The Long Wait at Hanoi Domestic Airport
After arriving at Hanoi's domestic airport past noon on August 24th, I checked the departure time. Nine hours until my next flight. Normally, one might take a bus into the city to explore, but with my bicycle and all the luggage, assembling and disassembling it again felt like too much effort. So I decided to relax inside the airport.
I headed to a nearby café and had my first bowl of pho in Vietnam. It was delicious, though slightly pricey—airport prices, of course.
Observing the Rush and Thunder
While waiting, I noticed the check-in counters filling with people, mostly Western travelers and monks. The mix of nationalities varies depending on the flight, which I find fascinating.
Suddenly, thunder rumbled outside. My main worry was VietJet's unpredictable schedule—delays, cancellations, or sudden changes. Soon enough, a two-hour delay was confirmed. I reminded myself to stay alert. Announcements were only in Vietnamese, so I had to watch how others reacted.
An hour later, another one-hour delay was announced. Accepting that the flight would indeed be delayed, I used the extra time wisely—freshening up, brushing my teeth, and washing my face. Being prepared when possible is essential on long journeys.
Check-in Challenges and Luggage Woes
Eventually, the check-in gate opened. My oversized luggage required wrapping with tape, including the bicycle. The staff weren't busy at all and did it thoroughly.
However, an unexpected issue arose: additional fees for the Hanoi-to-Ho Chi Minh leg. Overweight luggage cost about 31,500 VND per kilogram (roughly 180 yen). I was 15 kg over, but after some discussion, the fee was reduced to cover only 10 kg. When traveling with large amounts of luggage internationally, always double-check weight limits.
By noon, people began lining up for departure. I waited until the last moment to join the queue, knowing it's often faster than lining up too early. Thanks to a kind stranger who woke me at the right time, I avoided missing the flight—a moment I'll always be grateful for.
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Finally, I arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Collecting luggage took time, but after 27 hours since waking in Fukuoka, I was able to enjoy the night in Ho Chi Minh and finally relax.
