Review of Vietnam Airlines flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in Business

Vietnam Airlines is the second carrier to operate Airbus A350. I was lucky enough to experience the J cabin for this flight. You can book to fly in A350 or 787 anyway, but they never guarantee you the aircraft I choose. My first leg SGN-HAN was downgraded from 787 to 332, and the check-in ground staff lied to me that I'm going to fly 787 until realized that my flight was in 332. I guessed that he afraid that I will change my flight because there was another 787 flight departing 10 minutes earlier than my flight. So that I didn't take any photo for that flight, instead, I'm going to review my return leg which was on A350.
After checked-in at Noi bai Airport, I rushed to the boarding gate and waited for boarding because I want to be the first one to board the aircraft. It was already half a year so I didn't really remember that much but I must was really excited that's why I skipped the lounge. Couple days ago before the flight, I received many messages about delay and etc. Also, aircraft kept changing from 350 to 330, and 777. I kept rebooking for the 350 and finally I was successful.
The cabin was almost full when I entered the aircraft even though I was one of the first guests. I was really impressed by the seat by comparing it to previous VNA's hard products. I didn't experience VNA's 787 at that time but now I can say that I prefer this A350's setting in Business Class. It was much spacious than the seat on 787, but from now on the 5th A350 will follow the 787's setting.

The leg room was pretty spacious and the odd number seats allow you to sit next to the window.

The J cabin was very spacious as well with high ceiling because there was no overhead locker in the middle. There was completely no moodlight for an entire flight, not even in warm yellow. I think the aircraft wasn't finished with L.E.D system as I never see any image with moodlight on VNA's 350.

Take off was too smooth and quite. This was probably way better than 787. I was too excited by looking almost everywhere that's why I forgot to snap any take off photo.

Now, It's the time to try the bed. It was pretty comfortable.

Finally I could see blue skies without smoke when exiting Hanoi's skies.

The screen is pretty large with HD resolution. The inflight entertainment worked normally for this flight. It was basic and easy to use, but seriously, nothing was really blown me away.

Although the screen is in HD. The movies were played in low resolution. Not quite good though.

Everyone seemed tired huh?

I was in somewhere 1/3 of the trip. Time for the boring snack for domestic flight. For VNA HAN-SGN, you only get full meal during lunch and dinner time (11.30 - 1.30/ 5.30 - 7.30). This flight departed at 2pm.

Oops I had full meal eventhough it was in tray. The purser told me that this flight carrying many government people thats why full meal was served during snack time. IFE also worked due to this issue.
The meal is decent and very basic. It wasnt that bad though. The purser was nice but the service was still very basic and unprofesional. But at least, the crew werent rude to me. :-)

After the meal, I looked at the air show and explored the seat for a couple of minutes.

Seeing that smoke? That means I was reaching Ho Chi Minh city. :P

A350 uses mechanical window instead of dimmable window.

I quickly captured some shots to show the spacious J cabin. Same thing with VNA's 787; this J cabin looks a bit plain. This cabin will eventually be really dated in next couple years when other Asian carriers receive their new aircraft.

I exited the aircraft by bus, this was great because I can capture more photos and see the aircraft this close. It was gorgeous outside. I hope you will agree that VNA's livery is quite unique and cool.

I spotted another Dreamliner on the way going to the terminal.

Finally, a photo in Ho Chi Minh to conclude my report!!!

*I apologize for accidentally exporting my photos with credit under the images.