Vietnam's Airport Guide – Everything You Need to Know Before Flying
There are three major airports in Vietnam, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, offering modern facilities and visitor-friendly services. But often traveling to a different country may be stressful.
So, if you are a first-time traveler, clearly understanding the airport terminals, transport options, visas, and airport trips will make your travel stress-free apart from calculating the Vietnam trip budget.
Here is a comprehensive blog explaining Vietnam`s airport in detail so that you can have a well-planned arrival with your selected Vietnam tour packages.
International Airports in Vietnam
The international airports in Vietnam serve as the gateway to a vibrant country with cultural and topographical diversity. From stunning mountains to serene beach locations – Vietnam has everything that a traveler can dream about. That’s why the number of travelers to Vietnam has increased manifold in the past couple of years. These international airports handle millions of international visitors on a daily basis. Read more about the major international airports in Vietnam in the following paragraphs.
Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi
The Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is the most important, as it lies in the capital city. It has two terminals—T1 and T2—offering upgraded facilities for a smooth journey ahead, convenient transportation choices, and all-important traveler services. People whose itinerary includes Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa as places to visit in Vietnam generally come here.
| Airport Code | HAN |
|---|---|
| Terminals | T1 for Domestic and T2 for International |
| Major Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Air India, and Singapore Airlines |
Distance & Travel Time to Old Quarter
- Approximately 30 km from Hanoi Old Quarter
- Travel time: 40–60 minutes by taxi or Grab
Transport Options
- Taxi services available at the airport
- Grab (ride-hailing app)
- Airport shuttle services
- Public buses connecting to Hanoi city
Facilities
- Lounges for domestic and international travelers
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
- SIM card counters for local connectivity
- Duty-free shopping
- Food courts and cafes
Best Suited For
- Travelers heading to Ha Long Bay, Sapa, or Ninh Binh
India Connectivity Tips
- Limited direct flights from India to Hanoi
- Common connections via Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur
Ho Chi Minh Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
This airport is the main gateway for people traveling to South Vietnam. HCMC airport is well-equipped with all modern facilities, and with two terminals, it offers easy access to domestic and international locations.
| Airport Code | SGN |
| Terminals | T1 for Domestic and T2 for International |
| Major Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Air India, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways |
Distance & Travel Time to City Center
Approximately 6–7 km from District 1 (central Ho Chi Minh City)
Travel time: 20–30 minutes by taxi or Grab
Transport Options
- Taxi services readily available
- Grab (ride-hailing app)
- Airport shuttle buses
- Public buses connecting to different city areas
Facilities
- Lounges for domestic and international travelers
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
- SIM card counters for local connectivity
- Duty-free shops
- Food courts, cafes, and restaurants
Best Suited For
- Travelers heading to Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, or city tours in Ho Chi Minh City
India Connectivity Tips
- Direct flights are available from New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru
- There are frequent connections via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha
Da Nang International Airport
The international airport in Da Nang provides the main gateway for Central Vietnam. All the major tourist destinations like Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, and My Son are in Central Vietnam. Major airlines operate from here for a hassle-free journey.
| Airport Code | DAD |
| Terminals | Single integrated terminal for Domestic and International flights |
| Major Airlines | Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways |
Distance & Travel Time to City Center / Old Quarter
- Approximately 3 km from Da Nang city center
- Travel time: 10–15 minutes by taxi or Grab
Transport Options
- Taxi services available at the airport
- Grab (ride-hailing app)
- Private transfers or hotel shuttles
- Motorbike rentals for local travel
Facilities
- Lounges for domestic and international travelers
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
- SIM card counters and mobile connectivity services
- Duty-free shops and retail outlets
- Food courts and cafes
Best Suited For
- Visitors traveling to Hoi An, My Son, Ba Na Hills, and Marble Mountains
India Connectivity Tips
- No direct flights from India; connecting flights are available via Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Ho Chi Minh City
Visa, Immigration, & Arrival Tips to Know for Vietnam Trip
Before setting out on your journey to Vietnam, it is important to know all about the visa process and immigration procedures. You need to organize everything from e-visas to luggage claims, among other things, to ensure a hassle-free Vietnam tour. Here is a guide for the same:
Visa & E-Visa
- Vietnam offers a 30-day single-entry e-visa for Indian travelers.
- Just apply online through the official Vietnam government portal at least 3–5 days before departure.
- Carry a printed copy of your e-visa approval along with your passport.
What Indian Travelers Must Carry?
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
- Return or onward ticket confirmation.
- Hotel booking details for immigration checks.
- Copies of travel insurance (optional but recommended).
Immigration Times
- It will take hardly 30–60 minutes to complete the immigration process. This depends on the arrival time of your flight and the passenger volume at the airport you arrive at.
- Please keep all your documents handy in a folder to avoid any last-minute hassle or confusion.
SIM Card Tips
- SIM cards are available at airport counters and local shops.
- Major providers are Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone.
- You only need your passport for registration.
Luggage Claim & Customs Guidance
- Baggage claim areas are clearly marked; follow conveyor belts for your flight.
- Kindly declare any items subject to customs regulations.
- Please avoid carrying prohibited items; small personal items are generally exempt from duties.
Vietnam Airport Transfers
The first major step to wandering around Vietnam is arrival, but what after that? What are your options for continuing your journey? There are taxi and shuttle services as well as other public transport options to take you ahead. Knowing about the approximate fares would help you plan your budget in a better way.
Airport Transfer Costs
- Taxi: The taxi fare would depend on the airport you have arrived at and the distance you are covering ahead. It is generally between VND 250,000–400,000 or INR 800-1,300 for city-center transfers.
- Grab (Ride-Hailing App): This one is cheaper than taxis and costs around VND 180,000–350,000 or INR 600–1,150.
- Airport Shuttle Service: This service is provided by airport operators and the hotel you have selected. It costs around VND 100,000–200,000 or INR 350–650.
- Vietnam Public Bus: This is the most economical mode of transport if you are on a budget. The fare ranges between VND 20,000–50,000 or INR 70–165, depending on your route.
Vietnam Money Exchange Rate Guidance
- 1 Indian Rupee = 3,000–3,200 Vietnamese Dong or VND (subject to fluctuations).
- Please check the latest exchange rates as you begin your journey.
Additional Vietnam Travel Tips for a Hassle-Free Airport Experience
- Arrange taxis, Grab rides, or shuttle services well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
- Please carry some VND, or Vietnamese Dong, for immediate payment for transportation from the airport to your hotel.
- It is advised to reach the airport 3 hours before your international flight and 2 hours before your domestic flight time.
- Keep a separate folder carrying all your documents, like your passport, a visa printout, travel insurance, and your hotels in Vietnam address.
- Kindly use official counters or licensed taxis to avoid any scam.
- Label your luggage properly and verify the weight limit.
- As soon as you arrive at any of the Vietnam airports, buy a local SIM card.
Conclusion
If you are well-prepared with all information about the major airports in Vietnam, traveling becomes fun. From visas to airport transfers, we have included all the key points to remember for a memorable Vietnam trip. Be it Hanoi, HCMC, or Da Nang, wherever you arrive, there’s always “help desks” for immediate problems you may face. So, have a great journey ahead!
For more information, you can dive into our Vietnam travel guide blog.
FAQ
Which are the major international airports in Vietnam?
The major international airports in Vietnam are Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport in Da Nang.
Do I need a visa to fly to Vietnam from India?
Yes, Indian travelers must get an e-visa before flying to Vietnam.
What is the best time to plan a visit to Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is November to April.
Are resorts in Vietnam easily accessible from the major airports?
Yes, all the popular resorts in Vietnam are easily accessible from the major airports.