Airlines for Pet Transport from Vietnam to Thailand 2026: Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways & Bangkok Airways

The Vietnam–Thailand route is well-served with multiple daily departures, but not every airline accepts pets, and those that do apply different rules on weight, transport method, and per-flight limits. Choosing the right carrier upfront prevents the unpleasant discovery — after booking — that your pet isn’t permitted on that aircraft.

Below is a practical breakdown of the three main carriers with clear pet policies on Vietnam–Bangkok routes, plus important notes on budget airlines. For the document requirements that apply regardless of carrier, see our Thailand pet import laws 2026 guide.

Vietnam Airlines — The Most Common Choice

Vietnam Airlines operates multiple daily flights from Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). It’s the most frequently used carrier by Vietnamese pet owners due to familiarity and clear pet booking procedures.

Transport method: AVIH (Accompanied Baggage in Hold). Pets are not permitted in the cabin on international flights. Weight limit: Combined weight of pet + crate must not exceed 32 kg for AVIH; above 32 kg requires Manifest Cargo. Fee: Approximately $50–$80 USD one-way (based on total weight). Per-flight limit: Typically 1–2 pets per flight depending on aircraft type. Booking: Must be arranged by phone with Vietnam Airlines or through a travel agent — cannot be booked via the app or website. Vietnam Airlines check-in staff will verify the DLD Import Permit before accepting the crate — a real case of what happens when that permit isn’t ready is worth reading before you book.

Thai Airways — Thailand’s National Carrier

Thai Airways (TG) also serves the HAN/SGN–BKK route and has relatively accommodating pet policies. One practical advantage: Thai Airways staff at Suvarnabhumi are familiar with DLD document verification, reducing the risk of complications at the entry point.

Transport method: AVIH (Checked Baggage) and Manifest Cargo based on weight. Weight limit: Under 32 kg combined for AVIH. Fee: $50–$100 USD one-way depending on flight and weight. Note: Some Thai Airways aircraft have restrictions for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds in hot weather — verify before booking.

Bangkok Airways — The Regional Flexibility Option

Bangkok Airways (PG) operates regional routes and connects some Vietnam departures (primarily from Ho Chi Minh City) to Bangkok and onward to smaller Thai destinations like Koh Samui (USM). A useful option if your final destination isn’t Bangkok itself.

Transport method: AVIH for small pets (cabin may be permitted on some routes). Fee: $50–$80 USD one-way. Note: Policies vary by route — contact the airline directly before booking.

Budget Airlines: AirAsia & VietJet

AirAsia and VietJet both fly the Vietnam–Thailand route, but neither airline allows AVIH on international flights. If you need to use either carrier, pets must travel as Manifest Cargo — a fully separate process handled at the cargo warehouse, on a different operational track from the passenger. This is not recommended for dogs and cats due to the absence of owner-side monitoring during handling.

Airline Comparison at a Glance

Booking a Pet Slot: What You Need to Know

Pet slots cannot be reserved through standard airline apps or websites — you must call directly or book through a travel agent. Each flight typically accepts only 1–2 pets, especially on narrowbody aircraft. Book as early as possible — ideally as soon as you’ve confirmed your DLD Import Permit timeline. Waiting until close to the travel date risks finding all pet slots already taken.

If you need support coordinating the airline booking alongside your DLD permit and health certificate timeline, this is part of Daisy Pet’s full-service international relocation package.