Cheap Flights from France to Vietnam: The Complete 2026 Guide
Planning your move to Vietnam and hesitating because of the price of the plane ticket? You're not alone. Airfare is often one of the biggest expenses when settling abroad, and finding a cheap flight from France to Vietnam can make the difference between a budget under control and finances under strain.
Based in Da Nang, we make this trip regularly and know the tricks for finding the best fares. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the strategies we use ourselves for our own travel: the best times to book, the airlines to favor, strategic layovers, and above all, how to save up to 60% on your ticket without sacrificing comfort.
Whether you're flying one-way or planning regular round trips, you'll learn how to get the most out of every euro you spend. Ready to turn your move abroad into reality without breaking the bank?
How Much Does a France-Vietnam Flight Really Cost in 2026?
Before diving into money-saving strategies, let's set a clear baseline. Prices vary considerably depending on the season, the airline and how flexible you are.
Average price ranges observed in 2026:
| Ticket type | Low season | High season | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy one-way | 350-550€ | 700-950€ | 480€ |
| Economy round trip | 600-850€ | 1200-1800€ | 890€ |
| Business class round trip | 2400-3200€ | 4500-6000€ | 3800€ |
Low season (May-June and September-November, outside French school holidays) offers the best fares. High season (December-February and July-August) can double or even triple prices. Vietnamese Tết (Lunar New Year, usually late January to early February) is the absolute peak: avoid it if you can.
Tip: When moving abroad, choose a one-way ticket rather than a round trip. You'll save 100-200€ and keep the flexibility to book your return based on your actual needs. Open-return tickets are often 40% more expensive than two separate one-way tickets.
The main routes are Paris-Hanoi and Paris-Ho Chi Minh City, with frequent connections to Da Nang (an extra 1-hour flight, 30-80€). If you're flying from elsewhere in France, add 80-150€ for a domestic French flight, or take the train to Paris CDG instead.
The Best Airlines for a Budget France-Vietnam Flight
Not all airlines offer the same value for money. Here is our ranking.
Recommended airlines, in order of priority:
1. Vietnam Airlines (direct flight Paris-Hanoi/HCMC)
- Average price: 650-850€ round trip
- Duration: 11h30-12h (direct flight)
- Pros: decent comfort, generous baggage allowance (2x23kg), Vietnamese service
- Con: slightly more expensive than airlines with a layover
2. Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
- Average price: 550-750€ round trip
- Duration: 16-18h (2-4h layover)
- Pros: excellent value for money, superior comfort, lounge access
- Con: long layover, but Istanbul airport is pleasant
3. Qatar Airways (via Doha)
- Average price: 600-800€ round trip
- Duration: 15-17h
- Pros: premium service, modern airport, good connections
- Con: slightly more expensive than Turkish
4. Emirates (via Dubai)
- Average price: 650-900€ round trip
- Duration: 16-19h
- Pros: comfort, in-flight entertainment
- Con: layovers can be long
5. China Southern / China Eastern (via Guangzhou/Shanghai)
- Average price: 450-650€ round trip
- Duration: 15-20h
- Pros: unbeatable prices
- Cons: basic comfort, limited service, language barrier, transit visa sometimes required
Tip: Avoid Asian low-cost carriers (AirAsia, Scoot) for long-haul flights. The initial savings (50-100€) disappear with baggage, meal and seat fees, and comfort is minimal over a 15-hour flight.
For your move, go with Turkish Airlines or Vietnam Airlines. The extra 100-150€ compared with the Chinese airlines is more than offset by the comfort and the baggage allowance (crucial when you're relocating). If you've already shipped your belongings through an international move, you can opt for a Chinese airline with just a carry-on.
When to Book to Get the Best Price
Booking timing is THE factor that affects your budget the most. Here are the golden rules.
Rule #1: Book 8-12 weeks in advance
The statistics are clear: tickets booked 2-3 months before departure offer the best value. Too early (6+ months), and airlines haven't released their promotional fares yet. Too late (less than 4 weeks), and prices skyrocket.
Price variation by booking window:
- 6+ months before: standard price (100% of the average price)
- 3-4 months before: optimal price (-15 to -25%)
- 2 months before: good price (-10 to -15%)
- 1 month before: rising prices (+20 to +40%)
- Less than 2 weeks: maximum price (+50 to +150%)
Rule #2: Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday
Midweek flights cost 20-35% less than Friday-to-Sunday flights. If your job allows it, this simple flexibility can save you 150-250€.
Rule #3: Watch prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Airlines release their deals early in the week. Set up alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner and Kayak for your specific route.
Tip: Use private browsing mode when you search. Booking sites use cookies to gradually raise prices if you look up the same route several times. Clear your cache or use a VPN to compare objectively.
Rule #4: Absolutely avoid these periods
- French school holidays (especially July-August)
- Vietnamese Tết (late January to early February)
- Christmas and New Year
- The long weekends in May (around May 1 and May 8)
During these peaks, prices can triple. If you have to travel during these periods, book at least 4-5 months in advance.
Tools and Strategies to Find the Best Deals
Beyond timing, certain tools and techniques let you uncover fares that 90% of travelers never see.
The must-have comparison sites:
1. Google Flights (free)
- The most complete for visualizing price trends
- "Calendar" feature to identify the cheapest days
- Reliable price alerts
- Intuitive interface
2. Skyscanner (free)
- Excellent for comparing layovers
- "Whole month" option to find the cheapest day
- Sometimes includes low-cost airlines missing from other platforms
3. Kayak (free)
- "Explore" feature to discover destinations that fit your budget
- Price prediction ("buy now" or "wait")
- Customizable alerts
4. Momondo (free)
- Clear interface
- Often slightly lower prices than competitors
- Good coverage of Asian airlines
Tip: NEVER book directly on the comparison sites. Once you've found the flight, go to the airline's website. You'll save 10-30€ in service fees and get better customer service if something goes wrong.
Advanced strategies:
"Hidden city ticketing" (use with caution) Book a Paris-Bangkok flight with a layover in Hanoi, then get off in Hanoi without taking the connecting flight. Potential savings: 100-200€. WARNING: prohibited by airlines, risk of having your return ticket canceled, impossible with checked baggage.
The deliberate "stopover" Some airlines (Finnair, Icelandair, TAP Portugal) allow free extended layovers. Use them to explore Helsinki, Reykjavik or Lisbon for 2-3 days at no extra cost. Ideal for breaking up the trip and visiting a bonus city.
Frequent flyer programs If you plan regular round trips (family back in France), join Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) or Miles & More (Lufthansa). One Paris-Hanoi round trip = about 15,000 miles, or 10-15% of a free ticket.
Mistake fares Subscribe to specialized newsletters (Secret Flying, Jack's Flight Club). Airlines sometimes publish tickets at slashed prices by mistake (Paris-Vietnam for 250€). Rare, but it happens 2-3 times a year.
Optimize Your Baggage Budget: Don't Pay Unnecessary Fees
Baggage fees can turn a "cheap" ticket into a money pit. When you're moving abroad, this section can save you 200-500€.
Standard baggage allowances (economy class):
| Airline | Carry-on | Checked baggage | Extra bag fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | 12kg | 2x23kg | 80-150€ |
| Turkish Airlines | 8kg | 2x23kg | 70-120€ |
| Qatar Airways | 7kg | 2x23kg | 75-130€ |
| Emirates | 7kg | 2x23kg | 80-140€ |
| Chinese airlines | 5-7kg | 1x23kg | 100-180€ |
Tip: For your move, split your belongings between sea freight (1-2 months in transit, but economical for large volumes) and your airline baggage. Take documents, electronics and essential clothing on the plane. Everything else (books, decor, kitchenware) goes in a container.
Tricks to make the most of your allowance:
Wear your heaviest clothes: jacket, hiking boots, jeans. You free up 2-3kg of allowance.
Use a backpack as your carry-on: more flexible than a hard-shell suitcase, you can squeeze it to fit the dimensions (usually 55x40x20cm).
Spread the weight: if you're traveling as a couple, balance your suitcases so neither one goes over.
Weigh your bags BEFORE going to the airport: excess baggage charges at check-in cost 15-25€/kg (yes, it's daylight robbery).
Negotiate at check-in: if you're 1-2kg over, be polite and explain that you're moving abroad. 70% of the time, the agents look the other way.
Ship the excess by Chronopost/DHL: paradoxically, sending 5kg by courier (80-120€) can be cheaper than an extra bag fee (125-200€).
For your first move, check out our complete moving checklist, which details exactly what to bring (and what to leave in France).
Strategic Layovers: Saving Money or Wasting Time?
Flights with a layover cost 30-50% less than direct flights, but are they really worth it? Let's look at the options.
Recommended layovers (comfort + price):
Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- Ideal layover length: 3-5h
- Modern, spacious airport, free Wi-Fi
- Plenty of restaurants and shops
- Lounge access (Priority Pass or premium credit card)
- Easy connection to Hanoi/HCMC/Da Nang
Doha (Qatar Airways)
- Ideal layover length: 2-4h
- Ultra-modern airport (opened in 2014)
- Efficient air conditioning (important after a 6-hour flight)
- Good signage in French
- Free city tour if your layover is over 5h
Dubai (Emirates)
- Ideal layover length: 3-6h
- Huge airport, allow time for connections
- Wide range of duty-free shopping
- Paid rest areas (50-80€ for 3h)
Layovers to avoid (unless the price is VERY attractive):
Guangzhou/Shanghai (Chinese airlines)
- Transit visa sometimes required (check based on your nationality)
- Aging airports, few services
- Significant language barrier
- Complicated Wi-Fi access (VPN needed)
Bangkok (via low-cost airlines)
- Often requires collecting your bags and checking in again
- Considerable time lost (3-4h minimum)
- Initial savings wiped out by the hassle
Tip: When moving with lots of luggage, choose direct flights or a single short layover (2-3h). Every connection increases the risk of lost baggage by 15-20%. If your flight has two layovers, get baggage insurance (30-50€).
Long layovers: opportunity or ordeal?
If you have a layover of 8h+ and the energy, some cities are worth the detour:
- Istanbul: free visa, metro to the city center (45min), visit Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar
- Doha: free city tour organized by Qatar Airways (layover over 5h)
- Dubai: metro to the Burj Khalifa (1h), but tiring after a long flight
When you're moving abroad, I'd rather recommend resting in a lounge (50-80€ well spent) so you arrive fresh in Vietnam and can handle your first errands efficiently.
Domestic Flights in Vietnam: Optimize Your Arrival in Da Nang
If you're settling in Da Nang, you have two options after your international arrival:
Option 1: Direct international flight to Da Nang
- Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates (via their hubs)
- Extra cost vs Hanoi/HCMC: 50-150€
- Advantage: huge time savings (no Vietnamese connection)
- Ideal for a first move with luggage
Option 2: International flight to Hanoi/HCMC + domestic flight
- Domestic airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
- Domestic flight price: 30-80€ (1h-1h30 flight)
- Advantage: more choice of international schedules
- Downside: extra fatigue, risk of lost baggage
Domestic airlines compared:
| Airline | Average price | Baggage allowance | On-time rate | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | 60-80€ | 23kg included | 85% | ★★★★☆ |
| Bamboo Airways | 50-70€ | 23kg included | 80% | ★★★★☆ |
| VietJet Air | 30-50€ | 7kg carry-on (20kg = +15€) | 75% | ★★★☆☆ |
Tip: If you book a separate domestic flight, leave AT LEAST 4 hours between your international arrival and your domestic flight. Delays are common, and you'll have to collect your bags, go through immigration, then check in again. With only 2-3 hours, you risk missing your connection.
For your move, I recommend a direct international flight to Da Nang if possible. You arrive rested, so does your luggage, and you can focus on what matters: finding temporary accommodation and starting your paperwork.
Travel Insurance: Which Policies Do You Really Need?
Airlines and booking sites bombard you with insurance options. Which ones are worth it when you're moving abroad?
Cancellation insurance (30-80€)
- Useful if: you book 3+ months in advance and your situation could change (health, job)
- Pointless if: you book 6-8 weeks ahead (low risk) and you're in good health
- Free alternative: some premium credit cards (Visa Premier, Gold Mastercard) include cancellation coverage
Baggage insurance (30-50€)
- Useful if: you have 2+ layovers or are carrying expensive equipment (laptop, camera)
- Pointless if: direct flight or a single short layover
- Alternative: your home insurance sometimes covers baggage while traveling (check)
Travel health insurance (40-100€)
- POINTLESS when moving abroad: you need a real annual expat insurance policy, not 15 days of tourist coverage
- Take out separately: comprehensive expat health insurance (80-200€/month depending on your age and coverage)
Tip: Before buying travel insurance, call your bank. Visa Premier, Gold Mastercard and American Express cards often include travel coverage (cancellation, baggage, repatriation) up to 5,000-10,000€. Condition: you must have paid for the ticket with that card. You save 100-200€.
What your premium credit card usually covers:
- Trip cancellation (reimbursement up to 5,000€)
- Flight delay (compensation of 100-300€ after 4h)
- Lost/stolen/damaged baggage (up to 2,000€)
- Repatriation assistance (unlimited)
- Medical expenses abroad (up to 100,000€)
Check your policy or call your bank to find out your exact coverage. For a long-term move, these "travel" policies aren't enough: take out a real expat insurance policy as soon as you arrive.
Costly Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
Here are the mistakes that cost the most (and how to avoid them).
Mistake #1: Booking a round trip "just to be safe"
Many people book a round trip to "have an onward ticket" in case of problems. The result: you pay 200-300€ more than with two separate one-way tickets, and you never use the return (or you change it for a 150-250€ fee).
Solution: Book a one-way ticket. If Vietnamese immigration requires an onward ticket (rare but possible), use a service like BestOnwardTicket.com (12€), which generates a real ticket valid for 48h.
Mistake #2: Overlooking change fees
You find a ticket for 450€, great! But it's non-changeable and non-refundable. Something unexpected comes up, and you have to buy a new ticket for 900€.
Solution: When moving abroad (a less flexible date than a vacation), go for "flex" or "changeable" fares. Extra cost: 80-150€, but you can change the date for 50-100€ instead of losing 450€.
Mistake #3: Forgetting about delays when planning connections
You book a Paris-Istanbul-Hanoi flight with a 2-hour layover. Perfect on paper. Except the Paris-Istanbul flight is 45 minutes late (common), and you miss your connection. You spend 24 hours in Istanbul waiting for the next flight.
Solution: Allow AT LEAST 2h30-3h for an international layover. If it's your first move abroad with lots of luggage, aim for 3-4h to be safe.
Mistake #4: Booking connecting flights separately
You find a Paris-Bangkok flight for 300€ (airline A) and a Bangkok-Da Nang flight for 50€ (airline B). Total: 350€, versus 550€ for a combined ticket. A 200€ saving!
Except the first flight is delayed, you miss the second one, and airline B refuses to refund you (separate tickets = not their responsibility). You buy a last-minute ticket for 250€. Final savings: -100€.
Solution: Book combined tickets (even if slightly more expensive) OR leave 12h+ between two separate flights (and get out of the airport to visit the city).
Mistake #5: Ignoring visa restrictions
You book a flight with a 6-hour layover in Shanghai. At the airport in Paris, you're denied boarding: you need a Chinese transit visa (the 72-hour visa-free transit doesn't apply at every airport). You lose your ticket.
Solution: ALWAYS check the transit visa requirements for your layovers. The Gulf countries (Qatar, UAE) and Turkey generally don't require a visa for layovers under 24h. China is more complicated.
Tip: Before finalizing your booking, check our complete moving checklist, which covers all the administrative aspects, including the visas and travel documents you need.
Alternatives to Flying Direct: Train, Bus and Creative Options
For adventurers or ultra-tight budgets, there are alternatives to a direct France-Vietnam flight. Spoiler: they take much longer, but they can be part of the adventure.
The Trans-Siberian (Paris-Moscow-Beijing-Hanoi)
- Duration: 15-20 days
- Cost: 800-1500€ (depending on comfort)
- Pros: unique experience, incredible scenery
- Cons: multiple visas (Russia, China), considerable time
- Verdict: for a coming-of-age trip before moving abroad, not for a quick relocation
Bus/train across Asia (from Bangkok or Kunming)
- Duration: 3-7 days from Bangkok
- Cost: 100-300€
- Pros: ultra-cheap, cultural immersion
- Cons: extreme fatigue, discomfort, impossible with lots of luggage
- Verdict: only if you're already in Asia and traveling light
Flight + extended stop (partial round-the-world trip)
- Example: Paris-Bangkok (300€) + 1 month in Thailand + Bangkok-Vietnam (50€)
- Cost: 350€ in flights + accommodation in Thailand
- Pros: discover several countries, gradual acclimatization
- Cons: delays your move
- Verdict: worthwhile if you have 2-3 months ahead of you and want to explore before settling down
Tip: If you have time and an adventurous spirit, combine a low-cost flight to Bangkok (300-400€) with 2-3 weeks of overland travel through Laos or Cambodia before arriving in Vietnam. You save on the ticket AND arrive with a better understanding of the region. But for a quick professional relocation, a direct flight remains the best option.
To understand the overall cost of living once you're there and budget for your move, see our complete guide to the monthly budget in Da Nang.
Loyalty Programs and Miles: Make Your Flights Pay Off
If you plan regular France-Vietnam round trips (family, business), loyalty programs can save you thousands of euros over the long run.
Recommended programs for the France-Vietnam route:
Flying Blue (Air France-KLM, Vietnam Airlines)
- 1€ spent ≈ 4-5 miles
- Paris-Hanoi round trip ≈ 15,000 miles earned
- Free ticket: 50,000-70,000 miles (depending on the season)
- Verdict: 4-5 round trips = 1 free ticket
Miles & More (Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines)
- Similar to Flying Blue
- Good European coverage
- Partnerships with many airlines
Privilege Club (Qatar Airways)
- Generous program
- Frequent upgrades for members
- Lounge access from Silver status (easy to reach)
Skywards (Emirates)
- Miles that don't expire (if there's activity every 3 years)
- Upgrades possible
- Good for Middle East/Asia flights
Tip: Focus your loyalty on ONE program (Flying Blue recommended for the France-Vietnam route). Don't spread your miles over 4-5 different programs, or you'll never reach the free-ticket threshold. Even if a competing flight is 50€ cheaper, stick with your loyalty airline: the miles you earn more than make up for it.
Credit cards that earn miles:
Some cards let you earn miles on your everyday purchases:
- American Express Air France KLM: 1€ = 1 mile, welcome bonus of 10,000 miles
- Visa Premier Flying Blue: 1€ = 0.5 mile
- Mastercard Miles & More: 1€ = 0.5-1 mile
Annual fee: 150-300€/year. Worth it if you spend 30,000€+/year on the card (you get a free ticket every 2-3 years).
Bonus tip: buy miles during promotions
Flying Blue and other programs regularly run flash sales: buy 10,000 miles for 200€ instead of 300€. If you're 5,000 miles away from a free ticket, that's a better deal than paying 450€ for a new ticket.
Preparing for Your Flight: Checklist for the Final 48 Hours
You have your ticket, now it's time to prepare for departure. Here is a checklist for the last few days.
7 days before:
- Check your passport's validity (at least 6 months after your arrival date)
- Print your Vietnam e-visa (even though it's electronic, keep a paper backup copy)
- Confirm your flight online (some airlines release seats 48h before)
- Check in online if possible (saves time at the airport)
- Download these apps: Google Translate (offline mode), Maps.me (Vietnam maps), Grab (taxis)
2 days before:
- Weigh your bags (avoid nasty surprises at the airport)
- Scan your important documents (passport, visa, tickets) and email them to yourself
- Tell your bank you're leaving (avoid having your card blocked)
- Turn on international roaming on your phone (or get a Vietnamese SIM ready)
- Check your flight time (last-minute changes happen)
1 day before:
- Have some euros AND US dollars on hand (100-200$ is useful for the first few days)
- Charge all your electronic devices
- Put your travel documents in an easily accessible bag
- Pack a snack and an empty bottle (to fill after security)
- Wear comfortable clothes you can layer (the air conditioning on the plane is strong)
Departure day:
- Arrive 3 hours before an international flight (4 hours in high season)
- Keep your passport and ticket within easy reach
- Fill out the immigration form on the plane (saves time on arrival)
- Set your watch to Vietnam time (UTC+7, 5-6 hours ahead of France depending on the time of year)
Tip: Download podcasts or Netflix shows BEFORE the flight. In-flight Wi-Fi is often paid (10-20€) and slow. Also bring a sleep mask and earplugs (or noise-canceling headphones): sleeping during the flight helps you arrive fresh and fight jet lag more easily.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong: Delays, Cancellations and Claims
Even with the best preparation, the unexpected happens. Here's how to react and get compensation.
Flight delayed by 3h+:
Your rights (EU regulation EC 261/2004):
- 3-4h delay: 250€ compensation (flight < 3,500km) or 400€ (flight > 3,500km)
- 4h+ delay: 600€ compensation for long-haul flights
- Free meals and accommodation if needed
Procedure:
- Ask for a delay certificate at the airline's counter
- Take photos of the departure boards (proof of the delay)
- Keep all your receipts (meals, hotel, transportation)
- File a claim within 3 years on the airline's website
- If refused, use a service like AirHelp or VolRetardé (they take a 25-35% commission but handle everything)
Flight canceled:
Your rights:
- Full refund OR rerouting on the next available flight (free)
- Compensation of 250-600€ depending on the distance (except in extraordinary circumstances: weather, strikes)
- Accommodation and meals if you have to wait until the next day
Tip: If your flight is canceled, do NOT leave the airport without getting a hotel voucher from the airline. Once you're out, it will be much harder to get reimbursed. Insist politely but firmly at the counter.
Lost baggage:
Immediate procedure:
- Report the loss BEFORE leaving the airport ("Lost & Found" office)
- Get a file number (PIR: Property Irregularity Report)
- List the approximate contents and their value
- Ask for an emergency kit (toiletry kit, T-shirt) if available
Compensation:
- Delayed baggage: 50-100€ per day of delay (max 1,000€)
- Permanently lost baggage: up to 1,500€ (under the Montreal Convention)
- Your essential purchases are reimbursable (keep the receipts)
Timeframes:
- 80% of delayed bags are found within 48h
- 95% within 5 days
- After 21 days, the bag is considered lost
Denied boarding (overbooking):
Your rights:
- Compensation of 250-600€ (same scale as for delays)
- Free rerouting on the next flight
- Meals and accommodation if needed
Tip: If the airline is looking for volunteers to take a later flight (overbooking), negotiate: you can get 500-1,000€ in vouchers + rerouting in business class + a hotel night. If you're flexible, it's a windfall.
FAQ: Your Questions About France-Vietnam Flights
When is the best time to buy a France-Vietnam ticket?
The sweet spot is 8-12 weeks before departure. Book on a Tuesday or Wednesday to take advantage of the airlines' weekly promotions. Avoid school holiday periods (July-August, Christmas), when prices double. When moving abroad, aim for May-June or September-November: low tourist season = fares 30-40% lower.
Do you need a visa to transit through Turkey, Qatar or the UAE?
No, no visa is needed for layovers under 24h in Turkey, Qatar or the UAE with a French passport. You stay in the international zone. China, on the other hand, requires a transit visa at certain airports (Shanghai Pudong requires a visa, but Beijing and Guangzhou offer 72h visa-free transit under certain conditions). Always check the specific rules for your layover before booking.
Can you find France-Vietnam tickets for under 400€?
Yes, but rarely on direct flights. Flights with 1-2 layovers on Chinese airlines (China Southern, China Eastern) or Gulf airlines running promotions can drop to 350-450€ in low season. Mistake fares (2-3 times a year) can offer tickets at 250-350€, but they sell out within hours. Sign up for Google Flights alerts and specialized newsletters (Secret Flying) so you don't miss them. For a one-way ticket in low season, 400-450€ is an excellent price.
Which airline offers the best value for money?
Turkish Airlines tops this ranking: competitive prices (550-750€ round trip), above-average comfort, a generous baggage allowance (2x23kg), and the layover in Istanbul is pleasant. Vietnam Airlines is an excellent choice if you find a direct flight for under 800€ round trip (a considerable time saving). Avoid Asian low-cost carriers for long-haul flights: the initial savings disappear with the extra fees and the discomfort over a 15-hour flight.
How much does an extra bag cost?
Rates vary by airline and when you buy: 70-120€ if booked online before departure, 100-180€ if added at the airport. Excess weight charges cost 15-25€/kg (very expensive). When moving abroad with lots of belongings, use sea freight for large volumes (books, kitchenware, decor) and keep the essentials in your airline baggage (documents, electronics, essential clothing). You'll save 200-500€ in baggage fees.
Is it better to book a one-way or a round-trip ticket?
When moving abroad, a one-way ticket is almost always the better deal. You save 100-200€ compared with a round trip, and you keep the flexibility to book your return based on your actual needs (or never come back!). If Vietnamese immigration requires an onward ticket (rare but possible), use a service like BestOnwardTicket.com (12€), which generates a ticket valid for 48h. Don't pay 200€ more for a return you'll probably never use.
Do credit cards really cover travel insurance?
Yes, Visa Premier, Gold Mastercard and American Express cards generally include: trip cancellation (up to 5,000€), flight delay (100-300€ after 4h), lost/stolen baggage (up to 2,000€), repatriation assistance (unlimited) and emergency medical expenses (up to 100,000€). BUT these benefits only apply if you paid for the ticket with that card. Call your bank to find out your exact coverage. For a long-term move, take out comprehensive expat health insurance as soon as you arrive: credit card "travel" insurance only covers 90 days at most.
Conclusion: Your France-Vietnam Ticket at the Best Price
Finding a cheap flight from France to Vietnam isn't a matter of luck, it's a matter of strategy. By applying the techniques in this guide — booking 8-12 weeks in advance, choosing midweek flights, comparing airlines intelligently and optimizing your baggage — you can easily save 200-400€ per ticket.
To recap the key points:
- Aim for 550-750€ for a round trip in low season with Turkish Airlines or Qatar Airways
- Book a one-way ticket for your move (more flexible and cheaper)
- Avoid July-August, December-January and Tết, when prices triple
- Use your premium credit card for the included insurance
- Choose a direct flight to Da Nang if your budget allows (saves time and adds comfort)
- Ship your bulky belongings by sea container rather than as extra baggage
Your plane ticket is only the first step of your Vietnamese adventure. Once you're there, you'll need to sort out your visa, find housing, open a bank account, take out health insurance, and navigate a complex administrative system.
Have a good flight, and welcome to your future life in Da Nang!
Frequently asked questions
Jérémie Chiari
Author, based in Da Nang
A French entrepreneur living in Da Nang, Jérémie writes these guides from first-hand experience and official sources, cited and dated.
About the author