GLOBAL SPOTTING REPORTS
VIETNAM
Ho Chi Minh City – Jun 2017
LANDSIDE
In 2009 there were good views from outside on departures level but things have changed and that may not be the case anymore. The T134 could be seen from there.
The shopping mall across the street reportedly had a café with excellent views but this has reportedly closed.
The Ibis hotel next to the mall may allow you to use there rooftop pool area if you are not staying there and would be your best chance of a good view.
AIRSIDE
In 2009 the International terminal had excellent views including the military ramp. This looked like it would be the same.
I departed on Vietjet who have there own small departure lounge for domestic flights. Ground level windows provide ok views over some of the ramp and most movements should be seen.
HOTELS
Ibis – Located a short walk from the airport but involves crossing very busy roads and its not clearly visable as to its location. I used the shuttle bus which was worth it with luggage although it does have to take a detour to get there. Email them to arrange.
Email is H9468-RE1@accor.com
Room Nos – 918 – 926 inclusive or similar on the 7th and 8th floors. The hotel has 15 floors but higher floors are apartments. If you did manage one of these then rooms ending in 09, 10 or 11 would be suitable.
I had a room on the 8th floor. Views are not great. Its too low down to see anything on the terminal area. All I could see where arrivals on 25R. All aircraft arrived on this runway during my time and they could just be read off from the room with good optics.
The rooftop pool area was much better. Departures from 25L could be seen and a few aircraft on stand could be seen off to the left. The terminal building covered most of the taxiways unfortunately but all movements could be seen.
At night it was just possible to read some arrivals as they taxied into stand. Otherwise SBS would be required.
The bar opened at 11am offering food and alcoholic drinks but was rather expensive, especially compared to Vietnam prices. I would recommend taking a walk down the street. Turn right out of the hotel and you can find a few shops selling stuff at a fraction of the price. I doubt they would bother if you took this to the rooftop.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Dominated by the local airlines with not too much else of interest. Cambodia Angkor Air had a few flights a day with all 3 ATRs seen.
The military have several AN26s based / stored. A right seat for arrival would be your best chance of seeing them or possibly from airside if departing from the international terminal.
You won’t see everything though. There are many international flights operated from Hanoi and also other locations such as Da Nang. I noted 55 out of 79 required in a 24 hour period.
Vietnam Airlines had 4 ATRs operating here with 3 parked up. A right seat for departure would help to see these along with
the WFU T134.
Hanoi – Jun 2017
LANDSIDE
The international terminal has a food court on the upper level offering excellent views of the runway.
The domestic terminal is not great however from the departures ramp some remotely parked aircraft can be seen and some windows within the terminal allowed a few more aircraft to be seen.
There is a free shuttle bus between terminals.
AIRSIDE
International terminal had good views and in 2009 the domestic terminal had good views.
HOTELS
WHAT TO EXPECT
In a couple of short visits I managed 19 of 24 remaining local carriers needed after a day in Ho Chi Minh. The local carriers seemed to have based aircraft here operating international flights. Nowhere near as busy as Ho Chi but well worth a visit to fill in the gaps.
Not much else of interest except for Lao Airlines.
Vietnam Airlines had 2 ATRs on the first visit with a different 2 on my second visit. They alternate with a couple flying out of Da Nang each day. I also noticed a couple parked up as I departed but I was on the wrong side. A seat on the right side for departure will give you a view of the maintenance area. On arrival I turned off too early to get a full view. I managed all but 1 of the ATRs between here and Ho Chi.
