Fly Jetstar Airlines to Hanoi

Flying with Jetstar Airlines to Hanoi: An Experience from mr.hotsia

For me, mr.hotsia, traveling with low-cost airlines in Vietnam is not new, but every time there is always a story to tell, especially when I flew withJetstar Pacific Airlinesfrom Ho Chi Minh Airport to Hanoi on January 28, 2016, which marked the beginning of a new adventure in northern Vietnam. I planned to explore a small town called Viet Chi in Phu Tho province, which I had never visited before.

What I learned from this experience is that booking flights with low-cost airlines like Jetstar requires careful attention to baggage weight. Previously, I forgot to purchase baggage allowance in advance and only realized at the airport that the overweight baggage fees were much higher than expected. This caused unnecessary extra expenses. Therefore, I recommend booking tickets online and buying baggage allowance at the time of booking for greater convenience. If you really don't have time, you can still pay at the airport counter, but the price will be several times higher.

On this Jetstar flight, I was impressed by the male flight attendant who was efficient and friendly. Although it is a budget airline, it did not lack in making a good impression. They took good care of passengers, and importantly, there was food available for purchase on board. I chose sticky rice with grilled chicken to eat during the flight, which tasted quite good. The atmosphere on the plane made me feel like I was tasting local food while enjoying the beautiful views of Vietnam gradually changing from the big city of Ho Chi Minh to the greenery and ancient architecture of Hanoi.

Hanoi: The northernmost capital of Vietnam that mr.hotsia visits often

Hanoi, the capital of northern Vietnam, is a city I, mr.hotsia, visit frequently. I aim to travel to every province in Vietnam, and Hanoi serves as a central hub for traveling to the northern region, including Sapa, Ha Long Bay, and small towns like Viet Chi that I plan to visit next.

If I were to compare Hanoi to a city in my country, it would be like Chiang Mai in Thailand. The weather is not as hot as in the central and southern regions, the city has an old charm, and it is full of interesting cultural and historical heritage. I enjoy walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, which is full of coffee shops, local restaurants, and bustling markets. Here, you can experience the authentic Vietnamese way of life.

For those interested in more details about traveling and relaxing in Hanoi, I have written articlesBackpacking in Hanoi 2016andTraveling in Hanoiwhich will help you plan your trip much easier.

Flight routes and connections in Vietnam

Vietnam has several low-cost airlines such as Jetstar Pacific and VietJet Air, which I, mr.hotsia, use frequently. Domestic flights are more convenient and faster than traveling by bus or train, especially if time is limited. I advise allowing enough time for baggage check-in and weight verification because overweight fines at the airport are really high.

Additionally, if you start your journey in Ho Chi Minh and want to explore the city before flying north, I recommend buying tours available in the Pham Ngu Lao Street area, which is a hub for foreign tourists. Popular tours like the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple are available at reasonable and worthwhile prices. Read more details atBuy tours in Ho Chi MinhandCao Dai Temple

Experience Vietnamese lifestyle and food on the plane and in Hanoi

I like to try local food every time I travel. Even on Jetstar flights, there is food available for purchase, such as sticky rice with grilled chicken that I ate during the flight, which tasted as good as street food. Vietnamese cuisine is known for its freshness and balanced flavors, and there are many interesting street foods and markets to try in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

If you are interested in full Vietnamese cuisine, I recommend watching the clips I have shared, such as Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid, Vietnamese Chicken Biryani, and Vietnamese Nem Fang.
Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid
Vietnamese Chicken Biryani
Vietnamese Nem Fang
which will help you visualize and salivate along with me.

Tips for travelers flying Jetstar and at Hanoi airport

From my experience, mr.hotsia, I recommend that planning ahead is very important, especially when flying with low-cost airlines like Jetstar. Booking tickets online and purchasing baggage allowance in advance will save you money and time at the airport.

Upon arriving at Hanoi International Airport, you have several options to get to the city center. I recommend taking bus number 17 from the airport entrance because it is the most economical way. Although it takes longer than vans or taxis, it is convenient and you don’t have to worry about overpriced fares. Plus, you get to experience traveling like a local.

For those who want to travel as backpackers in Hanoi, I have comprehensive articles about accommodation and transportation you can read atBackpacking in Hanoi 2016andSelf-guided Hanoi Travel 2013which will be very useful for beginners.

Summary of mr.hotsia’s impressions of Jetstar Airlines and Hanoi

Overall, traveling with Jetstar Airlines to Hanoi is a convenient and worthwhile experience in terms of price and service. The flight attendants are friendly, and the onboard food adds to the enjoyment of the flight. Hanoi itself remains a charming city, suitable for travelers seeking both tranquility and vibrant life in the old town.

If you are planning a trip to northern Vietnam, don’t forget to consider Jetstar flight routes and prepare for exploring Hanoi city as well as other destinations I, mr.hotsia, have recommended in various articles on this website.