For travelers considering a trip to Vietnam, understanding the country's airport network is essential for smooth arrival and efficient internal movement. Air travel provides the most direct method for reaching Vietnam and navigating its diverse regions. This guide outlines the primary international and domestic air hubs, helping visitors plan their aerial routes effectively.
Vietnam's Airport Infrastructure
Vietnam maintains a comprehensive network of 33 airports, encompassing facilities for civil, military, and private use, alongside some former airfields. Among these, the civil airports, including both international and domestic terminals, are dedicated to serving the needs of tourism and general passenger traffic.
The nation's three busiest international gateways are Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) serving Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in central Vietnam. Additionally, popular tourist areas such as Phu Quoc and Nha Trang also accommodate direct flights from abroad. Currently, a total of eight international airports are equipped to receive overseas flights: Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang, Can Tho, Phu Bai (Hue), Phu Quoc, Cat Bi, and Cam Ranh (Nha Trang). It is important to note that travelers applying for a visa on arrival are generally limited to entering through Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, or Da Nang airports.
Major International Entry Points
Vietnam's primary international airports serve as crucial hubs for global travelers, offering extensive services and connections.
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi
Located approximately 27 kilometers from Hanoi's city center and situated at an elevation of 12 meters, Noi Bai International Airport is Vietnam's second-largest air facility, spanning 650 hectares. It features two main terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) for domestic flights and Terminal 2 (T2) for international arrivals and departures. A complimentary shuttle bus operates between these terminals from 6:00 am to midnight, with services running every 10 to 15 minutes.
Terminal 1, following upgrades in March 2018, is designed to accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually across its three lobbies (A, B, and E). It provides various amenities including dining options, retail outlets, cafes, currency exchange services, ATMs, and ground transportation access. Terminal 2, which opened in 2015, is a four-level structure. The first level handles arriving passengers, baggage claim, customs, duty-free shopping, first aid, and information counters. The second level serves arriving and transit passengers, along with immigration processing. Departures, security checks, check-in, and departure lounges are on the third level, while VIP lounges and airline offices are located on the fourth. The airport offers a wide array of passenger services, such as lost and found, food and beverage concessions, duty-free shops, banking facilities, car rental, baby care rooms, information desks, luggage storage and wrapping, medical services, and mobile charging stations.
Noi Bai is Hanoi's sole airport, facilitating numerous international flights to destinations like Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Domestically, it connects to major cities including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Lat. For managing finances during your stay, consider exploring banking services in Hanoi.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City
Positioned just 7 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City's core and at an elevation of 10 meters, Tan Son Nhat is Vietnam's largest airport, covering 800 hectares. It manages nearly 40 million passengers each year through its two terminals: Domestic Terminal 1 (T1) and International Terminal 2 (T2), which are linked by a 500-meter covered walkway. The airport is consistently busy, equipped with 80 check-in counters and 20 immigration counters.
Terminal 1 has two floors: the ground floor for domestic arrivals and baggage claim, and the upper floor for security checks and departures. Terminal 2 is a modern, four-story building offering duty-free shopping, airline lounges, cafes, restaurants (including Starbucks and McDonald's), and entertainment zones. Its first three floors are dedicated to arrival halls, baggage claim, connecting counters, immigration areas, landing visa counters, check-in, and departure halls. Services at Tan Son Nhat include complimentary Wi-Fi, information desks, luggage storage and packing, SIM card sales, currency exchange, banking facilities, retail outlets, restaurants, smoking rooms, rest zones, shower and spa services in business lounges, mobile charging, children's entertainment areas, and medical services.
Tan Son Nhat handles a substantial volume of both international and domestic flights. Key international routes connect Ho Chi Minh City with Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Tokyo, and Siem Reap. The domestic route between Saigon and Hanoi is notably the busiest in Southeast Asia and ranks as the sixth busiest globally, with approximately 596 flights weekly. For financial needs, information on banking services in Ho Chi Minh City is readily available.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD) – Da Nang
Serving as a central transportation hub for Vietnam, Da Nang International Airport is the country's third-largest, located only 2 kilometers from the city center at an elevation of 10 meters. It processes an average of 100 to 150 flights daily. The airport features separate terminals for domestic and international flights, connected by a pleasant green corridor that allows for a quick 10-minute transit between them.
Terminal 1, the domestic terminal, comprises three floors and a basement, equipped with over 40 check-in counters and kiosks for various airlines. Lounges, shops, and ATMs are available in the arrival hall. Terminal 2, the international terminal, has two floors: the first floor for arrivals and the second for departures. It includes 24 check-in counters and 22 immigration counters which typically experience less congestion compared to those in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Da Nang International Airport is recognized for its comfortable facilities, offering a full suite of services. These include catering, diverse dining and coffee shops, duty-free and souvenir stores, airline ticketing, tourist information, banking and ATMs, currency exchange, free mobile charging, internet access, baby care rooms, baggage wrapping, smoking areas, local specialty shops, massage chairs, spa services, and VIP lounges.
With over 20 domestic and international airlines operating, popular routes from Da Nang include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Seoul, Busan, Bangkok, Daegu, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore. For financial transactions, travelers can find details on banking services in Da Nang.
| Airport | Code | City | Distance to City Center | Elevation | Annual Passenger Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai International Airport | HAN | Hanoi | 27 km | 12 m | 15 million (T1 domestic) |
| Tan Son Nhat International Airport | SGN | Ho Chi Minh City | 7 km | 10 m | ~40 million (total) |
| Da Nang International Airport | DAD | Da Nang | 2 km | 10 m | Not specified, handles 100-150 flights/day |
Other International and Regional Airfields
Beyond the main hubs, several other airports across Vietnam offer international connections or serve as vital regional gateways.
Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) – Hai Phong
Located in Hai Phong province, Cat Bi Airport is approximately 125 kilometers from Hanoi and 60 kilometers from Halong Bay. It can manage up to 5 million passengers annually and has a peak hour capacity of 1,000 passengers. The airport currently serves a limited number of airlines, with around 20 flights daily. The terminal is divided into domestic and international zones. The domestic area has 4 departure gates (1-4) and 16 check-in counters (1-16) on the east side. The international zone, on the west, features 13 check-in counters (17-29) and is accessed via departure gates 5 and 6. Services provided include complimentary Wi-Fi, free water, lost and found, medical assistance, a children's play area, food outlets, and a department store.
Cat Bi facilitates domestic flights to destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Da Nang, Buon Ma Thuot, and Da Lat. Its international terminal operates routes to Macau, Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul. For those exploring the region, Halong Bay offers excellent beaches for relaxation.
Van Don International Airport (VDO) – Halong Bay
Opened in December 2018, Van Don Airport is a key transportation point and the closest airport to Halong Bay. This facility holds the distinction of being Vietnam's first privately operated international airport, with a construction investment of 7.46 trillion VND. In 2019, it was recognized as the “World’s Leading New Airport” by the World Travel Awards (WTA).
Van Don Airport features a single passenger terminal capable of handling 2.5 million passengers, covering nearly 27,000 square meters. It is equipped with 4 jet bridges, 4 baggage carousels, 8 security gates, and 31 check-in counters. As a modern facility, Van Don provides advanced terminal amenities and high-quality services typical of international airports.
Current domestic routes connect Van Don with Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. International flights are available from Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Seoul. Future plans include expanding international services to Hainan, Nanning, Guangzhou, and various cities in Japan and Thailand.
Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) – Hue
Phu Bai Airport, operational since October 2005, is a smaller international facility in central Vietnam with an annual capacity of 1.5 million passengers. It is located approximately 15 kilometers from Hue and is about 2.5 hours from Da Nang and 3 hours from Hoi An. The terminal has two floors: the first floor for arrivals, check-in, and food concessions, and the second floor for departures.
Basic services at Hue airport include banking and ATMs, luggage handling, airport taxis, and restaurants. Despite its international designation, Phu Bai currently does not operate international flights. Its three busiest domestic routes are to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Lat, served by carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. For financial services in the area, travelers can refer to a guide to local banks in Hue City.
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) – Nha Trang
Serving the Nha Trang area, Cam Ranh Airport is located 30 kilometers from the city center and handles nearly 5 million passengers annually. Its design, inspired by a swallow’s nest and the waves of Nha Trang Beach, is a notable feature. The international Terminal 2 (T2) is designed with dedicated levels for international and domestic travelers, equipped with 4 aerobridges and 10 boarding gates to accommodate over 20 international airlines each year.
Nha Trang airport offers various advanced facilities for passenger convenience, including currency exchange, ATMs, shopping, restaurants, and transfer options. Approximately 40 daily flights operate to Cam Ranh. Popular domestic routes include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Vinh, while international flights connect to Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. For medical needs, travelers can consult a guide to healthcare services in Nha Trang.
Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) – Da Lat
Situated about 30 kilometers south of Da Lat's city center in Lam Dong province, Lien Khuong is the largest of the four airfields in Vietnam's Central Highlands, at an elevation of 962 meters. The terminal building, shaped like wild sunflowers, spans 12,400 square meters across two stories. A major reconstruction completed in December 2019 enhanced its capacity to 2 million passengers and allowed for larger aircraft.
Essential services such as banking, ATMs, luggage handling, and transportation are available, though options for food, drink, and entertainment are somewhat limited. Frequent flight routes from Da Lat airport include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Vinh, Hai Phong, Bangkok, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Lanzhou. The airport's upgrade to international standards aims to facilitate more direct flights to Singapore, Laos, Cambodia, and other South Korean cities. For financial services, a guide to local banks in Da Lat is available.
Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) – Phu Quoc
Opened in 2012, Phu Quoc International Airport has become a significant air hub on Vietnam's “Pearl Island” in the south. Constructed to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards with an investment of 16.2 trillion VND, it features a modern terminal. The terminal is divided into domestic (west) and international (east) functional areas, with separate pathways ensuring a smooth, one-way passenger flow. It includes 36 check-in counters, 10 security scanners, and 3 baggage conveyors.
Phu Quoc airport provides numerous dining and shopping venues, with passenger services strategically arranged for security and safety. Given the island's many hotels and resorts, arranging airport transfers to accommodation is generally straightforward.
Daily flights operate between Phu Quoc and Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. Other domestic routes, such as those to Da Nang, Hai Phong, and Vinh, average 20-21 flights per month. Internationally, Phu Quoc offers non-stop flights to nine destinations across three countries, with Seoul, Guangzhou, and Kuala Lumpur being among the most popular.
Can Tho International Airport (VCA) – Can Tho
Can Tho Airport, previously known as Tra Noc Airport, is a medium-sized civil airfield serving the Mekong Delta region. Originally built as an airbase by the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, its terminal building now features distinct zones: the right side from the main entrance for domestic routes and the left for international routes. Recent renovations have equipped Can Tho airport with modern aviation technology.
Designed to support tourism in the Mekong Delta, the airport offers a range of passenger services: a cafeteria, currency exchange, tourist information, hotel booking, taxi transfers, and souvenir shops. Currently, Can Tho primarily handles domestic flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, Con Dao, Hai Phong, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Vinh, with no international flights yet operating. For financial services, a guide to banking services in Can Tho City can assist travelers.
Vinh International Airport (VII) – Vinh
Located in north-central Vietnam, approximately 7 kilometers from Vinh City in Nghe An Province, Vinh International Airport is a busy transportation center. Historically, it served as one of Vietnam's main military airbases alongside Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi. The terminal is designed with 28 check-in counters and 4 boarding gates, capable of accommodating 3 million passengers annually. Arrivals are on the first floor, and departures on the second.
Vinh airport provides modern facilities, a VIP lounge, and various airline services for passengers. At present, it operates only domestic flights, connecting to Ho Chi Minh City, Buon Ma Thuot, Hanoi, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Can Tho. Future plans anticipate the introduction of international flights to Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Seoul.
Major Domestic Airfields
In addition to the international gateways, Vietnam's network of domestic airports facilitates convenient travel across the country, connecting distant regions and tourist destinations. These airports are crucial for internal tourism and business.
- Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN) – Dien Bien Phu: Connects to Hanoi.
- Chu Lai Airport (VCL) – Chu Lai: Connects to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Tho Xuan Airport (THD) – Thanh Hoa: Connects to Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Cam Ranh, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Buon Ma Thuot.
- Dong Hoi Airport (VDH) – Dong Hoi: Connects to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Phu Cat Airport (UIH) – Quy Nhon: Connects to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh.
- Rach Gia Airport (VKG) – Rach Gia: Connects to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Dong Tac Airport (TBB) – Tuy Hoa: Connects to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Vung Tau Airport (VTG) – Vung Tau: (No specific routes mentioned in source).
- Co Ong Airport (VCS) – Con Dao: Connects to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa.
- Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV) – Buon Ma Thuot: Connects to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Vinh, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa.
- Pleiku Airport (PXU) – Pleiku: Connects to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang.
- Ca Mau Airport (CAH) – Ca Mau: Connects to Ho Chi Minh City.
Planning Your Airport Transfer
Upon arrival at any Vietnamese airport, travelers will find various options for onward transfer to their final destination. These typically include airport taxis, ride-hailing services, and pre-booked private transfers. Many hotels and resorts, especially those in tourist-heavy areas like Phu Quoc, offer dedicated airport shuttle services, which can be a convenient choice for direct transport to accommodation. It is advisable to research and arrange transfer options in advance, particularly for late-night arrivals or destinations further from the airport, to ensure a smooth transition. While at the airports, visitors can also find opportunities for unique purchases and souvenirs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main international airports in Vietnam?
The primary international airports for travelers entering Vietnam are Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in Da Nang. These three also support visa-on-arrival processing.
How many airports does Vietnam have in total?
Vietnam has a total of 33 airports, which include civil, military, private, and former airfields. The civil airports are specifically designated for passenger travel and tourism.
Are there shuttle services between terminals at major airports?
Yes, for instance, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi provides a free shuttle bus service between its domestic (T1) and international (T2) terminals, operating from 6:00 am to midnight every 10-15 minutes. Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City has a 500-meter covered walkway connecting its terminals.
Which airport is closest to Halong Bay?
Van Don International Airport (VDO) is the nearest airport to Halong Bay, located approximately 50 kilometers away. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong is also a viable option, situated about 60 kilometers from Halong Bay.
Can I get a visa on arrival at all international airports?
No, travelers requiring a visa on arrival are generally restricted to entering Vietnam through three specific international airports: Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), and Da Nang (Da Nang). Always verify current visa regulations before travel.
