Airfares from Ho Chi Minh City to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand fall sharply in August, September

Thuy Trang, a resident of Binh Thanh Ward in Ho Chi Minh City, recently paid about VND4 million ($152.8) for a round-trip ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a mid-September departure.

She had previously seen typical one-way fares of around VND2.5-3 million ($95.5-114.6).

Malaysia is not the only destination seeing lower fares. Airfares to Singapore and Thailand have also dropped significantly in August and September, at times falling below the cost of domestic flights.

A survey of ticketing systems on August 9 found that many international routes from Ho Chi Minh City offered low fares from mid-August through late September, excluding the peak period around the National Day (September 2) holiday.

On the Ho Chi Minh City-Singapore route, Vietjet's economy fares start at VND19,000 ($0.7). With taxes and fees, the total comes to around VND1.6 million ($61) per one-way ticket. 

Singapore's low-cost carrier Scoot offers multiple one-way tickets priced at VND1.4-1.8 million ($53.5-68.8).

Vietnam Airlines sells tickets on the same route for VND2.2-3 million ($84.1-114.6) one way.

Although more expensive, its fares include checked baggage and meals, while promotional fares offered by low-cost carriers generally cover only carry-on baggage.

One-way fares on the Ho Chi Minh City-Bangkok route have also fallen below VND1.9 million ($72.6). By comparison, some Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi flights during the same period cost VND2.2-2.5 million ($84.1-95.5), particularly on weekends or at convenient times.

However, low fares are not available on every route.

The cheapest round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Jakarta cost around VND6.3 million ($240.7), while flights from Hanoi to Singapore or Bangkok generally cost VND2.6-3 million ($99.3-114.6) one way.

Singapore is among the easiest destinations for finding cheap fares because several airlines operate on the route. One-way fares of VND1.4-1.8 million ($53.5-68.8) are considered attractive for a three-day, two-night trip.

Bangkok is suitable for travelers interested in food and shopping. One-way fares below VND1.9 million ($72.6) or round-trip fares of around VND3.5-4 million ($133.8-152.8) may be worth considering.

When booking flights to Bangkok, travelers should check whether their flight lands at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport. A ticket that is cheaper may result in additional travel time and costs if the airport is farther from their hotel, particularly during rush hour.

Phuket is suitable for travelers seeking a beach holiday. Round-trip fares starting at just over VND4 million ($152.8) may be worth considering, although a four-day, three-night itinerary is more suitable.

August and September are part of the rainy season, when island tours may be changed or canceled due to rough seas, so travelers should avoid scheduling an island trip immediately before their return flight.

Fiercer competition among airlines on international routes

Airfares depend not only on distance but also on seat availability, booking time and the level of competition on individual routes.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, international passenger numbers reached 26.2 million in the first six months of 2026, up 15.4 percent year on year.

Domestic passenger traffic reached 18.7 million, an increase of just 0.3 percent.

Vietnamese airlines operated 109 international routes, while foreign carriers operated 235 scheduled routes to Vietnam.

Multiple airlines compete on routes to Singapore, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, putting considerable pressure on fares.

Capacity has also increased, with Vietnam Airlines launching a Ho Chi Minh City-Phuket route, while Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet both began operating the route between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo in Sri Lanka in August.

August and September are also a period when travel demand in some Southeast Asian markets declines after the peak summer season. When flights have many unsold seats, airlines may release cheaper fare classes to fill aircraft.

By contrast, the Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi route is a major trunk route serving business travelers, students, people visiting relatives and tourists. Demand remains relatively strong year-round, so fares for early-morning, late-day and weekend flights are less likely to fall sharply.

Things to note when booking international flights

In addition to having a valid passport and flight ticket, travelers need to complete online arrival forms before their arrival.

For Singapore, visitors must submit the SG Arrival Card, providing passport, flight and accommodation information.

Travelers to Thailand should complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, while those entering Malaysia should submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card.

These forms should be completed through the respective official portals within three days before arrival, including the day of entry.

Travelers should prepare their flight number, hotel address and passport details in advance, then save the confirmation code or confirmation email on their phones in case they are asked to present it.

These forms are arrival declarations and do not replace visas. Travelers should also avoid unofficial intermediary websites that request unclear or unnecessary fees.