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Konrad Tillman

Review: Vietnam Airlines A321neo Business Class Bangkok (DMK)- Da Nang (DAD)

Intro


Checking out of Le Meridien in Bangkok was an early one due to our scheduled 5:05 am departure out of Don Mueang. Surprisingly, this was my first time flying out of DMK airport, even though I have been to Bangkok tens of times.


Vietnam Airlines Check In Bangkok DMK

Vietnam Airlines was a new airline for me, and I found it to be quite decent overall. For a short flight, I couldn't have asked for much better. Especially considering the cost of the ticket.


Let's get into it!


Route-Bangkok (DMK)- Da Nang (DAD)

Seat- 2F

Flight Number- VN628

Aircraft- Airbus A321neo

Date- January 2nd 2024

Flight Time: 1 Hour 27 Minutes

Price Paid- 204$


How I Booked


The only direct flight at the time, which had business class, was the morning departure from Bangkok to Da Nang. At the time of writing this, the route has been discontinued, unfortunately, most likely due to lack of demand.


Vietnam Airlines Business Class fare

The total came out to 204.70$ per person one-way. Not bad at all for a flight of an hour and a half. Considering this included lounge access, I wasn't complaining at all. If you happen to find space, Vietnam Airlines can be booked through Delta and Skyteam.


Check-In


We arrived at Don Muaeng at about 3:00 in the morning. Vietnam Airlines uses Terminal 1 at Don Muaeng, so keep that in mind.


Don Muaeng Airport

The line for check-in wasn't long, thanks to having priority access with our business class ticket. Another added perk of flying business class😁.


Vietnam Airlines Check In Bangkok

Vietnam Airlines Check In Bangkok

An agent handed over a lounge access card for the Coral Lounge, which I have reviewed here if you want to check it out!


Vietnam Airlines Bangkok Airport

Boarding


We decided to head out from the lounge about 35 minutes before boarding, just in case it was a far walk. Turns out we got there just as group 1 was boarding, or as I should say, about 2 other people.


Vietnam Airlines Boarding Bangkok

Vietnam Airlines Boarding Bangkok

Once onboard, the cabin crew was energetic at this hour, wishing us a good morning. Vietnam Airlines set the mood for Vietnam the second we stepped on board.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Business Class

Originally, I found my assigned seat, 2C, for this flight.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Business Class

However, with just my mum and one other person in the 8-seat cabin, I opted to move over to 2F to get my own window. Funnily enough, when I travel with my mum, this is an ongoing trend.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Business Class

The Seat/Cabin


Interestingly, the aircraft assigned today was an Airbus A321neo with only two rows of business class.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Seat Map

The seats are relatively basic, not too thick and with golden touches around them.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

I recommend selecting seats in the second row if possible, primarily due to the privacy. The legroom was more than adequate in row two.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Legroom

Much like the recliners around the world, there was a button on the side to recline your seat. I found it to be decent for a short 10 minute nap.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

The one part of the seat that stood out to me was that the armrest was lifted to contain a secret compartment big enough for a 13-inch Macbook. I wish more airlines would do this as it would be wasted space if they didn't.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

The modern tray table popped out from the other armrest.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Tray Table

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

In terms of amenities and IFE, we were only offered a blanket for this flight. The blanket wasn't too bad, and I managed to curl up in my two seats with it!


As far as I know, there was no IFE or Wifi offered on the flight, but we departed south of 5 am, so I cannot confirm as I was half asleep.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

Departure


At 4:45 am, the cabin crew came around to offer each of us a pre-departure beverage. I opted for some water, and it was nice to see it served in glassware.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Pre-Departure Beverage

The captain came onto the PA at 4:55 am and informed us of our flight time of just over an hour and an early arrival into Da Nang.


At 4:58 am, we pushed back (7 minutes ahead of schedule). I guess Jamie Vardy was having a party in Bangkok🙃.


Leicester City Airplane

The airport was dead silent at this hour, and we were wheels up 10 minutes later at 5:08.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Takeoff

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Takeoff

Meal Service


Once we hit 10,000 feet, the cabin crew snapped into action to begin the meal service. I apprecaited how the curtains provided ample privacy to the economy class cabin.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

I settled in with my blanket while the FA took the meal orders.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Cabin

A couple of minutes later, the Flight Attendant came around and laid out a beautiful tablecloth.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Dining

And that is when my beautiful breakfast was presented. Chicken and rice were among the options, as well as something egg-related. The presentation was as good as the food was; it was delightful!


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Meal Service

The bread was one of the letdowns, unlike my recent Singapore Airlines flight and their garlic bread😳.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Business Class

Arrival


At this moment, one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever witnessed came about. Due to the heavy rain beneath us, the light reflected off of the clouds, providing some gorgeous pictures.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Sunrise

Just like that, we were on the descent, heck it's only a 527-mile flight, and we landed 20 minutes early into Da Nang on a miserable morning.


Vietnam Airlines A321neo Landing

Vietnam Airlines A321neo Landing

I had our e-visas already processed, and once we were off the plane, it took a matter of moments to be let through. If you ever cannot figure out E-visas, I highly recommend IVISA for this service, even if it is expensive.


Arrival Into Da Nang Airport

Arrival Into Da Nang Airport

Bags took about 10 minutes and we were met by our Four Seasons Da Nang driver (review coming very soon). Seeing as we were "pool villa guests", BMW SUV transfers were included in the cost. Talk about some service!


Arrival Into Da Nang Airport

Arrival Into Da Nang Airport

Luckily, Four Seasons allowed us to have an 8 am early check-in. Everything worked out perfectly!


Final Thoughts


Vietnam Airlines doesn't provide the best hard product in the sky, nor is it the best soft product with a lack of wifi and IFE. However, Vietnam Airlines makes up for it with good hospitality, tasty food, cheap fares, and, at the time, the only direct flight in business class between the two cities.


I would choose Vietnam Airlines again in Business Class if the opportunity presented itself. This is primarily due to the cost of the ticket. Now, I would really like to try their A350 product, as it seems to be miles above what is offered here. Sadly, my trip to Asia next week was supposed to include that flight up to Seoul, but it turns out that won't work😒.


Meal Service

8/10

Seat (2F)

7/10

IFE/Amenities

5/10

Lounge

7/10

Overall Service

9/10

Total

36/50





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