How long does it take to fly from Vietnam to Benin? Which flight route and airline are the fastest?

Overview of flights from Vietnam to Benin

Benin – quốc gia nhỏ bé ở Tây Phi, nổi tiếng với những truyền thống Voodoo độc đáo, kiến trúc thuộc địa Pháp và bờ biển Đại Tây Dương xinh đẹp, đang dần trở thành điểm đến hấp dẫn cho những du khách Việt Nam khao khát khám phá châu Phi. Tuy nhiên, việc di chuyển từ Việt Nam đến Benin đòi hỏi một hành trình dài với nhiều chuyến bay kết nối.

Flight time from Vietnam to Benin

From Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport) to Cotonou

• Fastest time: 22 hours 35 minutes
• Average time: 24-30 hours
• Actual flight time: 18-22 hours (excluding layover time)
• Number of transit flights required: 2-3 connecting flights

From Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport) to Cotonou

• Fastest time: 24-26 hours
• Average time: 26-32 hours
• Actual flight time: 20-24 hours (excluding layover time)
• Number of transit flights required: 2-3 connecting flights

Note: Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Benin. All flights require transit through major international hubs.

Popular flight routes from Vietnam to Benin

1. Tuyến đường qua Trung Đông (Ethiopian Airlines – Khuyến nghị)

Vietnam → Dubai/Doha → Addis Ababa → Cotonou

• Time: 22-26 hours
• Airline: Qatar Airways/Emirates + Ethiopian Airlines
• Advantages: Best connections, short flight time, quality service
• Disadvantages: Ticket prices may be higher

2. Route via Turkey

Vietnam → Istanbul → Cotonou

• Time: 24-28 hours
• Airline: Turkish Airlines
• Advantages: One airline, simple procedures
• Disadvantages: Waiting time may be long

3. Route via Europe

Vietnam → Paris → Cotonou

• Time: 26-30 hours
• Airline: Vietnam Airlines + Air France
• Advantages: French-Benin historical connection, many flights
• Disadvantages: Longer flight time

4. Route via Morocco

Vietnam → Casablanca → Cotonou

• Time: 28-32 hours
• Airline: Royal Air Maroc + connecting airlines
• Advantages: Not very popular, potentially cheap
• Disadvantages: Few flights, long waiting time

Airlines flying from Vietnam to Benin

1. Ethiopian Airlines (Nhanh nhất – Khuyến nghị)

• Route: SGN/HAN → DXB/DOH → ADD (Addis Ababa) → COO (Cotonou)
• Time: 22-26 hours
• Ticket prices: 1,200-2,200 USD
• Advantages: Mạng lưới châu Phi lớn nhất, kết nối tốt, được bình chọn “Best Airline in Africa”
• Features: Newly opened direct flight route to Vietnam

2. Qatar Airways + Ethiopian Airlines

• Route: SGN/HAN → DOH (Doha) → ADD → COO
• Time: 24-28 hours
• Ticket prices: 1,400-2,400 USD
• Advantages: 5-star service, convenient connections
• Disadvantages: Higher ticket price

3. Turkish Airlines

• Route: SGN/HAN → IST (Istanbul) → COO
• Time: 26-30 hours
• Ticket prices: 1,300-2,300 USD
• Advantages: One airline, flies to many African destinations
• Disadvantages: Long flight time, few flights

4. Air France

• Route: SGN/HAN → CDG (Paris) → COO
• Time: 28-32 hours
• Ticket prices: 1,500-2,500 USD
• Advantages: Historic connection, many flights
• Disadvantages: Longest flight time

Flight prices from Vietnam to Benin

Average price by class:

• Economy class: 1,200-2,500 USD
• Business class: 3,000-5,500 USD
• First Class: 5,000-8,000 USD

Cheapest flight period:

• Cheapest month: September (1,200-1,600 USD)
• Most expensive month: December-January (USD 2,000-2,500)
• Day of the weekTuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheaper

Reference ticket prices in detail:

• From Ho Chi Minh City: USD 1,031-2,417
• From Hanoi: USD 1,200-2,300
• Economy fare: USD 1,289-1,851
• Round trip: USD 1,851-2,417

Detailed flight schedule for the fastest route

Sample itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City (Ethiopian Airlines):

Flight 1:

• Departure: SGN 02:30 (Vietnam Airlines)
• Arrival: Doha DOH 06:00 (local time)
• Flight time: 7 hours 30 minutes

Flight 2:

• Departure: Doha DOH 08:30 (Qatar Airways)
• Arrival: Addis Ababa ADD 13:00 (local time)
• Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Flight 3:

• Departure: Addis Ababa ADD 16:00 (Ethiopian Airlines)
• Arrival: Cotonou COO 18:30 (local time)
• Flight time: 4h 30m

Total time: 22h 35m (incl. transit time)

Sample itinerary from Hanoi:

Flight 1:

• Depart: HAN 23:00 (Vietnam Airlines)
• Arrival: Istanbul IST 05:00+1 (local time)
• Flight time: 10h

Flight 2:

• Departure: Istanbul IST 12:00 (Turkish Airlines)
• Arrival: Cotonou COO 17:00 (local time)
• Flight time: 6h

Total time: 24h (incl. transit time)

Visa requirements and procedures

Vietnamese citizens need a visa to enter Benin:

• Visa type: Benin eVisa
• Stay duration: 30-90 days (depending on visa type)
• Processing Time: 10 working days
• Can be applied online: Yes

Required documents:

• Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
• eVisa application: Completed online
• Photo: 4x6cm color photo (2 copies)
• Flight Tickets: Round trip booked
• Proof of financial means: Bank statement, guarantee
• Vaccination certificate: Yellow fever (mandatory)
• Health insurance: Recommended

eVisa application process:

1. Submit online: On the official website
2. Pay the fee: Via credit/bank card
3. Wait for approval: 10 working days
4. Visa receipt: At Cotonou airport

Destination airport and transportation

Cotonou Airport (COO):

• Official name: Cadjehoun Airport
• From the center: 5 km south of Cotonou
• Transportation: Taxi, bus, car rental
• Time to reach center: 15-20 minutes

Services at the airport:

• Currency exchange service (CFA Franc)
• Restaurants and bars
• Duty-free shop
• Car Rental
• Free Wifi

Weather and best time to visit

Benin Climate:

• Climate: Tropical, with two distinct seasons
• Dry season (November-March): 25-35°C, little rain, sunny
• Rainy season (April-October): 24-30°C, heavy rain, high humidity
• Temperature: Average 27-30°C year-round

Best time:

• Best time to travel: November-February (dry season, cool)
• Ideal month: December-January (good weather, many festivals)
• Most economical: September (end of rainy season, cheap prices)
• Avoid: June-August (heavy rainy season)

Special festivals:

• Voodoo Festival: January (Ouidah)
• Gelede Festival: February-March
• Harvest Festival: November-December

Tips for booking cheap flights

1. Best time to book flights:

• Book 6-8 months in advance for African flights
• September is the cheapest month
• Avoid peak season (December-January)

2. Select flight date:

• Fly on Tuesday, Wednesday is usually cheaper
• Avoid flying on weekends
• Choose overnight flights to save on hotels

3. Compare ticket prices:

• Ethiopian Airlines often has the best prices
• Check Skyscanner, Wego, Trip.com
• Track flight prices regularly

4. Saving strategies:

• Consider flying from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur
• Be flexible with flight dates and times
• Booking round-trip tickets is usually cheaper

Prepare for health and safety

Mandatory vaccinations:

• Yellow fever: Mandatory, requires certificate
• Malaria: Take preventive medication
• Hepatitis A, B: Recommended
• Typhoid fever: Recommended
• Polio : Booster update

Safety notes:

• Drink bottled water
• Avoid raw food
• Use mosquito repellent
• Bring necessary medicine
• International health insurance

Tourist activities in Benin

Famous attractions:

• Ouidah: Voodoo City, slave museum
• Ganvie: Stilt village on the lake
• Abomey: Ancient royal palaces
• Pendjari National Park: National Park
• Porto-Novo: Capital with colonial architecture

Cultural Experience:

• Attend the Voodoo Festival
• Explore the history of slavery
• Enjoy local cuisine
• Shop at Dantokpa Market
• Learn about Fon and Yoruba culture

Long-haul flight experience

Preparing before the flight:

• Choose an aisle or spacious seat
• Prepare plenty of entertainment
• Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs
• Motion sickness medication and necessary prescriptions

During the flight:

• Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol
• Light exercise every 2-3 hours
• Adjust watch to destination time zone
• Sleep according to local schedule

Note on time zone:

• Benin is 6 hours behind Vietnam
• Jet lag can last 2-4 days
• Start adjusting before flying

Conclusion

Flying from Vietnam to Benin is an exciting journey but requires thorough preparation. The fastest route via Ethiopian Airlines takes about 22-26 hours with 2-3 connecting flights. For the best fares, book early, choose to fly in September, and be flexible with your dates.

Benin is a great destination for those who want to explore authentic Africa with its unique Voodoo culture, rich history, and friendly people. With careful preparation regarding visa, health, and itinerary, you will have a memorable adventure in this West African nation.