Know Your Direct Routes
First things first, a 'weekender' to Hanoi from India is ambitious but achievable thanks to a growing number of direct flights. The flight time is typically between 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Several airlines, including VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Air India,
and IndiGo, operate non-stop routes from major Indian hubs. You can find direct flights to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Knowing which airlines fly from your nearest city is the first step in tracking down the best deals.
Master the Art of Timing
The best time to visit Hanoi for pleasant weather is autumn (September to November) or spring (March to April). Conveniently, these shoulder seasons can also offer better flight prices than the peak tourist months. To snag the cheapest fares, aim to book during the off-season, which includes months like April, May, June, and September. While you might encounter some rain, the savings on flights and accommodation can be significant. September, in particular, is often cited as a sweet spot for low prices just as the weather begins to improve.
Become a Flexible Fare Hunter
Flexibility is your single greatest weapon in the hunt for cheap flights. If your dates aren't set in stone, use the 'whole month' or 'flexible dates' view on search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Shifting your departure or return by just a day or two can reveal massive price differences. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often cheaper days to fly as they avoid the rush of business travellers and weekend vacationers. Flying mid-week for a 'weekend' trip (e.g., Wednesday to Saturday) might sound unconventional, but it can save you a small fortune.
Set Up Price Alerts and Track Fares
Airline prices are dynamic and change constantly based on demand. Instead of manually checking prices every day, let technology do the work. Set up price alerts on multiple platforms like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner for your desired India-to-Hanoi route. You'll get an email notification when the price drops, allowing you to book at the optimal moment. For international flights, the sweet spot for booking is generally two to eight months in advance. Start tracking early and be ready to book when a good deal appears.
Compare, Then Book Direct
While flight aggregators are excellent for comparing prices across all airlines, it's often wise to book directly on the airline's website, especially with budget carriers like VietJet Air. Booking direct can sometimes unlock special promotions not available elsewhere and makes it easier to manage your booking or deal with any issues. Use the aggregator to find the cheapest date and airline, then head to the airline's official site to complete the purchase. This also helps you avoid hidden fees that some third-party sites might add.
Don't Forget the Visa
This isn't a flight hack, but it's a crucial, time-sensitive step for any trip to Vietnam. As of 2026, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam. The most convenient option is the e-visa, which you can apply for online. The process typically takes a few working days, but it's essential to apply well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute stress. The 90-day e-visa allows for single or multiple entries, giving you flexibility. The fee is around 25 USD for a single entry.
