A common sight on many domestic and short-haul Vietnam Airlines routes, the Recliner Business Class seats on our A321 today may not match the luxury of the Cirrus long-haul Business Class seats from our previous flight (you can read that review in detail here!), but they serve their purpose exceptionally well for a short regional hop.

Each of the 16 Business Class seats offers a generous 45 inches of seat pitch, approximately 10 inches of recline, and extendable foot and leg rests—providing ample space to stretch out. I especially appreciated the seat width, which allowed for plenty of wiggle room to stay comfortable throughout the flight.

A control panel on the side of the seat lets passengers adjust the various functions during cruise, while a sturdy, stowable tray table is neatly tucked away under the armrest.

One notable omission on the VN A321s is the lack of in-flight entertainment (IFE) screens—not just in Economy but also in Business Class. However, I didn’t find this to be a major drawback, as the meal service and takeoff/landing phases occupied most of the flight time.

I especially appreciated the exceptional hospitality provided by the Business Class crew on this flight. Somehow, I lucked out with an outstanding crew throughout this journey—and this flight was no exception.

The stewardess serving my side, Minh Chau, was remarkable from Saigon to Singapore, delivering impeccable customer service. I particularly enjoyed our interactions during the meal service, and to my delight, she even offered me an extra meal to sample the alternative option.

There’s something truly special about a crew member who is both generous and genuinely dedicated to creating a memorable experience at 40,000 feet—and even more so when that level of service is maintained consistently throughout the flight.

For this short hop, passengers are offered an early lunch service shortly after the aircraft passes 10,000 feet.

Once again, I opted for the Oriental Fish selection—a tried-and-true favourite on Vietnam Airlines. Today’s meal featured a beautifully presented casserole of fried rice with peas and carrots, paired with a delicious seafood medley of fish and prawns. The dish was complemented by tender eggplant, all generously coated in a thick, savoury sauce.

The meal tray also included a fresh garden salad with assorted greens, a fruit bowl for dessert, and a selection of breads with butter and jam. To accompany the meal, passengers could choose from a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, fruit juices, or alcohol.

Additional Beverage Services

Before takeoff, as the crew prepared the aircraft for our two-hour journey to Singapore, Business Class passengers were offered a traditional pre-flight drink. The options included alcohol or a honey-based concoction. Not being a fan of alcohol, I opted for the latter—and it turned out to be an exquisite choice, setting the perfect tone for the flight.

A Perfect Ending

To round off the excellent meal service, the crew offered a coffee and tea service. As I settled in to unwind before our approach into Singapore’s Changi Airport, I gladly accepted a hot beverage. There’s truly no better way to enjoy the view at 40,000 feet than with a warm drink in hand, letting your thoughts drift along with the passing clouds.

As mentioned in the Seats section—and much like on the reverse leg of this journey—Vietnam Airlines' A321s do not come equipped with traditional IFE screens. Instead, passengers can access in-flight entertainment via a mobile-based system. By connecting to the LotuStar WiFi, travellers can browse a dedicated portal offering the same content typically available on seatback screens.

Lavatory

The lavatory on the VN A321 is standard—tidy, clean, and minimalistic. Given the aircraft's short-haul purpose, it meets expectations, though it lacks additional amenities such as toothbrushes or razors. However, Business Class passengers benefit from access to a separate lavatory, ensuring a more private and premium experience.

Comfort

Each passenger is provided with a warm blanket, which I found to be just the right length and thickness—cozy but not overly so, making it ideal for a short flight like this.

Amenities

Due to the flight’s short duration, Business Class passengers are not offered amenity kits.

Vietnam Airlines faces strong competition on the high-demand route between Singapore Changi and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat. The airline offers a round-trip Business Class package for approximately SGD 727, a reasonable price considering the full-service benefits that come with a Vietnam Airlines Business ticket.

Passengers flying Business with Vietnam Airlines can choose between two fare categories:

• Business Classic, which includes standard privileges.

• Business Flex, which offers frequent flyers additional mileage benefits (around 33% more miles) and reduced fees for cancellations, refunds, and ticket changes.

The airline’s biggest competitor on this route is Singapore Airlines (SIA), which offers a comparable Business Class experience—though typically at a slightly higher price.

Other competitors include:

• Scoot, a low-cost carrier that only offers Economy Class on this route.

• VietJet’s SkyBoss, a fare class similar to Premium Economy, but not a true Business Class product.

Ultimately, comparing fares and benefits across airlines will help determine the best option for this short intra-Asia journey.

At Vietnam Airlines' Tan Son Nhat Hub, the airline operates two separate lounges, offering complimentary access to Business Class passengers, SkyTeam Alliance First/Business passengers, and LotusMiles Gold/Platinum/Million Miler members. I particularly enjoy the naming convention—simply Lotus Lounge 1 and Lotus Lounge 2.

I was impressed by the interior design of this lounge, which beautifully reflects the spirit of Vietnam. The natural furnishings, spacious layout, and serene atmosphere create the perfect environment for relaxation before your flight.

Food and Beverage Selection

While the food selection isn’t extraordinary, it’s perfect for a quick bite before boarding. Options include breakfast cereals, fresh fruit, local pastries, and hot dishes like sautéed potatoes and glass noodles.

The lounge also offers convenient amenities, including shower facilities, a fantastic view of the apron, and a wide selection of beverages—from morning coffee to soft drinks and even alcohol—though I’m not sure if it’s ever too early for a drink at 8:30 a.m.!