Every week, Australians book Singapore Airlines to Cambodia paying A$300-500 more than necessary. The difference isn’t service quality or flight time—it’s a routing through Ho Chi Minh City that most travelers never consider.
Vietnam Airlines operates daily flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap via its Tan Son Nhat hub. The carrier consistently undercuts premium competitors while including benefits that budget airlines charge extra for. Real-time pricing from January 2026 shows the gap is substantial—and the trade-offs minimal.
The pricing gap across Australian gateways
Vietnam Airlines fares collected within the last 48 hours reveal consistent savings across both major Australian departure cities. The pattern holds whether you’re heading to Phnom Penh for business or Siem Reap for Angkor Wat.
| Route | Travel Period | Vietnam Airlines (AUD) | Premium Baseline (AUD) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYD-PNH | Low season (Aug 2026) | 866 | 1,200+ | 334+ |
| MEL-SGN | Low season (Apr-May 2026) | 862 | 1,200+ | 338+ |
| SYD-SGN | Low season (Nov 2025) | 990 | 1,300+ | 310+ |
| MEL-PNH | Mid season (Jun-Jul 2026) | 1,379 | 1,600+ | 221+ |
These aren’t promotional fares requiring flexible dates or red-eye departures. Vietnam Airlines holds this pricing advantage year-round during low and shoulder seasons, with savings ranging from A$220 to A$340 per roundtrip.
What the fare includes—and why it matters
The real value emerges when comparing what’s actually included. Vietnam Airlines economy fares on Australia-Cambodia routes bundle 23kg checked baggage and full meal service as standard. Budget carriers like AirAsia and Jetstar charge A$40-80 for checked bags and A$15-25 for meals—costs that erode apparent savings quickly.
Hot towels, blankets, and in-flight entertainment come standard. For a 10-hour journey with a connection, these aren’t luxuries—they’re essentials that premium carriers include and budget airlines monetise.
Vietnam’s aviation expansion bet
Vietnam Airlines has invested US$2.1 billion in fleet modernisation since 2020, adding Boeing 787 Dreamliners specifically for Australian routes. The carrier now operates as a SkyTeam alliance member, enabling Qantas Frequent Flyer points earning on select bookings—a benefit that further closes the gap with premium alternatives.
The 2-3 hour connection at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport is efficient by regional standards. Total journey time from Sydney to Phnom Penh runs approximately 14-16 hours including the layover—competitive with Singapore Airlines’ Changi routing and significantly faster than budget options requiring overnight connections in Kuala Lumpur.
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When the savings disappear
The pricing advantage flips during peak holiday periods. December 2025 to January 2026 fares tell a different story entirely.
Sydney to Phnom Penh over Christmas peaks at A$2,317 on Vietnam Airlines—substantially higher than Singapore Airlines’ claimed A$1,400+ during the same period. The carrier’s steady pricing strategy works in your favour during low season but provides no protection against holiday demand surges.
Three scenarios where this routing loses its advantage:
- Peak holiday travel (Dec 20-Jan 10): Vietnam Airlines fares spike 168% above low-season rates, often exceeding premium competitors. Book Singapore Airlines or check Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur instead.
- Business class requirements: Vietnam Airlines business fares run A$3,964-5,198—competitive but not dramatically cheaper than Singapore Airlines’ offerings, which include superior lounges and lie-flat seats.
- Tight connections: If your positioning to Sydney or Melbourne involves domestic flights, the 2-3 hour SGN layover leaves minimal buffer for delays. Allow 4+ hours total connection time or book separate tickets with overnight flexibility.
The booking decision
Vietnam Airlines makes sense for Australian travellers to Cambodia between February and November when low-season pricing holds. The A$300-500 savings represent real money—enough for two nights’ accommodation in Siem Reap or a private Angkor Wat sunrise tour.
The routing works best for:
- Leisure travellers with flexible dates: Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) offers the best combination of pricing and weather.
- Those checking bags: The 23kg inclusion eliminates the A$80-160 roundtrip baggage fees that erode budget carrier savings.
- Points collectors: SkyTeam partnership means Vietnam Airlines flights can earn Qantas points on eligible bookings.
Book directly through Vietnam Airlines’ Australian website for the most accurate pricing. Aggregators like Momondo show lower headline fares but often exclude taxes or display unavailable inventory. All fares quoted here were verified within 48 hours and may no longer be available at time of booking—the carrier updates pricing dynamically based on demand.
For December travel, reverse the strategy: Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines often hold steadier peak pricing while Vietnam Airlines surges. Check all three carriers before committing.
Questions? Answers.
Does Vietnam Airlines really include 23kg baggage on economy fares?
Yes. All Vietnam Airlines economy fares on Australia-Cambodia routes include 23kg checked baggage and full meal service as standard. This applies to both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap destinations via Ho Chi Minh City. Confirm inclusions at booking as promotional fares occasionally vary.
Do I need a visa for the Ho Chi Minh City transit?
Australian passport holders can transit through Tan Son Nhat Airport for up to 24 hours without a Vietnamese visa, provided you don’t leave the international terminal. For Cambodia, Australians can obtain an e-visa online before travel or visa-on-arrival at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports.
Can I earn Qantas points on Vietnam Airlines flights?
Yes. Vietnam Airlines is a SkyTeam alliance member with partnership agreements that enable points earning on select bookings. Check the specific fare class at booking—not all economy tickets qualify for full points accrual. Some promotional periods offer double miles on Australia routes.
How does Malaysia Airlines compare for this route?
Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur shows fares from A$542 in low season—potentially cheaper than Vietnam Airlines. However, connection times at KLIA are often longer (4-6 hours), and baggage allowances vary by fare class. Vietnam Airlines offers more consistent full-service inclusions across all economy bookings.
What happens if my connection at Ho Chi Minh City is delayed?
On a single Vietnam Airlines ticket, the carrier is responsible for rebooking if you miss your connection due to their delay. The 2-3 hour standard layover provides reasonable buffer for minor delays. If booking separate tickets for domestic Australian connections, allow 4+ hours at SGN to protect against missed flights.
Does this routing work for Siem Reap as well as Phnom Penh?
Yes. Vietnam Airlines operates similar pricing and routing to both Cambodian destinations via Ho Chi Minh City. Siem Reap fares tend to run A$50-100 higher than Phnom Penh due to lower frequency, but the savings gap versus premium carriers remains consistent.
