So You Want to Ditch Melbourne for the Mekong? How Long Does That Take?
Let's face it, Melbourne's great, but sometimes you just need to swap out flat whites for ph?. But before you chuck your vegemite in your budgie smugglers (don't ask if that's a good idea on the plane), you might be wondering: how long does it take to fly from Melbourne to Vietnam?
Well, buckle up, because unlike waiting in line for brunch in Fitzroy, this answer is actually pretty straightforward (and way less hipster-infused).
How Long Melbourne To Vietnam |
The Speedy Gonzales: Direct Flights
If you're all about minimizing time spent in a metal tube hurtling through the sky, then you want a direct flight. These bad boys can whiz you from Melbourne to Vietnam in as little as 8 hours and 45 minutes. That's about the same time it takes to watch every season of Masterchef Australia and have a decent nap. Vietnam Airlines offers a direct route to Ho Chi Minh City, so you can be slurping down some delicious street food practically before you can say "goodbyeVegemite."
The Great Detour: Flights with Layovers
Maybe you're not after the most direct route, or perhaps you like the idea of mixing things up with a stopover in another cool city (like Bangkok for some pad thai, anyone?). If that's the case, then you're looking at flights with layovers. These can take anywhere from 12 hours and 40 minutes to a whopping 20 hours and 15 minutes. The exact duration depends on the airline, how many layovers, and how long your layovers are. So basically, it could be a breeze or feel like a small eternity spent watching in-flight movies you've already seen a dozen times.
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Important to note: While layovers can add some serious snooze time to your trip, they can also be a chance to stretch your legs, explore a new city, or stock up on duty-free snacks (because let's be real, plane food is a universal mystery).
So, How Long Exactly Will It Take?
The truth is, it depends! Here's a quick cheat sheet:
- Direct Flights (Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City): 8 hours and 45 minutes to 9 hours and 45 minutes
- Flights with Layovers: 12 hours and 40 minutes to 20 hours and 15 minutes
Remember: These are just estimates. Always check with the airline for the most up-to-date flight times.
Tip: Use this post as a starting point for exploration.
Bonus Tip: Be a Savvy Traveller
Want to score the best deals on flights? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Be flexible: Flights can fluctuate in price depending on the day of the week, time of year, and even the phase of the moon (probably not, but you get the idea). Be flexible with your travel dates to snag the sweetest deals.
- Book in advance: Especially during peak season, flights can fill up fast. Booking early can save you some serious cash.
- Consider budget airlines: While they might not offer all the bells and whistles of fancy airlines, budget airlines can be a great way to save some coin. Just pack your own snacks and entertainment (unless you fancy watching the same safety video on repeat).
FAQs
How to find the cheapest flights to Vietnam?
Try searching on aggregator websites like Skyscanner or Kayak. They compare prices from different airlines to help you find the best deal.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
How to pack for a long flight to Vietnam?
Comfy clothes, plenty of entertainment (books, podcasts, etc.), and a refillable water bottle are your best friends. Don't forget some hand sanitizer and eye masks for some shut-eye.
How to deal with jet lag in Vietnam?
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
Get some sun exposure as soon as you arrive to regulate your sleep cycle. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
How to get a visa for Vietnam?
Visa requirements can change, so check with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Australia for the latest information.
How to greet someone in Vietnamese?
A simple "Xin ch�o" (pronounced sin chao) will do the trick! It means "hello."
Now that you're armed with this knowledge, you're all set to ditch Melbourne and swap your tram for a motorbike adventure in Vietnam. Just don't forget your bathers - those Vietnamese beaches are calling your name!
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