Cheapest Time to Fly to Vietnam (and the Most Expensive)

The cheapest time to fly to Vietnam is often May, September–November, and early December—while late December–early January, Tet weeks (late Jan or Feb), and June–August are usually the priciest.

Cheapest Time to Fly to Vietnam (and the Most Expensive)

Flights to Vietnam can jump around a lot depending on the month—especially for US travelers, since most routes are long-haul and often involve at least one connection. The easiest way to save is picking a deal-friendly season, then staying flexible by a few days on departure and return.

Most travelers fly into Hanoi Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s smart to price-check both.

Quick Take

  • Cheapest time to fly to Vietnam: May, September–November, and early December
  • Most expensive time to fly to Vietnam: late December–early January, Tet weeks (late Jan or Feb), and June–August

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Cheapest Time to Fly to Vietnam

These windows are usually the most deal-friendly—lower demand, more open seats, and better odds of catching a real fare drop.

May (shoulder-season value)

May can be a sneaky-good month for airfare. It often prices better than peak summer, and you’ll sometimes see better availability than later in June and July.

Money-saving tip: Fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) if you can.
Heads-up: If you’re traveling near Memorial Day weekend, some itineraries climb.

September to November (fall deal stretch)

After summer travel fades, fares often soften again. September and October can be especially good for deal-hunting, with November staying solid until holiday demand ramps up.

Money-saving tip: Try searching a full week earlier and a full week later—Vietnam pricing can change fast by week.
Heads-up: Late November can start trending up as December approaches.

Early December (pre-holiday lull)

Early December can be one of the best “price vs timing” windows—before holiday travel pushes fares higher later in the month.

Money-saving tip: If your dates are flexible, aim for early-month departures and mid-month returns.
Heads-up: Once you get into mid-to-late December, prices often jump quickly.

Most Expensive Time to Fly to Vietnam

These are the stretches when flights to Vietnam most often price high—because demand stacks fast and cheaper seats disappear early.

Late December to early January (holiday surge)

This is usually the most expensive time of year to fly. Late-December departures and early-January returns are frequently priced at a premium.

Peak within peak: The week after Christmas through the first week of January.

Tet weeks (late January or February)

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) can push demand higher and reduce cheap-seat availability—especially if you’re locked into exact dates.

Peak within peak: The days right before and after Tet.

June to August (summer peak)

Summer is often pricey for long-haul travel. If you need weekend-to-weekend dates, it can be even tougher.

Peak within peak: Late June through early August.


Want Great Timing Without Peak Flight Prices?

If you want Vietnam when it still feels like a solid time to go—but you don’t want the highest airfare—these windows usually land well:

  • March: often easier on prices than late December or peak summer
  • Late September to October: frequently deal-friendly compared with summer and holiday weeks
  • Early December: can be a sweet spot before late-December prices take off

Money-saving tip: Build your trip around cheaper flight weeks first—then decide which cities you’ll hit.


Best Booking Window for Cheap Flights to Vietnam

Because Vietnam is typically a long-haul itinerary from the US, better deals usually go to travelers who track early and move when the drop shows up.

  • Lower-demand periods: start tracking 3–7 months ahead
  • Peak periods (late Dec–early Jan, Tet, Jun–Aug): start tracking 6–11+ months ahead

Money-saving tip: If you’re traveling during a peak window, booking early usually beats waiting.


Seasonal Flight Demand for Vietnam

Use this chart as a quick guide to the cheapest vs. priciest months to fly.

MonthDemand LevelPrice LevelNotes
JanMedium → HighMedium → HighCan spike around late-month holiday timing
FebMedium → HighMedium → HighTet timing can push prices up
MarMediumMediumOften a better-value month
AprMediumMediumSteady demand, mixed pricing
MayLow → MediumLow → MediumOften strong value
JunMedium → HighMedium → HighSummer build begins
JulHighHighSummer peak pricing
AugHighHighSummer peak pricing
SepLowLowOften one of the best deal months
OctLow → MediumLow → MediumSolid value window
NovMediumMediumPricing starts trending up late month
DecMedium → Very HighMedium → Very HighEarly deals; late holiday surge

What is the cheapest month to fly to Vietnam?
Answer: The cheapest month to fly to Vietnam is often September, with strong deal potential also in May and October.
What is the most expensive month to fly to Vietnam?
Answer: The most expensive month is usually December, especially for late December departures and early January returns.
What is the cheapest day of the week to fly to Vietnam?
Answer: The best pricing odds are often on midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Weekend-heavy itineraries usually cost more.
How far in advance should I book flights to Vietnam?
Answer: Plan on 3–7 months ahead for cheaper seasons and 6–11+ months ahead for peak windows like late December, Tet weeks, and June–August.
Is it cheaper to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Answer: It depends on your departure airport and the week, but one can price lower than the other based on route competition and connection options. The best move is to price-check both, then choose the city that fits your route through Vietnam.
What’s the cheapest way to find deals on flights to Vietnam?
Answer: Use flexible-date calendars, aim for May or September–October, and try midweek-to-midweek travel. If you want deals sent to you, sign up for airfare alerts from Jetsetter Alerts and get notified when amazing deals on flights to Vietnam pop up.
14 Day Vietnam Travel Itinerary (Off The Beaten Path)
For those who want to explore Vietnam’s rural beauty, discover it through this off-the-beaten-path 14-day travel itinerary designed for travelers seeking the real Vietnam beyond the touristy areas.

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