Flew to Vietnam on a whim! Yes, I decided to treat myself and my Mama to a quick vacation overseas and chose Vietnam as our destination of choice. Since I brought my senior mother along, I decided to avail of the direct flight from Mactan Cebu International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. The Cebu to Hanoi flight via Vietnam Airlines only took a little over 3 hours!
Just a little heads-up – YES, the Cebu to Hanoi (and vice versa) flights cost more than average since I only booked them about 2 weeks prior but they weren’t so bad. Vietnam Airlines, after all, is a full service, 4-star national flag carrier. That meant checked baggage (23 kg) and meals.
Our flight from Cebu was at 4:45 AM and we arrived at Terminal 2 a little past 1 AM but apparently the counters only opened at 1:30 AM. The wait wasn’t long and good thing we found a priority seat (for seniors) for Mama.
By the way, there were a couple of Australians who played hacky sack at the area right in front of the counters. I thought it was strange — insulting, even — that they had the gall to play right inside the airport and right where there are other travelers around. Is it just me?
Anyway, check-in was smooth and fast. We went straight to the immigration counters. No queues and I think we were only asked a question each. Then Mama and I went to the Plaza Premium Lounge to wait for our flight.
Here’s a YouTube short I made:
Vietnam Airlines’ staff are pleasant and attentive. Food choices were good enough for a 3-hour flight. Cabin was clean and the legroom space was OK.
Flights from Cebu to Hanoi will run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday while Vietnam Airlines flights from Hanoi to Cebu will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
In an era where connectivity is paramount, Vietnam Airlines’ new service that enhances travel options between the Philippines and Vietnam is truly a nice step forward. This new route not only facilitates easier access for travelers but also strengthens the cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
For more of my Vietnam adventures, join me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube!
Note: This was NOT a sponsored flight. I paid for all expenses myself.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. Her content niches are lifestyle, travel, politics and events. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]
