Cheap Flights to Hanoi from €383: Full-Service and a China Stopover

If you've been eyeing Vietnam, now's a good moment: China Eastern Airlines has fares from several European cities to Hanoi from €383 return. This is a full-service flight — with baggage and meals, not a low-cost carrier with add-ons for every little thing. But you should add the visa fee and on-the-ground costs to the ticket price, and that's where the nuances begin.

What the deal is and who it suits

The flight is operated by China Eastern, one of China's largest airlines and a SkyTeam member. Routes go via China (usually Shanghai), meaning a connection and possibly an overnight depending on the schedule. It's a full-service fare: baggage and meals are included, unlike low-cost carriers that charge separately.

The price starts at €383, but the final cost depends on dates, departure city, and availability. Such fares sell out fast, so if your dates are flexible, your chances of snagging a cheap option are higher.

Visa formalities: what you need for Vietnam

For citizens of most EU countries and many others, an e-visa is available, applied for online on the official portal evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. It's valid for up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry. The single-entry fee is 25 USD, multiple-entry is 50 USD. Processing usually takes 3 working days, but it's better to apply in advance.

Important: the visa fee on the official portal can only be paid with a foreign card. Russian cards don't work there — you need a virtual or foreign card. This is exactly where a VirtCardPay card comes in handy: the payment goes through, and the visa arrives by email.

What the trip actually costs

• Flights: from €383 return (price may vary).
• Visa: 25 USD single / 50 USD multiple.
• Accommodation: from $15–20 per night in a hostel to $50+ for a 3–4* hotel.
• Food: street food — $1–3, restaurant — $5–10 per person.
• Transport: taxi from Hanoi airport — around $15–20, Grab is cheaper.

Hotel bookings often require prepayment or a card guarantee. Foreign cards are accepted almost everywhere, but paying in dong may involve conversion with a bank markup. A virtual card with a USD or EUR balance helps avoid double conversion.

Payment nuances: how to pay on the trip

Vietnam is a cash-heavy country, but cards are accepted in tourist areas. However, there are nuances:

• Pre-authorization at hotels: at check-in, a deposit may be blocked on your card. Make sure you have available funds.
• Refunds: if you cancel a booking, the money returns to the card within 5–10 days, but the exchange rate may change.
• eSIM: for internet, it's easier to buy an eSIM online before the trip — pay by card, activate on arrival.
• Taxis: Grab and Be accept cards, but at Hanoi airport it's better to have some dong cash for the first ride.

The bottom line

Fares from €383 are a great reason to consider Vietnam if you're okay with a stopover in China. The main thing is to arrange your e-visa in advance and make sure your card works for the visa fee and bookings. A VirtCardPay virtual card solves the payment issue for the visa and hotels if you don't have a foreign card. After that — just rice, coffee, and Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Not financial advice. Prices and conditions may change; check current information on official resources.

Sources

• https://www.fly4free.com/flight-deals/europe/flights-from-europe-to-hanoi-e383/