The service offered by Vietnam Airlines on this flight between Hanoi and Phu Quoc is relatively good, but disappointing when compared with the airline’s Saigon-Hanoi service.
It’s time for me to reach the third stage of my Vietnamese journey, namely Phu Quoc. I’ll be flying with Vietnam Airlines, having in mind the excellent memories of my previous experience with them between Saigon and Hanoi, what’s more in an A350.
For the record the air routing of this trip.
You’ll find at the bottom of the page a summary of the articles about this vacation in Vietnam.
Ground experience
The night before the flight I receive an email and a text message (in Vietnamese) informing me that the flight will be delayed.
According to flightradar, the flight is often 30 minutes late, and this is confirmed.
I’ll reach the airport by Grab (the local Uber) from the JW Marriott Hanoi. It will take me 40 minutes for the modest sum of 11€.
The driver drops me off in front of the domestic terminal.
The terminal is fairly empty and there are hardly any people at the check-in desks.
In less than 5 minutes my luggage is checked-in and I go through security. 5 minutes later I’m airside and on my way to the lounge.
Or rather the lounges, as I’ll be trying out the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge and the Hong Song lounge. My experience was fairly average, as I’m not that convinced by Vietnamese airport lounges at the moment.
I arrive at the boarding gate a little early, as there’s nothing to entice me to stay in the lounge.
Boarding
Oddly enough, there will be both a Skypriority and a business queue.
Lines form but boarding doesn’t begin for some time. The crew arrives only 5 minutes before boarding time, and we logically board a little late.
The agent checking boarding passes and passports practically throws them in our faces. I know we’re late, but there are limits.
Another agent urges us to hurry along the jetway… and as we approach the aircraft door another almost yells at us because the plane isn’t ready and we shouldn’t have gone ahead.
A bit confusing.
Finally they let us in.
Vietnam Airlines A321 business class cabin
Unlike European airlines, Vietnam Airlines’ single-aisle aircraft feature a true business class cabin. It is in 2-2 configuration.
A little old-fashioned, perhaps, but infinitely better than any European airline.
The legroom is comfortable.
Seat controls.
The table is a good size.
Vietnam Airlines still has in-flight magazines.
A cabin that may be a little old-fashioned, but very good for a two-hour domestic flight.
The flight and the service
As we board, we’re given a lukewarm, somewhat dry oshibori (not very good quality) and a welcome drink.
We’re finally ready to leave.
A goodbye to the terminal and we’re ready to take off.
I settle in with a series while waiting for the service.
The flight attendant puts the tablecloths on.
She then takes the orders. There’s no printed menu, and she struggles to translate the various options available. So I’ll choose a bit at random.
I won’t hide from you the fact that this is very, very disappointing compared to what is served on the Saigon-Hanoi, which I assume enjoys premium treatment as it is the airline’s flagship domestic route.
The duck’s not bad, it’s tasty. The salmon, too, well helped by the capers. The third canapé, made with spicy minced meat and, I believe, ginger, will also be good.
The blackcurrant mousse will be just right.
It’s far from bad, but the quantities are ridiculous.
Uneventful end of flight until the start of the descent.
The service
Very good and friendly, but difficulty translating the menu into correct English.
Arrival and disembarkation
A glass of water is brought to us at the start of the descent.
Hello Phu Quoc.
We’ll park at a remote stand once again.
Buses will take us to the terminal. The first will pick up business class passengers before economy class disembarks.
I’d pick up my suitcase soon enough and order a grab to get me to the hotel.
Bottom line
Not really a bad flight, but very disappointing catering compared to other domestic routes.
The articles about this vacation in Vietnam
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