I recently flew on Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class from Ho Chi Minh City SGN (Saigon) to Da Nang (DAD) in Vietnam. This domestic route is operated by Vietnam Airlines using the A321 many times during the day, with short flight times only 1h50m or less.
The Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin offers a very comfortable environment for the short flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
The cabin was extremely clean! Including the restrooms – Vietnam Airlines keeps this cabin spic and spam.
I find the experience in Business Class with Vietnam Airlines to be very private, including a low passenger count. On top of it, Check-In and Security is extremely fast, and there’s lounge access!
One of the most impressive aspects of my Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight was the meal service on just a one hour flight. I love the pre-departure drinks! The unique Lotus Deli Bubble Tea Cart, with its delicious Vietnamese-style bubble tea, adds a special touch to the service.
The two meal options, featuring a Vietnamese-style dish and a sandwich platter, showcase the airline’s attention to detail and ability to craft perfectly portioned meals that satisfied both the palate and the appetite.
I found the options beautifully presented & also the perfect portion size. While the meal service & general service excels, the cabins don’t have Wifi, USB or Power charging ports.
A common theme on Vietnam Airlines, I find the lack of WiFi, Power and USB ports to be quite out of date in 2024.
Booking Vietnam Airlines
Unfortunately, I don’t have screenshots of the booking for my outbound flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang – but, I do have all steps for the return leg. I’ve also posted that review separately.
The Business Class tickets on Vietnam Airlines domestic flights tend to be 2-3x the cost of economy. Included is one checked bag, and ticket changes are allowed.
Overall, I find these are some of the most affordable Business Class tickets in the world!
The Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class seat map shows a cozy array of 16 seats in this cabin. I think rows 2 and 3 are my favorite in the cabin.
Overall, the Business Flex fare is great value if you can get one for under $200 USD one way.
The Ground Experience
Traveling one day after a national holiday, traffic in Ho Chi Minh City was particularly heavy. Our journey to the airport was a bit challenging.
Despite congestion, our Grab ride got us to the airport by 10:05 AM – a 40-minute drive from downtown.
When flying with Vietnam Airlines for domestic flights out of Saigon, it’s crucial to ensure you’re heading to the correct terminal.
The airport has separate terminals for international and domestic departures. We were dropped off at the D departures area for our Vietnam Airlines flight.
Upon entering the airport, we were pleased to see it wasn’t overly crowded.
Check In (Airport)
We did not check in online for this flight.
The Vietnam Airlines Sky Priority Business Class check-in counter was conveniently located right in front of us, with no line.
The friendly attendant confirmed our business class tickets and swiftly checked us in, and tagged our two checked bags.
We received access to the Lotus Lounge with a stamp on our beautiful gold-colored Vietnam Airlines boarding passes.
Vietnam Airlines offers its own VIP priority security line at Ho Chi Minh City airport. It was virtually empty during our visit.
With two security lanes available and no line, we passed through security in less than five minutes and entered the domestic terminal.
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge
After passing security, we made our way to enjoy the Lotus Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City before our Vietnam Airlines A321 business class flight to Da Nang.
I’ve written about the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge at Ho Chi Minh City separately.
Boarding
As our scheduled boarding time of 11:05 AM approached, we headed to the gate around 11:00 AM.
On the way, we noticed that our flight to Da Nang had been switched from Gate 5 to Gate 6. This change was only indicated by large placards at the gate. This last-minute switch is relatively easy for Vietnam Airlines to manage, as they use the same aircraft type, the A321, for their domestic flights. If you’re traveling out of HCMC – look out of these last minute swaps!
The boarding area was divided into two lines. The left side is for business class passengers and the right side for economy class travelers.
Vietnam Airlines issues two distinct ticket types. There are gold-plated tickets for business class passengers and Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles club members, and teal green tickets for all other passengers.
Boarding commenced around 11:20 AM, and with the flight not being full, the process moved quickly. By 11:35 AM, all passengers were on board for our 11:45am departure.
Vietnam Airlines A321 Cabin
As the first passenger to enter the aircraft, I had the opportunity to capture some excellent photos of the Vietnam Airlines A321 business class cabin before it filled up.
Vietnam Airlines A321:
- 16 Business Class seats in a 2+2 arrangement
- 162 or 168 Economy Class seats in a 3+3 arrangement
We were impressed by the cleanliness and excellent maintenance of the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin.
Economy Class comes in a 3+3 arrangement, with either 162 or 168 seats.
The very first row (Row 10) in Economy Class on the A321 offers far more legroom than the others. However, you have the annoying curtain in front of you, and not everyone likes the fixed armrests.
Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class Cabin
Vietnam Airlines’ A321 Business Class cabin features a comfortable, recliner style layout.
There are four rows of seats arranged in a 2-2 configuration.
The cabin accommodates a total of 16 passengers, with ample space and decent privacy.
The first row bulkhead seats have even more legroom, but no storage of any kind! If you’re okay with having no belongings, these seats are ideal for sleeping on the flight.
The Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class seats offer a generous recline.
Passengers in the fourth row should be mindful of the space for those seated in the first row (Row 10) of the economy class cabin directly behind them.
The seat can go quite far back, so much that you’ll have the curtain barrier falling over you!
Overhead you’ll find air vents and reading lights. There are two pairs of retractable TVs for the safety demonstration and lots of advertisements!
A321 Business Class Seat Details
As usual I chose a window seat on my trip. Each window seat has about two windows, and ample footspace.
These are large recliner style seats, which also have retractable leg rests and extended foot rests.
The seats have a large center console in the middle.
This has a comfortable leather armrest area on either side.
The center console has an inset “tray” where you can place your phone or service drinks.
There’s no seatback entertainment TV, and only a large pouch for magazines.
The Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class seats offer decent under-seat storage for both aisle and window seats, clear of equipment boxes.
However, the middle area beneath the center console cannot be used for storage, as it houses some kind of equipment box.
Although the seats do not have individual screens, the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin is equipped with an ancient audio system.
You can find a volume button and a dual-input headset jack on the side of their seat, to enjoy aircraft audio entertainment. I didn’t try this, though!
What I also liked about the seat is a retractable drinks tray that folds out when pulled. This is hidden, but is roughly 6“ x 4“ in diameter and very stable.
One the opposite side, the tray table is conveniently stored inside a cover that folds out from the side of the seat.
To use the tray table, passengers must first pull it up before folding it out completely. There’s a drinks inset on one side only.
Business Class Seat Controls
On the other side of the seat, passengers will find a panel with seat controls, allowing them to adjust the seat recline, lumbar support…
…leg rest, and an extended foot rest.
The footrest is a unique touch! In addition to the leg rest reclining out, one set of controls can extend the footrest out.
The combination of recline and footrest makes the seat quite comfortable for sleeping on flights.
A321 Business Class Restroom
The Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class restroom is at the front of the aircraft. It includes a floral plant display, but overall is very basic in its design features.
There’s a changing and accessories table that folds down.
I’m proud to report that the Business Class restroom was spanking clean!
Vietnam Airlines maintenance did a really excellent job for our flight in keeping this restroom in great condition, besides some age to the aircraft.
There is a large oversized mirror above the sink, a fragrance packet, and some grab bars for stability.
The Flight
With only six passengers in the 16-seat Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin, the atmosphere was incredibly relaxing and peaceful.
The ample space and low passenger count contributed most to the privacy and tranquility on the flight, on top of the superb service I’ll soon cover.
Our Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight departed Ho Chi Minh City on time, with the aircraft pushing back from the gate at 11:45 AM and lined up on the runway by 11:55 AM, ready for takeoff.
By 12:05 PM, we were airborne and on our way to Da Nang – just one hour away!
Service
Throughout the flight, the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin crew demonstrated a keen attention to detail and a genuine desire to provide exceptional service. The attendant’s many thoughtful gestures showcased their commitment to going above and beyond for their passengers.
Pre-Departure Service
Even before the aircraft door closed, the attentive cabin crew began their service with a warm towel offering. Although the towels were not exactly warm, the gesture was still much appreciated.
Following the warm towel service, passengers were offered a choice of pre-departure beverages, including orange juice, water, or a special detox water mix.
As a courtesy, the attendant noticed my interest in photography and provided me with two different drinks to sample.
The detox water offered as a pre-departure beverage was a standout feature of the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class service.
The detox water was a refreshing blend of water, lime, and a slice of orange – altogether very healthy.
The inclusion of the orange slice was particularly appreciated, as it provided a tasty treat to enjoy after finishing the water.
Post-Departure Service
The cabin service on our Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang began promptly after takeoff.
With a super short flight time, the attentive crew wasted no time in attending to the needs of both economy and business class passengers.
Vietnam Airlines Lotus Deli Bubble Tea Cart
One of the standout features of the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class service was the distinctive Lotus Deli Bubble Tea Cart. All passengers on the plane had an opportunity to purchase delicious bubble tea for 50,000 dong each.
The bubble tea offered on the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight was a Vietnamese-style variation, characterized by its milky tea texture. The bubbles themselves were slightly firmer than expected and had a unique raspberry-like texture.
Each bubble tea comes pre-packaged and also dated with a packaged and have-by date.
We decided to try two of these tempting beverages and were thoroughly impressed by their taste and quality. The bubble tea was served in plastic bags with straws, and we conveniently paid for two drinks with a 100,000 VND bill.
Meal Service
Despite the short duration of the flight, Vietnam Airlines goes above and beyond by offering a full meal service in Business Class. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin was filled with an enticing aroma, heightening our anticipation for the food experience. We opted to try both meal options available to get a comprehensive taste of the airline’s culinary offerings on this route.
The first meal option on the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight was a Vietnamese-style dish consisting of prawn mousse on sugar cane rice vermicelli.
The mousse was wrapped around a cane and accompanied by noodles and a garnish of cilantro. The prawn mousse had a delightful sausage-like taste, making it a satisfying and tasty choice. A delightful peanut sauce was provided for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
The second meal option on the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight featured a series of small sandwiches.
The platter included a salmon sandwich on white bread with a touch of mayonnaise, showcasing the freshness of the fish.
Additionally, there was an asparagus roll wrapped in squash and served with a flavorful sauce.
The final sandwich featured a scallop on white tuna, elegantly held together with a toothpick.
The petite size of these sandwiches made them perfect for the short flight, offering a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
Each tray also came with a small fresh fruits dish (melon, watermelon, and pineapple).
Other Drinks
I also had a coffee with my meal.
It was the instant type, which is fine by me.
In Flight Entertainment & WiFi
The airline also offers a streaming entertainment service, which passengers can access by connecting to the onboard Wi-Fi network.
However, it’s important to note that there is no Wi-Fi Internet service available on the A321 aircraft – or on Vietnam Airlines for that matter.
This is consistent with my other flights on Vietnam Airlines.
Landing & Arrival in Da Nang
Landing was announced with about 20 minutes to go, and we positioned in for landing at Da Nang.
The landing was crazy long – the captain ran the plane all the way to the end of the rocky runway.
It took just a few minutes before we were parking at the gate near the international terminal.
In a practice that I haven’t seen before, the business class flight attendant actually stood in front of the business class curtain and also closed the curtain after the flight, until everybody had disembarked from the business class cabin.
Passengers were instructed to wait until the business class cabin had disembarked before emptying out the economy section. This gives Business Class a final finale to an ultra private, premium experience! I do appreciate it.
That said, after navigating this beautiful airport…
…you still have to wait for bags at the claim!
Vietnam Airlines delivered on this end too – our priority tagged bags came out in the first batch. Kudos!
From here, it was extremely easy to use Grab to get around Da Nang and to Hoi An.
Final Thoughts
The Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin offers a comfortable environment for passengers traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
Although the seats lack individual screens and power ports, the spacious layout, comfortable seating, and ample storage options make for a pleasant flight experience.
The airline’s attention to cleanliness and maintenance is evident, ensuring that passengers can enjoy a relaxing journey in the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class cabin.
One of the most impressive aspects of the meal service on the Vietnam Airlines A321 Business Class flight was the perfect portion size.
The meals were substantial enough to satisfy our appetites without being overwhelming, especially considering the short one-hour flight duration to Da Nang.
I think Vietnam Airlines strikes the ideal balance between providing a full meal experience and ensuring passenger comfort on brief journeys.
On top of everything else, the fare is very reasonably priced.
Pros
- Check In and Security is extremely fast!
- There is a very private feeling experience in Business Class, including the low passenger count at every step of the way.
- The cabin on my flight was extremely clean! Including the restrooms – Vietnam Airlines keeps this cabin spic and spam.
- From the moment the cabin service commenced to the final bite of our meals, Vietnam Airlines demonstrated their commitment to providing exceptional dining options, even on short flights.
- The unique Lotus Deli Bubble Tea Cart, with its delicious Vietnamese-style bubble tea, added a special touch to the service.
- The two meal options, featuring a Vietnamese-style dish and a sandwich platter, showcased the airline’s attention to detail and ability to craft perfectly portioned meals that satisfied both the palate and the appetite.
Cons
- No WiFi connection
- No Power or USB charging in flight
Verdict: 9.5/10
Overall, I think it’s worth spending the money to upgrade into Business Class versus Economy Class on Vietnam Airlines.
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