Reveal the Trick of 'Circling Abroad' to Save on Airfare

Buzz

During Tet, domestic airline tickets often reach sky-high prices; in contrast, flights from Vietnam to neighboring countries by foreign airlines become surprisingly affordable.

Seizing this opportunity, many passengers have combined travel with returning to Vietnam for Tet by flying out of the country and back with budget-friendly tickets.

By chance, Mr. Tran Dinh Hung (an office worker in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, originally from Hanoi) came up with the idea of celebrating Tet with affordable airfare, thanks to a friend working in the airline ticket sales department who shared international promotional flight prices during the Lunar New Year.

According to the promotional prices, near Tet, Vietnam Airlines sells tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane (Laos) for $39 per leg, plus taxes and fees, totaling around $60 (about 1.2 million VND).

Mr. Hung noted that this price is clearly much cheaper than the over 3 million VND price for the Tet period on the Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi route that other airlines are currently advertising.

'I have a few friends in Vientiane, so I'll go there to hang out and spend Tet with them. They say the airfare from Vientiane to Hanoi during Tet is also quite affordable. If we can't get tickets, we'll go by car. Somehow it's still cheaper than the airfare from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Plus, we get to enjoy a few days of traveling in Laos,' said Mr. Hung.

Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Van Quang, originally from Bac Ninh, mentioned that this Tet, on January 28, 2014 (Lunar December 28), he will take a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (Thailand) and on January 29, he will fly from Bangkok to Hanoi.

Mr. Quang stated that the total cost for both legs is around 2.3 million VND (over 110 USD), still much cheaper than the Tet airfare from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

'Of course, going to Thailand requires extra expenses, but in return, I get to enjoy sightseeing and shopping,' added Mr. Quang.

Ms. Tran Thi Khanh Phuong, an employee at an airline ticket office on Le Van Sy Street, District 3 (Ho Chi Minh City), affirmed that in the past 1-2 years, the strategy of traveling abroad and returning with cheap airfare during Tet has been adopted by some people.

Instead of buying domestic tickets directly from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, many young people have been 'keeping an eye out' for cheap tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to neighboring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and then flying back to Hanoi around Tet.

'During Tet, domestic flight segments are very expensive, but tickets from Vietnam to neighboring countries are remarkably cheap. This is why many young people are willing to take detours to travel and save money,' said Ms. Phuong.

On January 2nd, Thanh Nien Online visited the website of the budget airline Asia Air and found many tickets from Vietnam to Thailand, Malaysia, and vice versa, available at quite affordable prices during Tet.

According to the information, tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok on the days around January 27, 28, 29 (close to Lunar New Year) cost about 60 USD per leg, and the afternoon flight from Bangkok to Hanoi is priced at 51 USD per leg. The total cost for both legs is around 110 USD, equivalent to about 2.3 million VND.

Tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi around Tet are also around 110 -120 USD (equivalent to 2.3 – 2.4 million VND).

Of course, to get cheaper fares, passengers have to accept flying in the early morning or late at night.

'Considering the ticket prices, they are cheaper, but when you add it all up, connecting flights abroad are either the same or a bit more expensive. However, with connecting flights, passengers get to enjoy some interesting experiences while traveling,' said Mr. Nguyen Van Quang.

***

Source: Travel Handbook Mytour – As reported by iHay

MytourJanuary 3, 2014

The content is developed by the Mytour team with the aim of customer care and solely to inspire travel experiences. We do not take responsibility for or provide advice for other purposes.

If you find this article inappropriate or containing errors, please contact us via email at [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of flying to neighboring countries during Tet?

Flying to neighboring countries during Tet offers significant savings on airfare compared to domestic flights. Travelers can enjoy sightseeing and spending time with friends while still returning home for the holiday, making it a cost-effective and enjoyable option.

How do international flight prices compare to domestic fares during Tet?

International flight prices are often remarkably cheaper than domestic fares during Tet. For instance, flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane can cost around $60, significantly less than the 3 million VND for a domestic ticket to Hanoi.

Can travelers really save money by flying to other countries for Tet?

Yes, travelers can save money by flying to other countries for Tet. Many find that the total cost of international flights, including additional expenses, is still lower than domestic airfare, allowing them to enjoy travel experiences while saving.

What factors contribute to the low cost of flights during Tet for neighboring countries?

The low cost of flights to neighboring countries during Tet is influenced by promotional fares from airlines and the high demand for domestic travel, which drives domestic prices up. Budget airlines often offer competitive rates for international routes.

What are some popular destinations for affordable travel during Tet?

Popular destinations for affordable travel during Tet include Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Vientiane. These locations often have budget-friendly flights available, providing an excellent opportunity for travelers to explore new places while saving on airfare.