Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is Vietnam’s second-busiest air hub, connecting to 20+ Vietnamese cities through Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines. Domestic flights save days compared to ground travel and start at $25 if booked early. This complete domestic flights from Hanoi guide for 2026 covers all airlines, popular routes, prices, booking sites, baggage rules, and tips for getting the best deal.
Hanoi Domestic Routes Overview
- Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC): 2 hours, 40+ daily flights.
- Da Nang: 1h 20m, 25+ daily flights.
- Hue: 1h 15m, 8-12 daily flights.
- Nha Trang (Cam Ranh): 1h 50m, 10-15 daily.
- Phu Quoc: 2h 20m, 8-12 daily.
- Da Lat: 1h 50m, 4-8 daily.
- Quy Nhon: 1h 40m, 4-6 daily.
- Con Dao: Limited (via HCMC), 2-3 daily.
- Sapa (via Lao Cai): Limited — train usually preferred.
- Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot, Vinh, Dong Hoi: Smaller cities, 2-4 daily.
Vietnamese Airlines
Vietnam Airlines (VN)
- Type: Full-service flag carrier.
- Includes: Meal, free checked bag (23 kg), seat selection.
- Best for: Comfort, families, premium travelers.
- Cost: $50-150 typical Hanoi-HCMC.
- Loyalty: LotuSmiles program; partner with SkyTeam alliance.
VietJet Air (VJ)
- Type: Low-cost carrier (largest in Vietnam by domestic share).
- Includes: Hand luggage 7 kg only. Pay extra for everything.
- Best for: Budget travelers booking ahead.
- Cost: $25-80 if booked early; $100-200 last minute.
- Add-ons: Checked bag $7-25, meal $5-10, seat selection $3-15.
Bamboo Airways (QH)
- Type: Hybrid (mid-range full service).
- Includes: Snack, free checked bag (20 kg) on standard fare.
- Best for: Comfort-budget travelers.
- Cost: $40-120 typical.
Vietravel Airlines (VU)
- Type: Newer budget carrier.
- Includes: Limited basic fare; full-service options available.
- Best for: Niche routes, occasionally cheap deals.
- Routes: Limited but growing.
Sample Domestic Flight Prices
Estimated 2026 prices for one-way flights, advance booking 2+ weeks:
- Hanoi → HCMC: VietJet $30-60, Bamboo $50-90, Vietnam Airlines $70-120.
- Hanoi → Da Nang: VietJet $25-50, Bamboo $40-80, Vietnam Airlines $60-100.
- Hanoi → Nha Trang: VietJet $35-70, Bamboo $50-100, Vietnam Airlines $80-130.
- Hanoi → Phu Quoc: VietJet $40-90, Bamboo $60-120, Vietnam Airlines $100-180.
- Hanoi → Da Lat: VietJet $40-80, Vietnam Airlines $70-130.
- Hanoi → Hue: VietJet $30-60, Bamboo $50-90, Vietnam Airlines $70-120.
Best Booking Sites
Direct Airline Websites
- vietnamairlines.com — flag carrier site. Reliable.
- vietjetair.com — budget carrier site. Sometimes glitchy with international cards.
- bambooairways.com — Bamboo direct.
- vietravelairlines.com — Vietravel direct.
Aggregator Sites
- Skyscanner — best price comparison.
- Google Flights — quick price tracking.
- Kayak — comparison + alerts.
- Trip.com — sometimes cheaper than direct, especially VietJet.
- Traveloka — popular Asian booking site.
- 12Go.asia — useful for combining flight + train + bus.
Baggage Rules
Vietnam Airlines
- Hand luggage: 12 kg.
- Checked bag: 23 kg free on most fares.
- Sport equipment: extra fee ($25-50).
VietJet
- Hand luggage: 7 kg only on basic fare.
- Checked bag: $7-25 add-on (cheaper online than at airport).
- Sports/special equipment: $25-50.
Bamboo
- Hand luggage: 7-12 kg depending on fare.
- Checked bag: 20 kg free on standard fare.
Booking Tips for Best Prices
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for best prices.
- Tuesday/Wednesday flights are usually cheapest.
- Avoid weekend departures when possible.
- Set price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner.
- Avoid Tet (Lunar New Year) — prices triple, sells out.
- Compare both online and via Vietnamese sites — sometimes Trip.com beats direct.
- Pay attention to add-on costs on VietJet — $30 ticket can become $80+.
- Subscribe to airline newsletters for sales (especially VietJet sales).
Check-In
- Online check-in: Open 24-2 hours before flight. Faster.
- Mobile check-in: Available all airlines. Mobile boarding passes accepted.
- Airport check-in: Counter open 2-3 hours before flight.
- Domestic flights: Arrive 90 min early.
- International flights: Arrive 3 hours early.
Domestic Flight Tips
Documents
- Passport (international travelers): Always.
- Vietnamese ID (Vietnamese): CCCD card.
- Boarding pass: Mobile or printed.
- Visa: Not needed for domestic flights.
Security
Same as international: liquids 100ml in 1L bag, laptop separate, electronics out, no flammable items.
Lounges
Vietnam Airlines Business Class Lounge at Terminal 1 and 2. Plaza Premium Lounge accessible via Priority Pass or paid entry $30-40.
Alternatives to Flying
- Train: Slower but scenic. Best Hanoi → Hue → Da Nang.
- Sleeper bus: Cheap. Best for budget travelers, short routes.
- Limousine van: Premium ground transport for shorter routes.
Domestic Flights FAQs
Cheapest Hanoi domestic flight?
VietJet Hanoi → Hue or Da Nang: $25-50 if booked 3+ weeks ahead.
Most flights per day from Hanoi?
HCMC: 40+ daily. Da Nang: 25+. Nha Trang: 10-15.
How early should I arrive?
90 min for domestic.
Can I bring a 10 kg carry-on on VietJet?
No — only 7 kg. They weigh strictly. Pay for checked bag in advance to avoid airport fees.
Is VietJet safe?
Yes — modern fleet, normal safety record. Service is basic.
Can I get a flight to Sapa?
Limited. Most travelers take overnight train or sleeper bus to Lao Cai.
What if my flight is delayed?
VN/QH provide voucher meals on long delays. VietJet rarely compensates beyond rebooking.
Can I change a domestic flight?
Vietnam Airlines flexible options. VietJet basic fares are non-changeable.
Plan Your Domestic Flight from Hanoi
Domestic flying saves time across Vietnam. With this guide you have airlines, prices, and booking tips. Pair this with our Hanoi transportation guide, airport transfer guide, and Hanoi to HCMC transport guide.
