Your Vietnam adventure begins the moment you land! Frontier Travel Vietnam's guide to navigating airports in Vietnam ensures a smooth journey, from touchdown to takeoff. Discover insider tips on airport facilities, transportation options, and essential regulations. Let us help you focus on the amazing adventures ahead, making your airport experience as memorable as the journey itself.
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1. The best airports in Vietnam
Vietnam's airports have undergone remarkable transformations in recent years, offering travelers modern amenities and efficient services. From sleek international gateways to charming domestic hubs, these airports elevate the travel experience.
International Airports in Northern Vietnam
Noi Bai International Airport
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Vietnam, functions as the main airport serving the city and its northern provinces. Located approximately 30 kilometers north of Hanoi's bustling center, the airport is nestled amidst scenic rice paddies in an area formerly part of Vinh Phuc province. Travelers can expect a journey of around 45 minutes to an hour from Hanoi's Old Quarter, barring traffic, with convenient access via the Nhat Tan or Thang Long bridges.
Noi Bai International Airport serves as a hub for numerous domestic and international airlines. Vietnamese airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines operate domestic flights. For international travel, alongside Vietnam Airlines, you'll find a variety of foreign carriers like Korean Air, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, and many more.
Noi Bai International Airport Hanoi is currently providing the following ground services to meet the needs of passengers: ATM service, free trolley, luggage packing, free battery charging, food stalls, Sleeping pods, duty-free shops, locker rooms, etc.
Cat Bi International Airport
Cat Bi Airport, serving the Haiphong region, primarily operates domestic flights, with frequent connections to Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, and a sole international route to Macau. This Vietnam Airports is conveniently located just five kilometers from the city center, and transportation is readily available.
Van Don International Airport
Located in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, Van Don International Airport (also known as Halong Airport) is one of the most famous airports in Vietnam offering convenient access to the awe-inspiring World Heritage site, Ha Long Bay. Situated approximately 50 km from Ha Long and 20 km from Cam Pha, this privately-owned Vietnam airport, developed and operated by Sun Group, represents a significant leap forward in Vietnamese aviation.
The airport dramatically shortens travel times to Halong Bay, cutting down a previous four-hour bus journey from Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport to a scenic hour-and-a-half drive via the new Ha Long – Van Don expressway. This new infrastructure makes exploring the iconic limestone pillars and turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay easier than ever before.
Beyond Ha Long Bay, Van Don International Airport unlocks a wealth of destinations within Quảng Ninh Province. With its 250 km coastline boasting stunning beaches like Minh Chau and Ngoc Vung, the region holds tremendous potential as an international tourist destination, a future the new airport is poised to help realize.
International Airports in Central Vietnam
Phu Bai International Airport
Phu Bai Airport (HUI), also known as Hue Airport, serves as a key transportation hub for central Vietnam, alongside Da Nang and Cam Ranh International Airports. Situated just 15 kilometers from the center of Hue, the trip between the airport and downtown Hue takes about 30 minutes.
Originally a French and American airbase, Phu Bai Airport was repurposed for civilian use in 1975. While currently accommodating medium-sized aircraft, future expansions aim to accommodate larger planes.
Travelers planning trips to Hue should note that the airport undergoes periodic renovations. For example, in 2011 flights were temporarily suspended for a month during May and early June. During these periods, consider flying into Da Nang International Airport, which is about a 3-hour shuttle ride from Hue.
Da Nang International Airport
Da Nang International Airport (DAD), located just 5km from the city center in the Hai Chau district, serves as a vital gateway to central Vietnam. While it's the country's third-largest airport, it remains more manageable in size and passenger volume compared to Hanoi's Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat airports.
Originally a military base established in 1940, Da Nang International Airport transitioned to civilian use after the country's reunification in 1975. A major upgrade in December 2011 saw the inauguration of a modern terminal, replacing the outdated facilities. Boasting two parallel runways, each stretching 3,050 meters, the airport now accommodates large aircraft, including Boeing 747s, 767s, Airbus 330s, 340s, and Antonov 124s.
Equipped to handle six million passengers annually, the new terminal offers a wealth of modern amenities and services. With a daily average of 100-150 flights operated by over 10 airlines, Da Nang International Airport is well-connected. Domestic travelers can easily reach destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Pleiku, and Qui Nhon with airlines like Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific.
Cam Ranh International Airport
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR), the fourth largest Vietnam airports, serves the coastal city of Nha Trang and is located 30 km south in Khanh Hoa Province. Originally a US Army base during the Vietnam War, the airport transitioned to civilian use in 2004.
Today, Cam Ranh Airport welcomes travelers from across Vietnam and a growing number of international destinations. Domestic flights primarily connect to major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Internationally, the airport serves a limited number of direct flights from Russian cities such as Khabarovsk, Vladivostok, and Novosibirsk.
Similar to other provincial airports in Vietnam, Cam Ranh Airport is compact and easy to navigate. The first-floor houses ticket counters, currency exchange services, small cafes, and souvenir shops. Departure and arrival halls, along with passenger waiting areas, are located on the second floor. Dining options are somewhat limited, so it's advisable to eat a proper meal before arriving at the airport.
International Airports in Southern Vietnam
Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) stands as the largest Vietnam airport in terms of size and capacity, thanks to a major renovation completed in the early 2000s. Managed by the Southern Airports Corporation (SAC), a state-owned enterprise, Tan Son Nhat plays a crucial role in connecting Ho Chi Minh City to domestic and international destinations.
Located approximately 8 km north of the city center in Tan Binh District, this airport in Vietnam offers convenient access to downtown, with travel times averaging 15-20 minutes.
Some domestic airlines offering flights to and from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Vietravel Airlines, and Bamboo Airway. There are a variety of international airlines at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Some notable ones include Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, etc., which offer flights to and from Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, etc.
To make your arrival at Ho Chi Minh City airport as smooth as possible, here are a few handy tips:
- Stay Connected: Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
- Hydrate: Stay refreshed with complimentary water at water stations conveniently located in both terminals.
- Essential Documents: Don't forget your passport, visa, and any other necessary travel documents.
- Dining Options: Grab a bite at The Phoenix Restaurant, +84 Cafe, Cuisine de Saigon Restaurant, Fresh2Go, or Gogi House.
- Safe Transportation: Opt for reputable taxi companies to avoid potential scams and ensure a safe ride.
Phu Quoc International Airport
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), located in Duong Dong Town, serves as the main gateway to the beautiful island of Phu Quoc. While currently accommodating smaller aircraft like the Fokker 70 and ATR 72, the airport is undergoing upgrades to handle larger planes soon.
As of June 2011, Vietnam Airlines and Air Mekong are the primary airlines operating flights to and from Phu Quoc International Airport. Air Mekong offers direct connections to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while Vietnam Airlines provides a route from Can Tho. Airfares vary depending on the route, class of service, and availability, ranging from $40 to $200. Travelers can book flights directly through the airlines or via travel agencies.
Can Tho International Airport
Can Tho International Airport (VCA), one of the most modern airports in Vietnam, opened its doors in early 2011. Built on the site of a former military airbase in Binh Thuy, Can Tho, it's also referred to as Tra Noc Airport due to its proximity to the Tra Noc region.
The two-story airport terminal is designed for efficient flow, with the right flank dedicated to domestic departures and arrivals, while the left flank handles international flights.
Currently, Can Tho Airport predominantly accommodates domestic routes, connecting to major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Phu Quoc with Vietnam Airlines, as well as to Con Dao via VASCO Airlines. Exciting expansion plans include adding routes to destinations like Da Lat, Da Nang, Hue, and Vinh.
Following extensive renovations from 2006 to 2011, Can Tho International Airport offers a range of passenger amenities, including dining options, souvenir shops, currency exchange services, hotel booking assistance, and tourist information.
2. How to get from Vietnam airports to your accommodation?
Once you land in Vietnam, getting to your hotel or homestay comfortably is essential. Frontier Travel Vietnam is here to help you navigate the airport transfer process with ease. Here's a guide on how to get from Vietnam airports to your accommodation
Motorbike
For travelers with Vietnamese SIM cards, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, and Go Viet offer a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis. These apps allow you to book rides easily and track your driver's location, ensuring a smooth and reliable transportation experience. Whether you're heading to the city center or exploring nearby attractions, these services provide a cost-effective way to navigate Vietnam.
Taxi
Taxis offer a convenient way to reach your destination from airports in Vietnam, though fares can vary depending on the airport and distance traveled. Expect to pay around 120,000 to 400,000 VND for a taxi ride, plus a 15,000 VND airport toll. Popular taxi companies include SAIGON Air, Mai Linh, Vinasun, Xanh SM, BeCar, GrabCar,...
Bus
Public buses provide an economical option for airport transfers in major Vietnamese cities. At Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, the Orange 86 Express Bus operates from 6:30 am to 11 pm, connecting the Vietnam airports to central Hanoi and the train station for 30,000 VND. For a slightly higher price, shuttle buses offer greater convenience.
Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City offers two well-marked yellow bus routes (109 and 49) with ample luggage space. Fares range from 20,000 VND to 40,000 VND, and buses run from 5 am to 2:30 am. In Da Nang, buses are available for around 20,000 VND. While public buses from Hue Airport are the most budget-friendly, expect waiting times of 30-60 minutes. Shuttle buses offer a faster alternative for about 50,000 VND per person.
From modern international hubs to charming domestic airports, Vietnam's aviation network provides a seamless and efficient gateway to explore this captivating country. Whether you're landing in bustling Hanoi, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, or picturesque Da Nang, this comprehensive guide, brought to you by Frontier Travel Vietnam, equips you with the essential information to navigate airports in Vietnam with ease.
