Hey FT,

did some research and gave vietnam airlines a call regarding a SGN to HAN return flight.. I was suprised at how much they charge, is Vietnam airlines a monopoly in their country or why do they allow themselves to charge this much. The lady on the phone mentioned i should try and buy the tickets when im in SGN that way i could save heaps.. but how much?? What are the cheapest flights from SGN to HAN..

While i'm at it.. any hotel recommendations for SGN and HAN as well as must do's and good eats.. thanks for the help

found a nice 90US a night internet rate for the MARCO POLO OMNI SAIGON and was suprised at what you get for it.:

CCF Deluxe
Internet Rate
Luxury accommodation. Private check-in & check-out, 24-hour butler service, Club Lounge with daily breakfast, cocktails and the Business Center. Broadband internet access.
Unlimited usage of broadband internet in room and Club Lounge, total 6 items of laundry and dry cleaning per day, one way airport transfer, Free local calls, frequent flyer miles/points from participating airlines, express check-in and check-out, coffee, tea and snacks served all day, evening cocktails, use of board room and buffet breakfast in the Lounge.

USD 90.00

If you buy your ticket in Vietnam it will cost about US$110 in Y and US$140 in C one way, any more than that and you're paying too much. The other airline flying the route is Pacific Airlines, who I've never used but I believe they are cheaper than VN. If you get the timing right you will be on a 772ER. Alternatively they use A320, A321 & 767 on the route.

Most airlines in the Far East charge significantly more to "westerners" buying tickets in advance overseas (including Internet transactions) than they charge through their own local back-street agents where they get most of their business. It's what they find they can get .....

As does Air New Zealand!

You won't save heaps but you'll get the best price (20-30% less?) in SGN if you wait to buy your flight ticket there. Unless you're travelling around Tet, there should be availability up to 48hrs b4 departure. The VN ticket office across from the Hotel de Ville in downtown is open 7 days a week. You would be hard-pressed to find anything less than $100 for that segment. R/t flights are probably cheaper on Pacific Airlines (as low as $130 r/t).

thanks for the feedback..
pacific airlines any good?

We stayed at the Marco Polo for $60 per night booked on Expedia, but we only stayed there the night we returned from REP at 7:00 pm and left next am for HKG because the Marco Polo is very convenient to the airport. We stayed in the Sheraton (cash and points $30) the nights we were actually seeing SGN and vicinity because you can walk to a lot of sights, restaurants, etc from there.

We flew Pacific Airlines, HAN to SGN in mid March, one way, for about $100.00 each. No complaints about the flight, which is only a little over an hour. I am sure they served food, but am too tired now to remember much about it.
The Rex hotel, in SGN, can usually be gotten for about $60.00, on the internet, and it is a delightful hotel. PM me if you want more details about SGN or Hanoi.
Kate
PS in the north, don't even bother asking for chicken in a big restaurant.

Yea, ask for Cho

cause of the chicken flu? or am i missing out on something?

A number of places in SGN were not offering chicken 3 weeks ago either.

Just looking at my paperwork for that trip, I booked my HAN-SGN VN flight the day before departure at the Exottisimo Travel desk in the Hilton. US$140 one way in C, mid afternoon on the 772ER.

Sorry. Yes, the Avian Flu has everyone terrified, especially places that cater to tourists. We were in Hanoi 2 weeks ago and the waiter recoiled when my husband asked for the ground chicken burger that was on the menu.
Kate

I'd say wait to book the ticket once there. Plenty of flights and cheaper.

As for good food . . . one placed I loved in Hanoi was Wild Rice. Pricier by Vietnam standards, but a beautiful restaurant and great food.

This was 2 years ago mind you, but looks like it's still a propular place.

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/...4/hottables/67

But even just walking around and finding a place to grab pho was always a treat.