What to know about Vietnam airports: A guide for tourists

What to know about Vietnam airports: A Guide for Tourists 

Airports are the main entry point for Europeans visiting Vietnam. If you are planning a trip to the country, in this article we first offer an overview of airports in Vietnam. Afterwards, you will find specific information about the most important airports. 

An overview of airports in Vietnam 

Most international flights arrive at one of Vietnam's three main airports: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. There are also direct international flights to other tourist destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. Regardless of your arrival airport, remember that you will need a visa to enter the country. You may be eligible for a visa exemption if you meet the current requirements. 

In Vietnam, domestic flights are usually the most convenient way to reach distant destinations. Prices are normally affordable but increase significantly during holidays. Therefore, if you are planning a vacation during the Vietnamese New Year or any other holiday, you should book your domestic flights well in advance. The national carriers are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar. 

Taxis are readily available outside almost all airports in Vietnam. The two most reliable taxi companies are Mai Linh and Vinasun. ATMs can be found just outside the airport entrances. Most local ATMs dispense sums from 2,000,000 VND to 5,000,000 VND per transaction. 

Vietnam Airports: A Comprehensive Guide 

Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. The domestic terminal has three boarding lobbies, one of which is exclusively for Vietjet Air flights. The two terminals are 850 meters apart and connected by a free shuttle that runs every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. 

Getting to and from Hanoi Airport Noi Bai Airport is located approximately 27 kilometers from Hanoi city center. The journey usually takes around an hour. To reach the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake, the 86 Express bus connects the airport to the city center and the train station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, minivan (offered by VietJet Air and Vietnam Airlines), or book a private driver through a smartphone app. 

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) Da Nang International Airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. The two terminals are easily accessible on foot via a covered walkway. Da Nang Airport is modern and, compared to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, is rarely overcrowded. 

Getting to and from Da Nang Airport Da Nang Airport is about 5 kilometers from the city center. Additionally, it is less than 30 kilometers from the ancient city of Hoi An and nearly 100 kilometers from Hue (which also has its own airport). You can reach Da Nang city center by taxi or by booking a private driver through a smartphone app. Alternatively, there are buses from the domestic arrivals area that go directly to the city center. If you're headed to Hoi An, you can arrange for a hotel pickup. 

Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport has two terminals: T1 for domestic flights and T2 for international flights. The two terminals are 500 meters apart and connected by a covered walkway. The domestic terminal has two separate boarding lobbies, one of which is exclusively for Vietjet flights. Security lines at Ho Chi Minh City Airport can be very long. Therefore, it's advisable to arrive well in advance to ensure you make your flight. 

Getting to and from Ho Chi Minh City Airport Ho Chi Minh City Airport is located 8 kilometers from the city center. However, depending on traffic, it can take more than 50 minutes to reach the main areas of the city. To reach the city center, you can take the 109 bus, which connects the airport to the Ben Thanh Market area. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or book a private driver through a smartphone app. 

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) Phu Quoc International Airport has a single passenger terminal used for both domestic and international flights. The international area is on the right side, while the domestic flights area covers the rest. The airport connects Phu Quoc Island with Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), South Korea (Seoul), Thailand (Bangkok), and China. There are also seasonal flights, some of which are charters, allowing you to reach Phu Quoc Island from Moscow, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, London, and even Milan-Malpensa. Travelers arriving in Phu Quoc directly from abroad via one of these flights, without going through other Vietnamese border controls, can enter visa-free for a maximum stay of 30 days. 

Getting to and from Phu Quoc Airport The airport is located in the southern part of Phu Quoc Island, about 10 kilometers from Duong Dong town, the island's largest city. Most hotels include a shuttle service in the room rate. Alternatively, you can find taxis parked outside the departures area or hire a driver through smartphone apps. Finally, the most economical option is to take the public bus. 

Additional Tips: 

• Currency: It's advisable to exchange a small amount of money into Vietnamese Dong upon arrival. 
• SIM cards: Purchase a local SIM card to stay connected during your trip. 
• Visa: Ensure you have all the necessary documents for entering Vietnam. 

Traffic: Be aware that traffic in Vietnamese cities can be heavy, so plan your journeys in advance.