Very early stages but starting to ponder a trip to Vietnam. Struggling on the flight times, any thoughts on how to break up the flight? Cool destination layovers? Not real keen on big cities, more laid back beach vibe

We are going on a tour to VN and Cambodia in Nov. Japan Air Lines there and Phillipines Airlines on way back out of Bangkok. If we had time, doing a layover in either country would have been great. Phillipines is supposed to have magnificent beach areas.

Linda I loved Cambodia earlier this year. Siem Reap!

Linda Philippines beaches are the best in SE Asia... however you would need a couple days atheist to enjoy as Manila traffic is horrendous.

Michael Yup. I've heard about Manila and its traffic. Wonder how it compares to Lima's, Delhi's, and Cairo's? Three of the worst I've experienced.

Michael don't leave Manila Airport, get a connecting flight to an island....

Chris even Manila airport was bad…

Robin oh yea it sure is lol

Chris yes lived there for awhile, no direct flights but if visiting Philippines I would recommend flying into Clark.

We absolutely loved stopping in Tokyo on our way to Vietnam. Only thing we regret is spending more time in Vietnam than Tokyo. And we are not city people.

Hannah we always stop in Japan as well

I've always gone for the shortest layovers when traveling to Vietnam (5 trips. Japan Airline is the BEST). Our next trip in April we have 12 hours in Hong Kong, flying with cathay pacific. Tokyo would he a good one too if you flew JAL through NRT.

Following for information!!

Look at ANA Airlines.

Lynn ANA has a very good service, better than JL, which is already good. That was the conclusion of our group discussion.

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Remember stopping in Hong Kong (China) you risk becoming a third Michael! This is a reality.

Jim any further details my niece just flew through Hong Kong on her way to India and had no problem. I am planning a Asia trip and often transition through HK but not since Covid times. Thanks

Jim you mean a first Eric?

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I love Eva Airlines Premium Economy to get to Asia. Great flight, Taipei isn’t all that exciting IMO but Eva is part of Star Alliance, the flight leaves late from YVR so you can sleep all the way there in comfy seats…

Rosemary this!!! Taipei layover is only 3 hours. Perfect for duty free shopping, airport meal and on the way again without being rushed too.

Rosemary thank you for saying this. We booked Eva premium economy to come back from Bali in April. 3 hour stop over in Taipei.

Rosemary we flew through Taipei on the way to the Philippines, stayed 3 days, and absolutely loved it. We actually tried to stay on way back but couldn’t swing it. I agree Eva was a great flight though

Following for great tips!

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I went to the same area last year and paid $1150cdn return. This year it’s hard to find anywhere for less than $1600cdn to Vietnam (from Vancouver). I think I will give up and travel to Chile instead.

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We are planning a trip next Sept/Oct. we plan to cruise Vancouver to Yokohama, and then fly to Hanoi to hook up with a tour from TourRadar.com
TOURRADAR.COM
Adventure Begins Here - TourRadar

Marcy we've also booked a tour of Vietnam on TourRadar (Ho Chi Min City to Hanoi) for February. Great reviews and prices.

Bonnie we’ve done a tour of Morocco with them and this November we will do Turkey and Naples! Love them!

I’ve traveled to SE Asia twice, one to Viet Nam via EVA, and once to Cambodia via Cathay. I love the idea of a long layover somewhere, but I’ve never done it, as I’ve never had time or money to add onto my holiday that way. The flight times are brutal, but in my opinion, you are better off getting an early morning flight out of YVR, than trying for something more sensible in the afternoon. You feel like hell anyway and the trip is faster. Just add a couple days onto your arrival city to recover, we flew into Hanoi and a few extra days were well worth it. Also, make sure you have enough time to change planes in your hub airport. You may to go through security again and if your first flight is late … can be a guarantee you’re spending an extra night. We spent a very comfortable, expensive night in the Hong Kong Airport hotel because this happened to us. My husband was exhausted, so he slept, but me, I did a lot of wandering through the airport and eating at McDonalds. Not restful.

100% Taiwan

I flew from Vancouver to Taipei, Taipei to Bangkok, Chiangmai to Hanoi

I would normally say HK for a layover however haven't done this since the China takeover... In Vietnam for beaches go to Nha Trang, HaLong Bay is a must see I think, in between the two some great cities like Hoi An, Hue Da Nang.

Manila for a day. Maybe two. Not the beach but interesting. Lots of beaches reasonably close by.

Take a look at Nha Trang. We have a blog post which may give you some ideas
https://www.5050travelog.com/blog/nha-trang-beach
5050TRAVELOG.COM
Cycling and Exploring by Nha Trang Beach | 5050 Travelog

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Eva airlines is a good option. You can break your journey at Taipei for couple of days, if you wish. Transit from airport to the city centre is a breeze by metro.

We loved Vietnam and have spent over 3 winters there ! A suggestion....look into possibly doing Tokyo on your way back from Vietnam ! We found a 12 day repositioning cruise out of Yokohama back to Vancouver a few years ago that was only slightly more than airfare ! Unfortunately our cruise was cancelled ( two years in a row) due to COVID ....but it was a great deal !