For visitors to Vietnam, airports are frequently their first point of entry. You can breeze through the procedure by reading up on this comprehensive guide to Vietnam's airports, regardless of whether your goal is to arrive in the nation without incident or you simply want to get ready for a local trip.
An overview of the airports in Vietnam
One of Vietnam's three main airports, in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, serves as the entry point for the majority of international flights. Additionally, there are direct international flights to important tourist destinations like Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. No matter which airport you land in, you will require a visa to enter the country unless you qualify for a visa exemption. Visit this page to learn more about Vietnam's requirements and visa exemptions.
Flying is typically the most practical method for traveling outside of Vietnam. Although flights are typically inexpensive, you should expect price increases on public holidays. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar are domestic carriers.
Points to note
Taxis: Mai Linh and Vinasun are two trusted taxi companies in Vietnam. You can ask or look for their representatives at the airport taxi bays on arrival.
Facilities: All international airports in Vietnam have free WiFi, water drinking stations, currency exchange centers, duty-free shops, and smoking lounges for passengers.
Dining: Vietnam’s airports tend toward chain restaurants. Burger King, Highlands Coffee, Big Bowl, and Star Cafe appear in almost every terminal.
ATMs: ATMs can be found just outside the entrances of Vietnam’s airports. Most local ATMs dispense sums of 2,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND per transaction.
Luggage stubs: Be sure to keep your luggage stubs when taking domestic flights in Vietnam. These will be checked by airport personnel before you leave the terminal.
Guide to Hanoi's International Airport
Terminals
There are two airport terminals at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi: T1 is for domestic flights, and T2 is for international flights. 850 meters separate the terminals. Between the western side of the first floor of T2 and the second floor of T1, a free shuttle bus runs every 10 to 15 minutes from 6 am to 1 am (departures.) The domestic terminal's check-in desks are separated into lobbies A, B, and E. (for Vietjet flights.) No matter which lobby you enter from, after you've passed the security checkpoint, you can reach any boarding gate.
The international terminal was recently built. For individuals who need to pay their visa fees in Vietnamese Dong, there is an ATM at the immigration area. Additionally, the terminal features duty-free stalls, a left luggage area, and a locker room.
Transport
Noi Bai Airport is about 27 kilometers from downtown Hanoi. It usually takes about an hour to reach the airport from the city center.
Taxis: Metered taxis to and from the airport cost about 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND. Your driver may request an additional 15,000 VND for the airport toll fee.
Ride-hailing apps: Apps such as Grab, Be, and Go Viet is a great option for those who have Vietnamese SIM cards. The ride typically costs about 250,000 VND with GrabCar.
Minivans: From 4 am to 9 pm, VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines run mini-vans from the airport to downtown Hanoi and vice versa. You’ll see these shuttles when you exit Arrivals. The route ends at 1 Quang Trung in the Old Quarter. Tickets cost 40,000VND.
Buses: From 6:30 am to 11 pm, the bright orange 86 Express Bus runs from the airport through central Hanoi and ends at the train station. Tickets are 30,000 VND.
CẢNG HÀNG KHÔNG QUỐC TẾ NỘI BÀI (noibaiairport.vn)
Guide to Da Nang's International Airport
Terminals
There are two terminals at Da Nang International Airport (DAD): T1 is for local flights, while T2 is for international flights. There is a covered walkway that connects the two terminals, making it simple to stroll between them. Modern and rarely congested, the Da Nang airport. The domestic terminal's arrivals hall features lounges from well-known resorts, as well as stores and ATMs right outside the door. The international arrival visa counter is less crowded than those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but since there isn't an ATM there, you'll need USD or VND to for any expenses.
Transport
The airport in Da Nang is about five kilometers from the city center, 29 kilometers from the Hoi An Ancient Town, and 98 kilometers from Hue. Allocate 30 minutes to reach the airport from the beach area in Da Nang.
Hired car: If you’re going to Hoi An, your hotel can arrange a car for a fixed price between 250,000 to 350,000 VND.
Taxis: Taxis to downtown Da Nang cost between 70,000 VND to 120,000 VND. A metered taxi to Hoi An will cost upwards of 450,000 VND.
Ride-hailing apps:* Grab and Go Viet are available in Da Nang and work well for short distances and motorcycle transfers. You’ll need a Vietnamese SIM card to use these services.
Shuttles: Affordable shuttle vans run hourly from 5 am to 11 pm from the airport to Da Nang City and Hoi An. Look for the Hoi An Express shuttle at gate A4 in the domestic arrivals area.
Danang International Terminal (danangairportterminal.vn)
Guide to Ho Chi Minh City's International Airport
Terminals
The domestic and international terminals of Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City are connected by a 500-meter covered walkway. There are two separate boarding areas at the domestic terminal, one of which is reserved for Vietjet aircraft. Make careful to leave yourself enough time to arrive at your gate because the line for the security check-in in Ho Chi Minh City can become backed up. There is a shopping center with a McDonald's and Starbucks right outside the domestic terminal. The international airport has a cutting-edge structure with eateries, airline lounges, and duty-free stores in the departure lobbies.
Transport
The airport in Ho Chi Minh City is eight kilometers from the city center. It can take 50 minutes or more to reach the airport depending on traffic.
Hired car: The Song Viet Car desk at the airport can arrange a car on the spot or in advance for a fixed price, from 180,000 VND.
Taxis: Vinasun and Mai Linh taxis are available at the taxi bay. Expect to pay 120,000 VND to 180,000 VND for a ride into town, plus 10,000 VND for the airport toll fee.
Ride-hailing apps: Grab, Be and Go Viet all work well in HCMC. Be sure to have a Vietnamese SIM card ready if you want to use these apps.
Buses: Two bright yellow buses run between the city center and the airport. These have plenty of room for luggage and the staff speak enough English to help travelers. For 20,000VND you can ride one of the two routes into town. Route 109 ends in the backpacker district and Route 49 ends at Ben Thanh Station. The first and last buses run from 5 am to 2:30 am. Tickets cost between 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND.