khartman

UA/ ANA: ORD-NRT-SGN; two days total-I'm going Sunday to Tuesday with a day trip in Tokyo on the return. Quicker return (and slightly cheaper) if you transfer from NRT to HND on the return). Dates available throughout Sep., Oct., and Nov.

RobOnLI

It's an OK fare. But don't forget Americans need a visa for Vietnam. To get the visa you can apply online for a Visa On Arrival approval letter through one of the online travel agencies (first letter I paid $8, second I paid $20 but that was for a one-year visa). Then you have to queue in line at the airport when you get to SGN to get the visa and pay $35 for the single entry. The first time (single entry) I only waited 10 minutes. The second time I waited 35 minutes.

I highly recommend Vietnam to anyone who likes to travel. And SGN is the best place to start.

-RM

khartman

RobOnLI

Technically I think the answer is no. However, without an onward boarding pass you may have issues getting through SGN airport.

Your next problem is you won't be allowed to board the aircraft in NRT going to SGN without having the visa or visa approval letter to show the agents. They are not allowed to board you to SGN without this. So, I think this alone will kill you.

You can always try. It's possible (I might even say likely) that UA won't even board you out of the US.

-RM

Tblack15

This. If your final destination is SGN, they won't board you.

RooseveltL

If I remember all arriving passengers in SGN go directly to immigration/customs upon arrival. Escorted directly so no chance to bail out and it is require to show letter prior to boarding pass in USA. The letter which is a Word/PDF document and some endorsements should be easy to SELF-CREATE for boarding purposes (NOT FOR ARRIVAL INTO SGN OR PROCESSING). Reminder - you also need two passport photos with letter unless they have made it more automated.

SBakall

a mileage run?

RobOnLI

This is ILLEGAL and absolutely should not even be suggested. The letter showing who is approved for visa on arrival in Vietnam is an OFFICIAL letter, stamped and signed by the Vietnam Government. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to create/alter any letter you see online that would be similar to what you get purchasing one.

-RM

RooseveltL

100% agree with your response. I only mention as a gate/ticket agent in the US won't authenticate the letter for boarding on this side, BUT, landing and getting through Vietnam official can/would pose a major problem without valid authorization.

atxtraveler

Pair that with a nice Phu Quoc stay at the new JW Marriott and you have a pretty inexpensive vacay!

motoridersd

Hmm, it's 3.5 cpm from SNA through SFO, so that's not too bad. 3.8 from SAN through DEN, which is still pretty decent.

hookthem

Nice! I didn't realize that there was a new JW. The Marriott in Hanoi is really nice even though it isn't a JW. However, it is better just to stay in the city and get a somewhat more legitimate experience

Also, just to add my 2c, PLEASE DO NOT FORGE DOCUMENTS, even if it is to get out of the USA. It is a terrible, terrible, terrible idea.

To clarify what RobOnLI posted, the $8/$20 mentioned is for a 3rd party (non-government) to get your visa-on-arrival application submitted and processed. My one-year cost over $100 when you arrive in Vietnam ($135 sounds right, though I'd have to look it up). You need CASH. Even if you are approved for a 1-month visa, they randomly decide to make US citizens get a one-year when you arrive (and pay more money). So, 2 passport photos, pre-approval letter, cash, and they'll also send you a supplemental application to submit at the airport (much of the same info that you've already provided).

RobOnLI

To be clear...the visa on arrival letter that you pay for is still processed by the government. It is stamped by the government (Vietnam Immigration Department). So while the letter itself does not come from the government, it is still a government official letter with signatures and stamps from the government.

I have two Vietnam visas (as mentioned earlier) and have never been asked to pay up to a higher category. Yes, you must have cash.

-RM