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Vietnam Airlines’ Business Class is a premium offering with hot towels, delicious menu, lie-flat bed and private space on an overnight flight making the journey pass in the blink of an eye.
The seat and route
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Melbourne (MEL). Seat 2A (window) on an Airbus 350-900 aircraft.
8 hours.
From A$5,459 one way or A$5,914 return
Is there a loyalty scheme and sustainability program?
You can earn Lotus Miles points on Vietnam Airlines flights. Their partner, SkyTeam Alliance, offers code-share flights in Australia with Virgin Australia, Qantas and Air New Zealand. Members can also collect bonus miles in destination MobiFone services, by purchasing MIC insurance and by shopping. They can also accumulate points using affiliated credit cards. Flights, seat upgrades and extra baggage can be obtained using bonus miles.
Vietnam Airlines has adopted a range of CO2 emissions reduction methods and implemented fuel-saving solutions by limiting cargo weight and optimising flight routes. As part of its green sky strategy, the airline uses SAF aviation fuel made from cooking oil, agricultural waste and animal fats.
How was the airport experience?
My bag was labelled as “Business” and sent straight through from my initial departure airport, Cam Ranh, to Melbourne. This was a relief and shaved some time off what was an arduous airport line experience. It was an hour and 40 minutes of standing in line just to get through immigration and security. By the time I made it through, I practically collapsed at the thought of a comfy chair in a private spot.
Is there lounge access?
Turn right once you’ve emerged from the security and immigration lines and follow the signs to the Lotus Lounge. From the entry, an oasis of serenity awaits. Floors are tiled with the airline’s signature colours, royal blue and gold. The lighting is soft and low, and there’s a Vietnamese aesthetic evident in the decor; deep navy armchairs with timber hardware are waiting to envelop a travel-weary body. There’s WiFi and a business centre with desks in little alcoves, and the restrooms and separate shower are stocked with amenities.
The lounge isn’t enormous but I don’t need to share with many other passengers. Entry includes soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits and some good food options. A boiling broth enables guests to make pho, plus there’s rice and a number of pork, chicken and vegetarian dishes on offer. Breads, pastries, desserts and snacks are laid out too.
How was the cabin and seat?
The Business Class cabin is set up in a 1-2-1 formation allowing aisle access for everyone; with 28 seats in total in the cabin. I’m in the second row at the window, which is perfect as I’m travelling solo. The middle seats would be good for couples travelling together. There are no baggage lockers above the middle rows of seats so the cabin feels spacious.
The flight attendant covers my chair with a fresh quilt, then I sit down and fasten my padded seatbelts (an unexpected nod to comfort). There’s a little side bin for my phone and a bottle of water waiting for me. There’s a handy USB port and power points to charge devices and a control pad to recline the seat to a full flatbed.
My feet are up on the footrest where an amenity kit, headphones, pillow, blanket and slippers are stowed. I don’t even have to turn my head to look out the window because the seats are at an angle. I love having all this private space for the whole flight.
The in-flight entertainment screen 15.4’’ (approximately 39cms) is tucked away above the footrest on an angle. The seat also has a foldaway tray table, slide up armrest, and a personal warm glow reading light.
How was the in-flight dining and drinks?
At meal time, a tablecloth is laid over my tray table and real cutlery comes wrapped in a napkin with a napkin ring. There’s both a Vietnamese and a Western menu and before we take off our orders are taken by very attentive flight attendants. I choose sesame chicken for entree and a stir-fried beef dish for my main meal. The Edda San Marzano Winery chardonnay from Puglia, Italy, was a lovely addition. The grilled chicken and papaya salad is sweet, spicy and delicious with a tamarind sauce. It’s so fresh it could be straight from someone’s garden. A sugarcane prawn is equally impressive.
The attendant clears my entree dishes and delivers the main course: beef cooked in a rich sauce with rice and vegetables. The accompanying baguettes are warmed and more wine is offered regularly.
Dessert is a super sweet Vietnamese taro soup with coconut milk. My finished meal is whisked away the moment I signal I’m finished. This is such a luxury – not being trapped by my meal on the tray table – and I appreciate it.
At breakfast time I’m woken from a deep sleep and asked to choose between muesli and an omelette. A basket of warm bread is offered too. I’m too tired to eat but I do pick at the muesli and it’s lovely and crisp.
What is the in-flight entertainment like?
While every other passenger in the business class cabin reclines their flatbeds the moment the plane is in the air and settles in for an 8 hour sleep, I spend two hours watching a movie. There are TV shows, games, audio programs, books to read and newspaper access also on screen. Flight attendants are concerned that I’m not sleeping but before long I’m lying down flat, pulling my blanket over myself and snoozing my way to Melbourne.
What was the in-flight service like?
Flight attendants are efficient and try to anticipate passengers’ needs. They help with baggage storage and are quick to serve drinks. When I need to use the facilities, a flight attendant rushes ahead to open the door for me. The bathroom is bigger at this end of the plane, and always clean, with the toilet paper folded into a triangle like you’re at a hotel.
A final thought
After a luxury resort holiday, no one wants to be crammed in the back of the plane with their knees touching the back of the seat in front of them. Stretching out your legs and having elbow room is a luxury I highly recommend if your budget allows it.
We’re off the plane before the rest of the passengers and our luggage is first on the carousel. This is a smooth, easy travel experience. It’s infinitely superior to economy and premium economy on this airline.
The writer travelled with support of The Westin Resort and Spa, Cam Ranh, and was upgraded to Business Class by the airline.
