Flying from Taipei to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines in business class turned out to be a pleasant (and at times, amusingly puzzling) experience. From smooth check-in to quirky in-flight moments, here’s how the journey unfolded.
Airport Priority Experience
The priority check-in process was a breeze; efficient staff and almost no waiting time made the start of the journey feel premium right away.
However, in Taiwan Kaohsiung Airport, Vietnam Airlines doesn’t offer priority security lanes, so after check-in, business class passengers merge back with the general crowd. Not a dealbreaker, but it does take a bit of the shine off the “priority” promise.
The Seats
Vietnam Airlines uses older business class seats on this route, but they’re surprisingly wide, soft, and very comfortable. The seat configuration gives you plenty of personal space and privacy — a huge win for a short regional flight.
I was initially assigned a broken seat, which caused some confusion among the crew. To their credit, they handled the situation with calm professionalism and quickly found me another one. Once settled, I was given a thick, cozy blanket, perfect for an early-morning flight.
The legroom was outstanding, comparing to European airlines. As a taller passenger, I really appreciated how spacious the seating area felt. It’s the kind of comfort that makes a short regional flight feel a bit more luxurious.
The Food
Here’s where Vietnam Airlines really stood out. Even though it was a morning flight, they served a proper hot meal instead of the usual breakfast fare. Many airlines offer only eggs or cereal for early flights, but Vietnam Airlines provided two full lunch-style options, both beautifully presented and delicious.
It’s small touches like this that make the experience feel genuinely premium. The attention to meal quality shows that Vietnam Airlines doesn’t treat short routes as an afterthought, but rather as an opportunity to impress. It felt like they wanted passengers to enjoy a real dining experience, not just a quick bite before landing.
The Drinks
This was where things got… interesting. On my morning flight, the crew politely informed me that cocktails weren’t available, only wine. Fair enough — it’s early, after all. However, on my afternoon flight, I was handed a cocktail menu — exciting! Except… the crew didn’t seem to know how to make any of the drinks. After a bit of back-and-forth and some puzzled looks, they managed to mix some delicious drinks.
That said, the coffee was excellent, rich and aromatic, and they had a full range of soft drinks available too.
Entertainment
This is where the airline clearly shows its age. The screens were outdated and mostly just displayed a flight map. Actual entertainment was offered through in-flight Wi-Fi, but that’s not exactly convenient for everyone.
What really puzzled me was the advertisement playback during landing — loud, long, and impossible to ignore. I couldn’t help but think, “If this flight is ad-supported, why did I pay for business class?” A truly odd and disappointing touch to end the in-flight experience.
Arrival in Hanoi
Vietnam Airlines completely redeemed itself upon arrival. Business class passengers were greeted by a dedicated transfer bus, avoiding the usual crowd at the gate. Then came a fantastic surprise — a priority passport control lane, which made the entire immigration process incredibly smooth.
I cleared passport control in record time, and by the time I reached the baggage claim, my suitcase was already waiting on the belt. That’s how you do premium service right.
Final Thoughts
Despite some quirks, Vietnam Airlines Business Class from Taiwan to Vietnam offers great comfort, good food and some unexpected premium perks upon arrival. The experience feels a bit uneven — excellent service mixed with a few odd choices — but overall, it’s a solid choice for regional business travel in Asia.
If they could just modernize the entertainment system and fix the cocktail situation, this would be one of the nicer short-haul business class options in the region.
