Vietnam Airlines operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a premium three-cabin configuration featuring business class in a 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone layout. Discover which seats offer the best experience and which to avoid on this modern widebody aircraft.
TL;DR
The Boeing 787-9 features Vietnam Airlines' excellent 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone business class with direct aisle access from all seats, plus premium economy and economy options. Best seats in business are the window and aisle seats (2A, 4A, 6A, 2K, 4K, 6K) for privacy and easier access. Premium economy seats 11A/K and 14A/K offer excellent value, while economy exit row seats provide extra legroom. No cabin class has significant drawbacks, though middle economy seats are standard 3-3-3 configuration.
Business Class
Vietnam Airlines' business class on the 787-9 features a 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone layout with 28 seats offering direct aisle access to all passengers. Each seat measures 21 inches wide with 60 inches of pitch, converting into fully flat beds for sleeping. The reverse-herringbone design means window and aisle seats face each other across the cabin, while middle seats are positioned at angles. All business seats feature modern amenities including personal entertainment systems, USB ports, and in-flight power. Note that business class does not have privacy doors between seats, so middle seats still offer some cabin awareness.
Premium Economy Class
Premium economy bridges the gap between business and economy with enhanced comfort, wider seats, and improved pitch. Seats in this cabin provide better recline and legroom compared to economy while remaining more affordable than business class.
Economy Class
Economy follows the standard 3-3-3 configuration with 17.3-inch wide seats and 31-32 inches of pitch. Standard economy seating is comfortable for medium-haul flights typical of Vietnam Airlines' network. Exit row seats in economy provide additional legroom for those willing to accept their responsibilities regarding emergency procedures.
Best seats
Seat
Cabin
Why
2A, 4A, 6A
Business
Window seats in reverse-herringbone provide direct aisle access, privacy from cabin traffic, and optimal viewing
2K, 4K, 6K
Business
Aisle seats offer easy access to facilities and direct aisle proximity without middle seat neighbors
11A, 11K
Premium Economy
Preferred seats with excellent legroom and cabin positioning away from lavatories
14A, 14K
Premium Economy
Strong premium economy seats combining comfort with good location in the cabin
Exit rows
Economy
Additional legroom for budget-conscious passengers seeking extra space
Seats to avoid
Seat
Cabin
Why
N/A
All
No particularly problematic seats identified on this aircraft configuration
✈️ The Version Lottery
Vietnam Airlines operates two distinct business class configurations on its 787-9 fleet: the newer aircraft feature the 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone layout with direct aisle access and modern IFE systems, while older airframes retain a 2-3-2 configuration with shared middle seats and dated entertainment. You can identify your aircraft by checking SeatGuru or Vietnamese aviation forums 48 hours before departure - the newer herringbone version is substantially superior for solo travelers and couples. If you're booked on a 2-3-2 configuration, it's genuinely worth requesting a flight change; the difference in sleep quality and privacy is significant enough to justify rerouting, especially on ultra-long routes like Hanoi-Paris or Ho Chi Minh-London.
🏆 The Competitive Verdict
Against Thai Airways' 787-9 business class on equivalent Southeast Asia - Europe routes, Vietnam Airlines wins for solo travelers and direct aisle access but loses decisively on meal quality and lounge amenities. Thai's Orion spa showers and multi-course French menus outclass Vietnam's more utilitarian approach, making Thai preferable for couples prioritizing pampering. Tall passengers (6'3"+) should favor Vietnam's 60-inch pitch over Thai's cramped 56 inches, but you'll sacrifice product consistency - Vietnam's seat quality varies between aircraft while Thai maintains uniformity across its fleet.
🛁 Lounge & Ground Experience
Vietnam Airlines' home hub lounge at Noi Bai (Hanoi) is the Lotus Lounge Business Class, offering a basic shower, Vietnamese restaurant, and massage service, though the spa requires advance booking and often has long queues. Only business and first-class passengers on international flights receive lounge access; economy premium economy customers are excluded. The lounge justifies a Hanoi connection only if you have a 3+ hour layover and genuinely need refreshment; the shower quality is adequate but dated, and the food is decent without being remarkable - routing via Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi (where you'd need to book Thai) typically offers superior ground facilities.
🌙 The Overnight Formula
For maximum sleep on westbound overnight flights, select seat 1A or 1K (upper deck forward section) to minimize engine noise and secure the quietest cabin zone; avoid rows 12-14 where lavatory traffic peaks. Skip the dinner service entirely and request the flight attendant disable your IFE at boarding - eating heavy meals disrupts sleep cycles on flights under 10 hours. Bring noise-canceling earbuds (Bose QC35 minimum), a neck pillow rated for side-sleeping, and your own eye mask; the airline's amenity kit is functional but thin on quality. Set your watch to arrival timezone immediately after takeoff, avoid alcohol despite the premium bar, and aim to sleep 6-7 hours continuous by requesting a wake-up call 90 minutes before landing - this timing allows bathroom use and a shower-fresh feeling upon arrival.
FAQ
Does business class have doors between seats?
No, business class on Vietnam Airlines' 787-9 does not feature privacy doors between individual seats. However, the reverse-herringbone layout with alternating directions provides good visual separation.
What is the seat width in business class?
Business class seats measure 21 inches wide, providing comfortable space for sleeping when fully reclined.
Can I get extra legroom in economy?
Yes, exit row seats in economy offer additional legroom compared to standard economy seating, though they come with emergency equipment responsibilities.
How many seats are in business class?
Vietnam Airlines operates 28 business class seats on the 787-9 Dreamliner in the 1-2-1 reverse-herringbone configuration.
Is premium economy worth it?
Premium economy offers a good value proposition with enhanced comfort, wider seats, and better pitch than economy while costing considerably less than business class, making it ideal for longer flights.
