How long does it take to fly from Vietnam to China? Which flight routes and airlines are the fastest?

Overview of flights from Vietnam to China

China is a close neighbor of Vietnam with many major cities and rich tourism and business opportunities. With close geographical proximity and close economic ties, this is one of the most popular international flight routes from Vietnam.

Major Advantages: There are many direct flights from Vietnam to major Chinese cities, saving time and cost compared to many other destinations.

Flight Time and Distance

Main flight routes from Vietnam

From Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

  • To Guangzhou (CAN): 2h 45m – 2h 54m (fastest)
  • To Shenzhen (SZX): 2 hours 25 minutes (fastest)
  • To Shanghai (PVG): 4 hours 30 minutes
  • To Beijing (PEK): 4h 45m – 4h 54m
  • To Kunming (KMG): 3 hours 5 minutes

From Hanoi (HAN)

  • To Kunming (KMG): 1h 41m – 1h 43m (fastest)
  • To Beijing (PEK): 3 hours 40 minutes
  • To Shanghai (PVG): 3 hours 15 minutes
  • To Guangzhou (CAN): 2 hours 30 minutes

Airlines and Routes

Vietnam Airlines – National airline

  • Strengths: Good service, stable flight schedule
  • Flight route: HAN/SGN → PEK, PVG, CAN
  • Flight time: 2-5 hours depending on destination
  • Frequency: Daily flights

Vietjet Air – Low-cost airline

  • Strengths: Cheap tickets, from $11 USD
  • Flight route : HAN/SGN → CAN, PVG, PEK, KMG
  • Flight time: 2-5 hours
  • Advantages: Many flights, competitive prices

China Southern Airlines – China's largest airline

  • Strengths: Extensive network, main hub in Guangzhou
  • Flight route : HAN/SGN → CAN, PEK, PVG
  • Flight time: 2-5 hours
  • Features: Good connections to other cities in China

China Eastern Airlines – Hub in Shanghai

  • Strengths: Good connections from Shanghai
  • Flight route : HAN/SGN → PVG, KMG
  • Flight time: 2-4 hours
  • Advantages: Competitive ticket prices, good service

Air China – China's national airline

  • Strengths: Beijing hub, quality service
  • Flight route : HAN/SGN → PEK
  • Flight time: 3-5 hours
  • Features: Suitable for business travelers

Fastest flight

Shortest route: Hanoi → Kunming

  • Time: 1h 41m – 1h 43m
  • Airline: China Eastern Airlines
  • Distance: About 700 km
  • Frequency: Daily flights

Fastest HCM City route: SGN → Shenzhen

  • Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Airline: China Southern, Shenzhen Airlines
  • Features: Shenzhen is a technology and trade hub

Most popular route: Vietnam → Guangzhou

  • From SGN: 2 hours 45 minutes – 2 hours 54 minutes
  • From HAN: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Airline: Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, Vietjet Air
  • Popular reasons: Guangzhou is a major connection hub, reasonable ticket prices

Flight statistics

Highest flight frequency

  • Average: 1,177 flights/week from Vietnam to China
  • Most popular airline: Vietnam Airlines
  • Average flight time: 2 hours 43 minutes

Reference ticket price

  • Vietjet Air: From $11 USD (promotional program)
  • Average ticket price: $583 USD round trip (HAN-PVG)
  • Cheapest month: January ($921 USD from USA)
  • Most expensive month: December and August

Main airports in China

Beijing

  • Main airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • New airport: Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
  • Flight time from Vietnam: 3-5 hours
  • Airline: Air China, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern

Shanghai

  • Airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
  • Flight time from Vietnam: 3-4.5 hours
  • Airline: China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Spring Airlines

Guangzhou

  • Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
  • Flight time from Vietnam: 2-3 hours
  • Airline: China Southern, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air

Shenzhen

  • Airport: Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)
  • Flight time from Vietnam: 2-3 hours
  • Features: Close to Hong Kong, technology hub

Kunming

  • Airport: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
  • Flight time from Vietnam: 1.5-3 hours
  • Features: Close to Vietnam border, shortest flight time

Booking tips and flight selection

Best time to book tickets

  • Book 2-4 weeks in advancefor good prices
  • Avoid Chinese holidays: Lunar New Year, Golden Week (October)
  • Choose mid-week flights: Tuesday, Wednesday are cheaper

Choose airline

  • Vietnam Airlines: Good service, stable flight schedule
  • Vietjet Air: Cheap price, many flights
  • China Southern: Wide network, hub in Guangzhou
  • China Eastern: Hub in Shanghai, competitive price

Choose suitable destination

  • Beijing: History, culture, politics
  • Shanghai: Commerce, finance, modern
  • Guangzhou: Commerce, Cantonese cuisine
  • Shenzhen: Technology, near Hong Kong
  • Kunming: Pleasant climate, beautiful scenery

Procedures and necessary documents

Documents to prepare

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
  • Example of average level:: Vietnamese citizens need a visa to enter China
  • Proof of financial means: May be required

Common visa types

  • Tourist Visa (L): 30 days, extendable
  • Business Visa (M): 30-90 days
  • Transit Visa: 24-144 hours (depending on airport)

Airport procedures

  • Check-in: 2 hours before international flight
  • Luggage: 23kg checked baggage, 7kg hand luggage
  • Immigration: May take 30-60 minutes

Travel Experience

Best time to go

  • Spring (3-5): Pleasant weather, flowers blooming
  • Autumn (9-11): Cool climate, beautiful scenery
  • Avoid: Hot and humid summer, cold winter

Cultural Notes

  • Language: Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Currency: Renminbi (RMB/CNY)
  • Payment: WeChat Pay, Alipay are popular
  • Internet: VPN needed to access Facebook, Google

Explore cities

  • Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall
  • Shanghai: The Bund, Pearl Tower
  • Guangzhou: Canton Tower, Shamian Island
  • Shenzhen: Luohu Port, Window of the World

Domestic connection in China

From international airport

  • High-speed train: Quick connection between cities
  • Subway: Available in all major cities
  • Taxis: Easy to book via apps like Didi

Domestic flight

  • Wide network: Connect to over 200 cities
  • Airline: China Southern, China Eastern, Air China
  • Ticket prices: From $50-200 USD depending on distance

Trends and development

Connectivity growth

  • Frequency increase: More flights after COVID-19
  • Route expansion: Connect to smaller cities
  • New airlines: Low-cost carriers expanding

New technology

  • Online check-in: All airlines support
  • Electronic payment: Easy ticket payment
  • Smart airports: Use AI and IoT

Note on COVID-19

Current Requirements

  • Check Latest Information: Policies May Change
  • COVID-19 Test: May be required
  • Health insurance: Insurance Recommended

Conclusion

Flights from Vietnam to China are one of the most convenient routes with the shortest flight time of only 1 hour 41 minutes (Hanoi - Kunming). With many airline and destination options, travelers can easily find flights that suit their needs and budget.Recommendations for Travelers: (Hanoi – Kunming). With many airline and destination options, tourists can easily find a flight that suits their needs and budget.

Recommendations for travelers:

  • Choose Vietjet Air if prioritizing low prices
  • Choose Vietnam Airlines if prioritizing service
  • Book tickets 2-4 weeks in advance for good prices
  • Prepare visa and documents carefully
  • Book tickets 2-4 weeks in advance for good prices
  • Prepare visas and documents thoroughly

China is an ideal destination for both tourism and business, with a rich culture and a dynamic economy. The close proximity and numerous direct flights make travel very convenient for Vietnamese people.

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