeless beauty and warm hospitality. With direct flights as short as 2.5 hours, simple e-visa process, and tour packages starting affordably, this journey combines convenience with deep cultural immersion. Whether exploring Hanoi’s old quarter, cruising Halong Bay or tasting street food in Ho Chi Minh City, respect local customs and plan ahead for the best experience. For flight + tour packages, check Legend Travel Group resources. Safe travels!

Sources:

• Legend Travel Group expertise
• Airline websites & flight aggregators