mystic1947

Hi

I convinced friends to stop in Hanoi while doing their China trip - I was telling them how cheap tickets are on Ctrip, Elong etc. I never checked the flight to Hanoi when I opened my big mouth

Now that they are set on it I am having difficulty finding anything cheaper than $650 for the HKG-HAN-PVG. They are flying back to the states from PVG so that is a must.

I know I have used someone in Thailand years ago, think his name was Eddie...would someone like this be able to obtain cheaper tickets. The $650 is using Hong Kong Airlines one way and Vietnam Air to PVG

What about FF tickets though it's late at this point. They are going in November and I know they have points with AA and UA.

Appreciate the help
Mystic

Southam

Hanoi is not a layover. The prices come up as two separate flights and are not unreasonable given the distance travelled. The only possibility would have been to book these legs as part of the US-Asia ticket, and even so might not have saved money.

mystic1947

The tickets were already booked - it's not a long flight just 2 hours from HKG to HAN so I was surprised it's pricing out so high. I guess they will have to pay the price if they want to go.
Thanks
Mystic

Kathie

Make sure they have multiple-entry Chinese Visas and a visa for VN in advance (or pre-arranged).

mystic1947

Thanks Kathie - they are getting multiple entry and planned on getting VOA for Hanoi

Kathie

Do remember that what the travel agents in VN call VOA is not a visa on arrival (which means you can arrive with no prior notice and get a visa in exchange for some forms and some cash) but is a pre-arranged visa. They won't allow you on a plane to VN without either a visa in your passport or a visa approval letter.

mystic1947

Kathie
They said they would apply for a visa approval letter - I am not sure who they are going though but I think they have that end covered.
I am thinking of doing the same trip next year so I am learning right along with them. They may just think that this is all too difficult and just spend more time in Hong Kong and Macau but I know I want to go to Hanoi regardless of the cost.
Mystic

mystic1947

I found a solution!! The return from Hanoi to PVG had to stop in HKG anyway so I priced out a r/t HKG-HAN ($247 on Hong Kong airlines and then a one way HKG-PVG on Shanghai airlines for $153 - Total cost $400 - this is reasonable.

It means one more night in HKG or PVG but neither will be a problem - are the above reliable airlines? I originally priced out using Vietnam Air and even that works out cheaper this way.
Thanks again
Mystic