Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Travelers departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in December should expect busier terminals and higher demand due to holiday travel. Early check-in, digital boarding passes, and mobile notifications will save time. Consider traveling to LAX during off-peak hours (late night or early morning) to avoid heavy traffic, and reserve parking or FlyAway bus seats in advance during the last two weeks of December.
For international departures from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in December, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. December is a busy travel month due to holidays, so allow extra time for security lines, check-in, and possible traffic to LAX. If you need to check luggage or require special assistance, plan to be at the terminal earlier.
Direct nonstop flights LAX → SGN are rare and not consistently scheduled year-round; most December itineraries involve one stop in East Asia (Tokyo Narita, Seoul Incheon, Taipei Taoyuan, or Hong Kong). Expect total travel times of roughly 17 to 22 hours depending on layover length. Check airline schedules early and consider one-stop carriers for the most frequent service.
In December you can take rideshare services, airport shuttles, the LAX FlyAway bus, or drive and park at LAX's official parking. Plan extra travel time for holiday traffic and special events — allow 60–120 minutes from downtown depending on the day and time. FlyAway buses offer a budget-friendly, direct option from Union Station and Westwood.
December fares from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) commonly range from $700 to $1,400 round-trip depending on booking lead time, carrier, and whether you travel close to Christmas or New Year. Booking 8–12 weeks ahead can secure better prices; mid-December departures are often cheaper than peak holiday dates. Use flight price alerts to snag deals on LAX to SGN December flights.
Travelers should verify Vietnam's entry requirements, visa rules, and any health advisories before departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). As rules can change, check official embassy or airline pages for up-to-date vaccination, testing, or quarantine policies for Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) prior to travel. Carry digital and printed copies of required documents to smooth your departure process at LAX.
Change and cancellation policies differ by airline and fare class; many carriers allow flexible changes if booked on certain fares or during promotional periods. In December, consider purchasing refundable or flexible tickets for holiday travel from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) to avoid high change fees. Check your carrier's waiver policies and consider travel insurance for added protection.
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in December offers pleasant, dry weather—excellent for exploring Ho Chi Minh City and nearby Mekong Delta day trips. Airport services operate normally, but prepare for heavier traffic into the city during holiday weekends. If you plan to travel beyond the city to Phu Quoc or Da Lat, book domestic legs in advance to secure preferred times in this popular travel month.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) expect warm, humid weather compared to Los Angeles, a straightforward immigration process for most nationalities with visas or e-visas, and busy arrival halls during December holidays. Baggage claim and customs generally move efficiently, but lines can be longer during peak December travel days. Have your immigration documents and customs declaration ready to speed the process.
December in Ho Chi Minh City is part of the dry season with warm days and lower humidity—temperatures typically range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F). Expect comfortable sightseeing weather and clear skies, although occasional short rains can occur early in the month. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket just in case.
From Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) you can take metered taxis, ride-hail apps (Grab), or pre-arranged airport transfers to downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Ride-hail services are widely used and often cheaper than tourist taxis; confirm the vehicle meets airport pickup rules. During December, allow extra travel time for New Year’s traffic and city events.
December brings Christmas decorations, holiday markets, and New Year’s events in Ho Chi Minh City; most tourist attractions remain open, though hours may change around December 24–26 and New Year’s Eve. Restaurants and hotels may have special seasonal menus or higher rates, so book ahead. Check local event listings for concerts, special exhibitions, and rooftop countdown parties.
It's useful to have some Vietnamese Dong (VND) on arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) for taxis and small purchases; ATMs and currency exchange counters are available in the arrivals hall. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, but smaller vendors may prefer cash—especially during busy December markets.
December is lively both in Los Angeles and Ho Chi Minh City. Departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), travelers may encounter holiday light shows, Christmas markets, and increased airport traffic for year-end travel. Arriving at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), visitors can enjoy Christmas-themed events, rooftop New Year’s Eve parties, and festive markets—though Vietnam’s major lunar Tet celebrations occur later (Jan/Feb). Plan for special event crowds and book any popular event tickets in advance.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in December is during early-to-mid December for lower fares and fewer crowds. December’s dry season in Ho Chi Minh City makes it an ideal travel month for sightseeing, but prices rise sharply for Christmas Week and New Year’s Eve. For convenience, choose overnight departures from LAX that connect through Asian hubs and arrive in SGN in the daytime.
On the LAX → SGN route in December, direct nonstop flights are uncommon; most itineraries are connecting through East Asian hubs. Connecting flights often offer lower fares and more frequent schedule choices—common layover cities include Seoul (ICN), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Taipei (TPE), and Hong Kong (HKG). If you prefer fewer logistics and quicker travel time, choose the most efficient one-stop with a short connection; if cost savings matter, a longer layover or two-stop routing can lower the price but increases total travel time.
Popular carriers for the LAX to SGN December route include Korean Air, Japan Airlines (JAL), EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. Each offers a mix of economy and premium cabins, varying baggage allowances, and different transit hubs that can affect total travel time. Korean Air and JAL often provide efficient one-stop itineraries with strong service; EVA Air can be a good balance of price and comfort, while Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines offer quality lounges and smooth connections through HKG and SIN respectively.
December travel from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) blends cool LA mornings with warm Ho Chi Minh City days. Pack lightweight breathable clothing for Vietnam and a light sweater for chilly LA mornings and overnight flights. Holiday travel means airports and popular tourist sites will be busier—use priority lanes if available and keep essentials like travel documents and medications in your carry-on.
There are few consistent nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN); most December itineraries involve one stop in East Asia. Typical total travel times range from about 17 hours (efficient one-stop) to 24+ hours (longer layovers or two stops). Departures from LAX commonly fall in overnight windows to match connections in Asian hubs and arrive into SGN in the evening or next day.
December is a peak travel month; however, savvy travelers can still find cheap flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) by using flexibility and comparison tools. Search flexible date calendars, consider mid-week departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) or mid-December travel to avoid premium holiday windows, and monitor sales from East Asian carriers that commonly connect through Seoul, Tokyo, or Taipei. Using multi-city search or nearby-hub routing can also reveal lower fares.
