TRAVEL | Vietnam Airlines (“VN”) operate between two to five flights daily between Ho Chi Minh City and Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport). The Airbus A321 (“A321”) and Airbus A320 NEO (“A320”) is currently used on the route, and travellers can choose between Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class. I flew Economy Class on the A320. The average flight time on this route is 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Check In
Check in is very straight forward. You can check in online, or using VN’s app. You can enter in all relevant information before your flight, and receive an pdf or Passbook boarding pass that you can add to your Apple Wallet. There’s also the option of checking in at the airport using a kiosk or at a staffed counter.
Unfortunately, if you have luggage to check in, there aren’t any bag drop stations, so you’ll have to line up at the traditional staffed check in counters. Do keep this in mind when planning how long before your flight you need to get to the airport.
Loyalty
VN’s loyalty program is LotusMiles, which is free to join. VN are also part of the SkyTeam Alliance, which offers the option of points transfers and certain reciprocal privileges.
Ho Chi Minh Airport is VN’s home base, and home to both the the Lotus Lounge and the flagship business lounge, Le Saigonnais.
Luggage
Checked luggage is included with all VN Economy tickets when flying domestic. You can check-in one bag up to 23kg (50lb), and a carry-on bag up to 10kg (22lb). You can also carry on a small item that can fit under your seat.
Service
I couldn’t fault the service on the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. Staff were polite, and professional.
Cabin
The VN Economy cabin on the A321 that flies from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang features 162 seats, in a 3-3 layout. It’s a clean, well-maintained cabin, with a blue and white colour scheme.
Seat
The cushioned fabric seat has dimensions of about 81cm x 46cm (32in x 18in). It’s a small seat, so you don’t have much in the way of leg room, but it is comfortable.
Like any economy seat, the seat doesn’t recline that far back, and not at all if you’re in the rear row. There’s a small pocket that you can fit a book or a few small items in.
There’s no in-seat power or connectivity.
Entertainment
There’s no in-flight entertainment on this route, and no seat-back screens.
Food
My Economy light ticket did not include any food. On a flight this short, I have no need to eat on the plane. Water is provided, with more water available on request.
Amenities
There are no amenities on this flight.
Verdict
I was satisfied with flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang. When flying on a route as short as this, all that I’m looking for is a simple check in process, a comfortable seat, and a smooth flight. This flight delivered on all three.