Why choose Vietnam Airlines business class?

Why fly business class with Vietnam Airlines? 

Vietnam Airlines is the only carrier that operates direct flights from London Heathrow to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with the option to arrive in one city and depart from the other. As Vietnam is a long, skinny country, this makes it easy to travel from north to south (or vice versa) without doubling back. It’s a brilliantly simple way to see more of the country in one trip. 

Even better, Vietnam Airlines offers onward routes to Australia and across Asia, so you can build an incredible multi-country itinerary with a single airline. Business class fares on these long-haul routes are excellent value, giving you the chance to travel in real comfort without blowing the budget.

Flying business class with Vietnam Airlines 

I’ve just returned from a trip to Vietnam, flying into Ho Chi Minh City and out of Hanoi, with several internal flights in between. I flew business class for the international legs and economy (in the premium rows) on the shorter domestic hops. 

From Ho Chi Minh City, I flew to dreamy Phu Quoc Island. From there, I continued directly up to Hanoi to explore the charming capital before visiting nearby Ninh Binh and Tam Coc. At the end of my holiday, I flew straight back to London from Hanoi. The whole itinerary ran like clockwork, and sticking with one airline made the logistics wonderfully straightforward.

Minimal queuing 

The benefits of business class begin long before you step on the plane. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you’re treated like a VIP – which, frankly, you deserve on a long-haul trip. Priority bag drop and dedicated business class check-in mean virtually no queuing at London Heathrow, which feels like a luxury in itself. You can sail through to departures in minutes. 

Premium lounge access 

Once you clear security, you can skip the bustle of the main terminal and retreat to an airport lounge. While there’s no dedicated Vietnam Airlines lounge at Heathrow, a business class ticket grants access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 4. It felt like a calm haven from the airport chaos, with comfy seating, free snacks, a hot buffet and an open self-service bar. I was more than happy to linger there.

Breezy boarding

Priority boarding is another major plus of flying business class. When you reach the gate, you can board as soon as the aircraft is ready – no queues, no scramble for overhead locker space, no stress. The whole experience feels smooth and unhurried. 

Super-generous seats 

The business class cabin on the 787-9 Dreamliner, which operates between the UK and Vietnam, is genuinely impressive. Seats offer a generous 42” pitch, giving you plenty of room to stretch out. Each one reclines to a fully flat 180-degree bed, so you can arrive feeling properly rested rather than crumpled.

You’ll also have a private 15.4” TV screen, noise-cancelling headphones, USB charging points, extra-large windows, a personal reading light and your own overhead storage. With only 28 seats in the business cabin, the atmosphere is quiet, exclusive and serene. I was genuinely blown away. 

For solo travellers, I’d highly recommend a window seat; for couples, two middle seats together work perfectly. We can pre-book these seats for you free of charge – just let us know your preference.

Personal drinks service 

The five-star service starts the moment you step on board. I was greeted with a glass of chilled champagne before take-off, stretched my legs out on the footrest and immediately felt on top of the world. It felt a million miles away from the usual twelve-hour slog in economy. 

Throughout the flight, I could order drinks and snacks on demand from an extensive international wine list and a premium spirits selection. There’s even a signature cocktail menu inspired by Vietnamese flavours. Hot drinks are available at any time, and bottled water is replenished regularly. The crew were warm, attentive and genuinely keen to help – nothing felt like too much trouble.

Decadent dining 

In-flight dining in business class is one of travel’s real treats. The table set-up alone sets the tone: crisp linen, real glassware and proper cutlery. It’s like having your own mini restaurant in the sky, complete with personal waiter.

The food itself was superb. My dinner of beef fillet steak in red wine sauce with potato fondant was followed by a personal cheeseboard, all beautifully presented. For breakfast, I could choose between a lighter continental option, a fragrant Vietnamese pho or a full gourmet English breakfast. Everything tasted fresh, thoughtfully prepared and genuinely delicious.

Soft, serene lighting 

The Dreamliner is fitted with modern LED lighting designed to create a calm, natural atmosphere. The lighting shifts subtly throughout the flight, with soft, golden tones that help you unwind. When meals are served, the lighting gently brightens, which is a small but very effective touch. It makes a surprising difference to how relaxed you feel. 

I particularly appreciated how the lighting helped nudge everyone into the new time zone – the cabin dimmed at “bedtime” and brightened for breakfast, so I woke up feeling far more human than usual after a long-haul.

Extra little touches 

It’s the details that really elevate the experience. In business class, you’ll find soft duvets, a mattress topper for your seat and a thoughtfully stocked amenity kit with foam slippers, eye mask, socks and luxury moisturiser. Additional toiletries and shaving kits are available in the bathroom, so you can freshen up and arrive feeling put-together. 

Effortless arrival 

When I landed in Ho Chi Minh City, I felt well-fed, well-rested and genuinely excited for the adventure ahead. Starting a trip without the usual fog of jet lag makes such a difference – I felt ready to explore from the moment I arrived. If your budget stretches to business class, the benefits are huge, and I’d recommend it without hesitation.

Ending the trip in style 

After an unforgettable week exploring Vietnam’s highlights, I began my journey home from Hanoi. It’s always bittersweet when a trip ends, but business class takes the edge off saying goodbye. Before boarding, I relaxed in the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge – a peaceful escape from the busy terminal. 

On board my direct flight back to London, the service was once again excellent: delicious food, a wide choice of drinks and plenty of entertainment to dip into. The friendly crew were attentive throughout, and I slept soundly, waking up in London feeling remarkably fresh.

Don’t dismiss business class

For me, flying business class added not just comfort but a whole extra layer of excitement to the trip. Instead of dreading the long-haul legs, I found myself genuinely looking forward to them. It turned a great holiday into something truly memorable and elevated the entire experience, not just the flights. 

If you have the opportunity – and the budget – to try it, I’d say go for it. It’s an indulgence you’re very unlikely to regret.

Ready to plan your trip to Vietnam? 

We’re specialists in creating truly bespoke trips to Vietnam, with carefully chosen hotels, local tours and authentic cultural experiences. We can build an itinerary that includes business class flights, internal connections and all the little details that make a holiday feel seamless. 

Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a solo escape or a luxury honeymoon, we’ll share first-hand advice and help you get the very best from your time in Vietnam. When you’re ready, we’ll be here to help you plan your trip. To get started, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email. 

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