05 October, 2025
Destination Profile
Wiggling like an S-bend along the edge of Indochina, Vietnam is a haven for backpackers, history lovers, coffee buffs, foodies – it's endless. It doesn't matter if you come here in search of glistening tropical beachfronts or dank caves nestled in the jungle, the country has you covered. On the culture front, there are Buddhist temples capping spear-like mountains; there are whole valleys laced with terraced rice paddies; there are centuries-old shrines next to Brutalist monuments in the cities. What's more, cheap flights to Vietnam from New Zealand are on offer from oodles of airlines. The capital of Hanoi and the large southern city of Ho Chi Minh are the most common arrival points, but it's also possible to touchdown in the likes of beach-fringed Phu Quoc and heritage-packed Hoi An when going indirect.
Ha Long Bay leaves visitors astounded. There's really no better way to see it than on a traditional Vietnamese junk boat.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's answer to Koh Samui. Here, luxurious resorts offer walking access to shimmering sands and bath-warm seas.
Low-rise cottages and French bakeries, coffee roasters and more tailors than you can shake a three-piece suit at await in the heritage-listed town of Hoi An.
Right now, March/2026 is the lowest-price time of year to travel to Vietnam.
No airlines fly non-stop between New Zealand and Vietnam.
China Southern is the cheapest airline that flies from New Zealand to Vietnam.
The best airline to fly between New Zealand and Vietnam is Qatar Airways. The best low-cost airline is Jetstar.