If you’ve already had your fill of banh mi, strong Vietnamese coffee, and long walks around the busy streets of Saigon, there comes a time to head back home to the Pearl of the Orient. Flying from Ho Chi Minh City back to Manila with Vietjet is just as affordable and straightforward as the flight going out, but there are a few important details you should know for the return trip.
Here’s a simple and honest guide to the Vietjet Ho Chi Minh to Manila flight so your journey home is smooth and stress-free.
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Flight Schedule (Ho Chi Minh to Manila)
Just like the Manila to Ho Chi Minh route, the return flight is a red-eye.
Vietjet flight VJ858 usually departs Tan Son Nhat International Airport around 11:05 PM. After roughly three hours in the air, you’ll land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport at about 2:50 AM the next morning.
The timing actually works in your favor. Late at night, Ho Chi Minh City traffic is much lighter, so getting to the airport by Grab is faster and less stressful. Landing in Manila before 3:00 AM also means you avoid NAIA’s heavy daytime traffic when heading home. CHECK: HO CHI MINH TO MANILA FLIGHTS
✈️ Flight Schedule
- Route: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Manila (MNL)
- Flight Number: VJ858
- Departure: Around 11:05 PM
- Arrival: Around 2:50 AM (next day)
- Flight Duration: About 3 hours
🛫 Terminals
- Departure Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
- Terminal: Terminal 2 (International)
- Arrival Airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
- Terminal: Terminal 1
Know Which Terminal You’re Using
Terminal confusion is one of the most common travel mistakes, so this part is important.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietjet flights to Manila depart from Terminal 2, the international terminal at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
In Manila, Vietjet arrives at NAIA Terminal 1, not Terminal 3. This surprises many travelers since most budget airlines operate from Terminal 3. Make sure whoever is picking you up or your Grab driver knows you’ll be at Terminal 1 to avoid last-minute problems.
A Nice Baggage Bonus for Early 2026
If you’re traveling between January and May 2026, check your ticket details carefully. Vietjet has been running a special promo where Eco fares on the Manila–Ho Chi Minh route include a free 20kg checked baggage allowance.
If your booking doesn’t include this promo, be extra careful with your carry-on. Vietjet is strict about the 7kg limit, and bags are often weighed at the SGN check-in counters. If your bag looks heavy, expect to be asked to check it.
The eTravel QR Code Is Mandatory
This is one thing you absolutely cannot forget.
All travelers entering the Philippines must register on the official eTravel website within 72 hours before arrival. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes.
Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code. Take a screenshot of it on your phone. You’ll be asked to show this code before you even reach the immigration counters in Manila.
Tips for Your Time at SGN Airport
Tan Son Nhat Terminal 2 is efficient, but food options after security are limited and quite expensive. If you want one last good Vietnamese meal, it’s better to eat in the city before heading to the airport.
If you still have Vietnamese dong left, try to spend it or exchange it before flying out. Vietnamese currency is difficult to exchange once you’re back in the Philippines.
For last-minute pasalubong, the duty-free shops sell Vietnamese coffee brands like Trung Nguyen and King Coffee. They cost more than in the city but are still convenient and gift-ready.
A Smooth Way to End Your Vietnam Trip
Overall, flying Vietjet from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila is simple and budget-friendly, especially if you’re prepared for the late-night schedule and strict baggage rules.
With the right terminal, your eTravel QR code ready, and a bit of planning, you’ll be home before sunrise and catching up on sleep in no time.
FAQ: Ho Chi Minh to Manila
1. What time does the Vietjet flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Manila usually depart and arrive?
Vietjet flight VJ858 usually departs Ho Chi Minh City around 11:05 PM and arrives in Manila at about 2:50 AM the next day. It’s a red-eye flight that takes roughly three hours.
2. Which terminals should I go to in Ho Chi Minh City and Manila?
In Ho Chi Minh City, the flight departs from Tan Son Nhat International Airport Terminal 2. In Manila, Vietjet arrives at NAIA Terminal 1, not Terminal 3, so make sure your pickup is arranged there.
3. Does Vietjet include free checked baggage on this route?
Some flights in early 2026 include a free 20kg checked baggage allowance for Eco fares. Always double-check your booking. If your ticket doesn’t include it, only 7kg carry-on is allowed and this is strictly enforced.
4. Do I need to do anything before landing in Manila?
Yes. All travelers must complete the eTravel registration within 72 hours before arrival in the Philippines. You’ll receive a QR code that you need to show before immigration, so save a screenshot on your phone.
5. Is it easy to get to and from the airport with this late-night schedule?
Yes. Late at night, traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is much lighter, making Grab rides faster. Arriving in Manila before 3:00 AM also helps you avoid heavy NAIA traffic when heading home.
