Am not a big fan of plane rides, but going from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi by land would otherwise take us 32 to 40 hours. It seems we had no choice but to book this domestic flight with the state carrier Vietnam Airlines which cost more than the PAL ticket going out of Manila. The plane from HCMC would take us to Hanoi in one hour 40 minutes, or just about the same time it would take to travel from Manila to Davao.
It is my first time to fly Vietnam Airlines and I was happy that they used big planes in both directions: a Boeing 777 on the way to Hanoi and an Airbus A330-300 on the way back to Ho Chi Minh City. Overall, I was happy with the flight: big plane + good weather + smooth take off and landing + superb service from VN staff made it all perfect.
In case you wonder, here’s a picture of a Vietnam Airlines flight attendant dressed in her uniform of an ao dai, the Vietnamese national costume of tight-fitting tunic worn over some sort of pants.
The VN attendant dons an attractive-looking apron when it’s time to serve
Meal on board. Since it was only a short flight, we were served snacks of a ham sandwich and assorted fruits. On the way back, it was a salad with ham and fruits again.
I look forward to riding Vietnam Airlines again and maybe try their longer journeys. Now, if you please repeat after me: ” Am not necessarily a big fan of plane rides….” 😀
but then again, there will always be an exception.
It is good to know that Vietnam Airlines serve decent snacks on short flights. They sell them in most US airlines now. Pretty soon flying passengers will be charged for using the bathroom LOL.
PAL still serves snacks on domestic flights too:)