I'm just beginning to think about going to Vietnam and Laos. Can anyone suggest how/where to begin looking for airfares. I live on the east coast and would rather not go thru Los Angelos, perhaps Chicago or Detroit. Thanks. Alana

i think united is the only us carrier with flights direct to VN, and they are through CA...

northwest would connect you through japan with another carrier...

try asian carriers too like cathy pacific, singapore, ana, korean

I'm booked with Japan (good reputation)Airlines...Chicago nonstop to Narita (Tokyo), 3 hour or so layover/connection time, then nonstop with them to Hanoi.

If you on the East Coast have a look at using Thai Airways non stop from JFK to Bangkok and then connection with Thai to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, also flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang and Vientiane are good.

Thai would be a fast way with their non stop to Bangkok.

Cheaper might be Air France or Lufthansa can offer. Bob recently did Boston-Paris-Bangkok on Air France and those flights continue to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
So if you are BOS / NYC / Washington area then Air France might be good, seatback TVs in Coach etc.
I think Bob had a day stop outbound with Air France in Paris but they used the day for sightseeing around the area, returning in pm departure from Vietnam for something like midday back to east Coast.

Thanks for the replies. I live in Virginia, so Washington might be good. I want to visit Hanoi, Sapa area, and then fly down to Hoi An, hearing such wonderful things. What is the best month to visit both places. Thanks. Alana

The United Airlines direct flight to Vietnam stops in San Francisco and Hong Kong enroute to Ho Chi Minh City. It arrives too late at night to connect the same day to Hanoi.

alana, visiting Sapa, Hanoi, and Hoi An on new year holiday is the best time for you. If you are lucky, you may see snow in Sapa (which rarely happens there). You can enjoy a lot of unique things on new year time in these places. New Year falls in around 16th February, but you should come earlier to view the air people are preparing for new year celebration.

Have fun!

Thanks everyone. I am hoping to go end of Oct. Nov. I'm open to advise as to other months to visit-I don't like going peak season with too many tourists. Please tell me what I should expect to pay for airfare. Will Hoi An be okay weatherwise to visit then. Thanks.