I found some great fares on the Vietnam Airways getting from HCMC to Hanoi. But the only way to purchase is via their sales office by phone or an agent.

Has anyone purchased tickets via their sales offices (located in Vietnam) or should I just wait until I am in Thailand (my port of entry into SE Asia) to buy at a ticket agent? Oddly enough, they use e-tickets but not internet purchasing.

Is this a safe and reliable airline?
Thanks

I flew one leg of my trip on them last May. Nice planes and service.

you can purchase it yourself at www.ivuvu.com. it's a reliable airline, yes.

I flew VN Airllnes both ways betwen Hanoi and Saigon. I bought the tickets at the tour desk at the Sheraton in HCMC four or five hours before departure. It was $90 one-way in economy and $135 in business class, IIRC. I chose the latter. Going north the plane was brand new and clean and on time, great seat. The return flight was delayed and the plane was worn. I used the business class lounges at both airports before departure. Only complaint was the rat(s) I saw at the Hanoi lounge. Safe and reliable and I would definitely fly them again, buying the tix in Vietnam (maybe check to make sure you aren't flying on a VN holiday).

You can rely on them to be late unless you're on the first flight of the day.

Crew safety training is not up to US/Europe standards. They disarm the door slides before the plane is even parked at the gate.