Vietnam, with its breathtaking landscapes, has become a favorite destination for travelers from the UK (England). For UK tourists planning their journey, understanding flight options, travel logistics, and must-visit destinations is key to making the most of their adventure. How to travel to Vietnam from the UK is a guide that covers everything you need to know about how to travel to Vietnam from the UK, including the best times to visit, estimated costs, and top tips for a hassle-free experience.

How do I Travel to Vietnam from UK ?

Departure and Arrival Airports

UK Airports

Flights to Vietnam from the UK typically depart from major international airports, including

London Heathrow (LHR)—The primary hub for most flights to Vietnam, offering both direct and connecting routes.

London Gatwick (LGW)—Hosts flights with connecting options via popular hubs like Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul.

Manchester (MAN)—Offers a range of connecting flights, often with Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Turkish Airlines.

Birmingham (BHX)—Focuses on connecting flights, mainly through the Middle East and Europe.

Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA)—Limited to connecting flights via hubs like Doha or Istanbul.

Vietnam Airports

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)—Located in Hanoi, the capital city and gateway to northern Vietnam.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)—Situated in Ho Chi Minh City, it is the busiest airport in Vietnam, serving the south.

Da Nang International Airport (DAD)—A central Vietnam hub for travelers exploring Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.

Airlines With Direct Flights from UK to Vietnam

If you're wondering, “Can I fly direct from the UK to Vietnam?”, the answer is yes! Several airlines provide direct flights between the UK and Vietnam, though availability may depend on the season. Here are the main options:

Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines is the primary carrier offering direct flights between the UK and Vietnam.

Routes: London Heathrow (LHR) to Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

Frequency: Daily or several times a week, depending on the time of year.

Flight Duration: Approximately 12–13 hours.

Bamboo Airways (Seasonal)

Bamboo Airways has occasionally launched direct flights connecting London to major cities in Vietnam, like Hanoi or Da Nang. These services may vary seasonally, so it's worth checking their current schedule.

Airlines with Connecting Flights from UK to Vietnam

If you're open to longer travel times and potentially lower fares, several airlines offer connecting flights with stopovers in major international hubs. These routes provide flexibility and sometimes unique layover options:

Singapore Airlines

Stopover: Singapore (Changi Airport).

Connection Options: Singapore Airlines connects from London Heathrow to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.

Qatar Airways

Stopover: Doha (Hamad International Airport).

Connection Options: Flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, or Edinburgh to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Thai Airways

Stopover: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport).

Connection Options: Flights from London Heathrow to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City via Bangkok.

Emirates

Stopover: Dubai (Dubai International Airport).

Connection Options: Flights from multiple UK airports, including London, Manchester, and Glasgow, to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Turkish Airlines

Stopover: Istanbul (Istanbul Airport).

Connection Options: Departures from London, Manchester, and Birmingham to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Cathay Pacific

Stopover: Hong Kong (Hong Kong International Airport).

Connection Options: Flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Flight Frequency

Flight Times and Prices

Flight Time

Direct flights: Approximately 12–13 hours from London to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Connecting flights: Total travel time can range from 15 to 22 hours, depending on the duration of the layover and the chosen route.

Flight Prices

Prices vary based on season, booking time, and airline.

Direct Flights: Typically range from £650 to £1,200 for a round-trip in economy class.

Connecting Flights: More affordable, often between £500 and £1,000, though premium carriers like Emirates or Qatar Airways may be higher.

How to Book Cheap Flights from the UK to Vietnam

Book in Advance: Flights are often cheapest when booked 3–6 months before departure.

Be Flexible with Dates: Use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the lowest rates by exploring different dates.

Consider Nearby Airports: Flights from Manchester, Birmingham, or Edinburgh may offer cheaper options compared to London.

Set Price Alerts: Enable alerts on travel platforms to track price drops.

Look for Deals: Airlines often run promotions during off-peak seasons or major sales events like Black Friday or summer sales.

Check Layover Cities: Some routes with layovers (e.g., Istanbul or Doha) may offer extended stays, allowing you to explore an additional destination for free or at a small cost.

Time Difference Between the UK and Vietnam

Vietnam is located in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is 7 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).

However, during the UK's Daylight Saving Time (DST) (late March to late October), the time difference is reduced to 6 hours, as Vietnam does not observe DST.

Vietnam Visa for UK Citizens

UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for stays of up to 45 days for tourism, business, or family visits. This visa exemption is part of Vietnam's policy to encourage international travel.

For stays exceeding 45 days, UK citizens have several visa options:

E-Visa (Most Convenient)

UK citizens are eligible to apply for an e-visa for tourism, business, or visiting family.

How to Apply:

Visit Vietnam's official e-visa portal: https://evisa.gov.vn.

Fill out the application form online, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee ($25 USD for a single-entry visa or $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa).

Processing takes 5-7 working days, after which you can download your e-visa.

Validity: Single entry or multiple entries, up to 90 days.

Entry Points: Valid at selected airports, land border crossings, and seaports.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

How it Works: Available only for those flying into Vietnam.

You must apply for a pre-approval letter online through an authorized travel agency. Present the letter, your passport, and two passport-sized photos upon arrival at the airport to receive your visa.

Cost: The pre-approval letter fees may vary, and the stamping fee is $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entries).

Validity: Usually 30 or 90 days, depending on the type of visa.

Note: As of January 2024, a VOA is made available for emergency cases. If you are not in an urgent situation, it is recommended that you apply for an e-visa instead.

Applying Directly at the Embassy

Process: Visit the Vietnamese Embassy in London, at 12-14 Victoria Road, London W8 5RD, United Kingdom. Submit a completed visa application form, a passport photo, and your passport, then pay the visa fee (varies by visa type and duration). You can also submit your documents by mail.

Processing Time: Typically 5–7 working days.

Validity: Offers single- or multiple-entry visas for 30 or 90 days.

Important Notes

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date.

Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and no damage.

For visa-free entry, ensure your stay does not exceed 45 days, as overstaying can result in fines.

Always verify visa requirements closer to your departure date, as policies may change.

What to Visit in Vietnam for UK tourists?

Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences for UK tourists, from ancient towns to vibrant cities, idyllic beaches, and majestic mountain ranges. Here are the top destinations to consider:

Hoi An

Known for its UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, Hoi An enchants visitors with lantern-lit streets, colorful markets, and traditional houses.

What to do:

Explore the Ancient Town and Japanese Covered Bridge.

Shop for tailored clothing in its boutique stores.

Relax at An Bang Beach or take a riverboat ride.

Join a cooking class or visit nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital city with a rich history, culture, and delicious street food, making it the perfect starting point for any trip to Vietnam.

What to do:

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature.

Wander through the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.

Experience a traditional water puppet show.

Try iconic dishes like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee.

Mekong Delta

Just a short drive from Saigon, the Mekong Delta is a vibrant region of lush greenery, floating markets, and riverine life. It's also the gateway to next-door Cambodia!

What to do:

Take a boat tour to visit Cai Rang or Cai Be floating markets.

Explore fruit orchards and traditional villages.

Learn about local crafts like coconut candy making.

Stay overnight in a riverside homestay for a closer look at local life.

Da Nang

Da Nang is a modern city with stunning beaches and access to cultural attractions, a must-visit in Central Vietnam.

What to do:

Relax at My Khe Beach.

Visit the Marble Mountains and the Lady Buddha statue.

Walk along the famous Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills.

Discover the Cham Museum and Dragon Bridge.

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is known as Vietnam’s beach capital, ideal for relaxation and water sports.

What to do:

Snorkel or dive in Hon Mun Marine Protected Area.

Visit Po Nagar Cham Towers and Long Son Pagoda.

Enjoy mud baths and spa treatments.

Take a boat trip to nearby islands like Hon Tre and Hon Tam.

Sapa

In the Northern part of Vietnam, Sapa is a beautiful mountainous town surrounded by terraced rice fields and ethnic villages.

What to do:

Trek through rice terraces and visit local villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van.

See Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam.

Experience the colorful Bac Ha Sunday Market.

Learn about the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups.

Phu Quoc

Just a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc is a tropical island paradise with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. You can relax on Long Beach or explore Sao Beach, visit Phu Quoc National Park for hiking and wildlife, learn about the island’s famed fish sauce and pepper farms, snorkel at the An Thoi Islands or explore by cable car.

Dalat

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Dalat offers a cool climate and scenic landscapes. Must-visits include Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat Flower Garden, and Crazy House. You can also tour local farms for strawberries and coffee, take a cable car to Truc Lam Pagoda, and explore waterfalls like Datanla and Elephant Falls.

Mai Chau

Located in the North, Mai Chau is a peaceful valley surrounded by green mountains and rice paddies. You can stay in a traditional stilt house in a White Thai ethnic village, cycle through scenic rice fields and villages, shop for handmade textiles and crafts, and experience local food and cultural performances.

Halong Bay

Don't miss out on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a cruise to explore caves, floating villages, and beaches; kayak through hidden lagoons or relax on the deck; and visit Cat Ba Island for hiking and rock climbing.

Recommended Cruises:

Orchid Classic Cruise

Peony Cruises

Hideaway Cruise

Velar Cruise

Ambassador Cruise

Grand Pioneers Cruise

Best Time to Go to Vietnam from the UK

Vietnam’s diverse geography offers year-round travel opportunities, but the best time to visit depends on your chosen destinations:

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Mai Chau)

Best Time: Spring (March–April) and Autumn (October–November) for pleasant weather and clear skies.

Avoid: Summer (May–August) due to heat, humidity, and occasional heavy rains.

Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Dalat)

Best Time: February–August offers sunny days, ideal for beaches and sightseeing.

Avoid October–November due to potential typhoons and heavy rains.

Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc)

Best Time: December–April during the dry season.

Avoid May–November (rainy season) when heavy showers occur, though they’re usually brief.

For UK travelers planning a trip across multiple regions, March and April are ideal as weather conditions are favorable throughout most of the country.

Estimated Costs

Flights

Round-Trip Flights: £500–£800 for economy class. Book during sales or use flight comparison tools for deals.

Accommodation

Budget: £10–£20 per night (hostels or budget hotels).

Mid-Range: £30–£70 per night (boutique hotels or guesthouses).

Luxury: £100+ per night (resorts and high-end hotels).

Daily Expenses

Meals: £1–£2 (street food), £5–£15 (mid-range restaurants).

Transportation: £0.50 (bus fare) to £10–£15 (daily motorbike rental).

Activities: £5–£50, depending on tours and excursions.

Total Estimated Cost for a 2-Week Trip

Budget: £700–£1,000

Mid-Range: £1,200–£1,800

Luxury: £2,000+

Tips for UK citizens travelling to Vietnam

How much money can you bring: Vietnam imposes no strict limits for foreign currency, but amounts exceeding $5,000 USD (or equivalent) must be declared upon arrival.

Vaccine requirements: No mandatory vaccinations are required, but recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria, and Rabies (for rural travel). Check with your GP or travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure.

Currency: The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Exchange GBP for VND at banks, exchange counters, or ATMs. Major cities accept credit cards, but rural areas require cash.

Etiquette:

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and pagodas.

Avoid public displays of affection.

Remove shoes when entering someone’s home or sacred spaces.

Use both hands or your right hand when giving or receiving items.

Early booking: Secure flights, accommodation, and popular tours at least 3–6 months in advance to lock in the best prices, especially during peak seasons.

Why Travel from the UK with a Local Tour Company?

Local tour companies offer insights into Vietnam’s culture, hidden gems, and authentic experiences that international agencies might overlook.

A local agency arranges transportation, accommodation, and activities, saving you time and reducing stress.

These companies customize tours to suit your preferences, from adventure trips to cultural immersions.

Local agencies often provide competitive pricing and better value, as they have direct connections with service providers.

Booking through local companies contributes to Vietnam’s economy and supports small businesses.

Local tour operators offer immediate support for any issues during your trip, ensuring peace of mind.

Conclusion

Vietnam is a land of wonders, offering UK travelers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. To make your trip seamless and truly memorable, let Vietnam Original Travel take care of the details. Our experienced team specializes in crafting personalized tours that suit your interests and budget. From exclusive cruises to cultural immersions, we ensure every aspect of your journey is thoughtfully planned. Contact us today to start your Vietnam adventure and experience this incredible country like never before!

Discover more

=> Best Vietnam Tour Packages From The UK