Vietnam is approximately 10-12 hours' flight from Europe with at least one stopover. There are currently no non-stop direct flights from Paris to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City — almost all travellers connect through Asian or Middle Eastern hubs. Main options: Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Airlines (via Singapore, 10h40-12h total), Emirates (via Dubai, 12-13h), Qatar Airways (via Doha, 12-13h), Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong, 12-14h), China Southern or China Eastern (via Guangzhou or Shanghai — sometimes cheaper but with longer layovers).
Main airports are Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN) in the north and Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in the south. Depending on your itinerary, entering via Hanoi and exiting via Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa) is almost always the most logical approach — avoiding doubling back on a country this long. This open-jaw option is available on most booking platforms and is rarely more expensive than a round-trip.
Domestic flights are essential for quickly linking the three regions. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways cover all major domestic routes — Hanoi-Da Nang, Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City-Phu Quoc — in 1 to 2 hours for €25-80 one-way booked in advance. The Reunification Express train (Thống Nhất), linking Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 30-36 hours, is a legendary and spectacular experience — it hugs the coast and crosses the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Da Nang through breathtaking scenery. First-class sleeper berths (SE1, SE3 trains) can be booked on the official website or via Baolau and 12go.asia platforms for €30-60 per leg.
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- Northern Vietnam — Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa rice terraces — The historic capital, the emblematic karst bay and the terraced paddies of the Northwest minorities.
- Central Vietnam — Hoi An, Hue and the central coast — The lantern town, the imperial citadel and the beaches of the old Cochinchina.
- Southern Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta — The pulsating southern megalopolis and the labyrinthine waterways of the Mekong.
- Hanoi, the millennial capital — The 36 guild streets, the Temple of Literature and pho at dawn.