Overview of Airports in Vietnam
Vietnam currently operates 22 airports, of which 10 are international. All of them are managed by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). These airports serve as vital gateways for both domestic and international travelers, connecting Vietnam’s major cities with Asia, Europe, and beyond.
The three busiest hubs are:
- Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi, Northern Vietnam.
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD) – Central Vietnam.
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City, Southern Vietnam.
Together, these three airports handle the majority of Vietnam’s international arrivals and departures, as well as most domestic transfers. Smaller airports such as Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Phu Quoc, and Hue also play a growing role as Vietnam’s tourism industry expands.
👉 Airlines operating in Vietnam:
- Vietnam Airlines – the national flag carrier, full-service, higher quality.
- Vietjet Air – low-cost carrier, popular for cheap domestic and regional flights.
- Bamboo Airways – mid-range, positioned between low-cost and premium.
- Pacific Airlines (Jetstar Pacific) – budget carrier.
- Vietravel Airlines – relatively new, focusing on domestic tourist routes.
✈️ Travel Tip: Book flights well in advance, especially around Tet (Vietnamese New Year), summer vacation, and national holidays. Prices rise quickly, and last-minute tickets may sell out.
International Airports in Vietnam
Vietnam’s international airports vary in size and service, but most are modern, traveler-friendly, and well-connected. Below is a breakdown of the key ones:
2.1 Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi
- Location: 30 km north of Hanoi’s Old Quarter (~45–60 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic).
- Website: noibaiairport.vn
- Terminals: 2 (T1 for domestic, T2 for international). Free shuttle buses run between terminals every 15 minutes.
Airlines & Flights:
- Serves over 22 international carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and more.
- Excellent domestic connections covering almost every major city and tourist destination in Vietnam.
Transport to Hanoi City:
- Taxi: $15–18 (metered, 45 minutes).
- Ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek): often cheaper than traditional taxis.
- Shuttle bus: $2/person (limited frequency).
- Public Bus No. 86: $1.5, runs from 5:30 am–11:00 pm, convenient to the Old Quarter.
Services:
- Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange counters.
- Lounges and sleeping pods (ideal for long layovers).
- Duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Baggage storage, SIM card counters, travel service kiosks.
- Children’s play areas and medical services.
👉 Good to know: Noi Bai has a calmer, less hectic atmosphere compared to Tan Son Nhat (HCMC). However, traffic between the airport and the Old Quarter can be heavy during rush hours.
2.2 Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City
- Location: Just 7 km from downtown HCMC, but due to heavy traffic, the ride can take 30–60 minutes.
- Website: tansonnhatairport.vn
- Terminals: 2 (T1 for domestic, T2 for international).
Airlines & Flights:
- Vietnam’s largest and busiest airport, serving 45+ international carriers.
- Major airlines include Air France, Singapore Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, ANA, and others.
- Domestic carriers connect Ho Chi Minh City with every region in Vietnam.
Transport to City Center:
- Taxi: $6–8 (but expect long queues at peak times).
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek): convenient, reliable, usually cheaper.
- Airport shuttle bus: $2/person.
- Public Bus No. 109: just $0.5, but slower with more stops.
Services:
- Free Wi-Fi, ATMs, money exchange.
- VIP lounges, spa & massage services.
- Wide range of duty-free shopping and dining options.
- Baggage storage, medical services, kids’ play zones.
👉 Good to know: Tan Son Nhat often feels crowded and chaotic, especially during peak hours. Arrive at least 2 hours early for international flights and 1.5 hours early for domestic ones.
2.3 Other International Airports in Vietnam
Besides Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, several other airports cater to international travelers, often serving as gateways to popular tourist destinations:
- Da Nang International Airport (DAD):
- 5 km from Da Nang city center.
- Vietnam’s third busiest airport, connecting Central Vietnam with major Asian hubs like Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, and Tokyo.
- Convenient for visiting Hoi An, Hue, and Ba Na Hills.
- Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR – Nha Trang):
- 10 km from Nha Trang city.
- Hub for Russian and Chinese charter flights.
- Serves the beach resorts along Vietnam’s south-central coast.
- Phu Bai International Airport (HUI – Hue):
- 15 km from Hue city center.
- Smaller but modernized, handling domestic flights and some regional connections.
- Useful for travelers exploring Hue’s Imperial Citadel and nearby attractions.
- Lien Khuong Airport (DLI – Da Lat):
- 28 km from Da Lat.
- Primarily domestic but with growing international charter flights.
- Gateway to Vietnam’s Central Highlands and eco-tourism areas.
- Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC):
- 15 km from Duong Dong, the island’s main town.
- Connects Phu Quoc to international destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
- Key access point for Vietnam’s largest island and beach resorts.
- Can Tho International Airport (VCA):
- 8 km from Can Tho city.
- Mainly serves domestic flights, with occasional international charters.
- Gateway to the Mekong Delta region.
Domestic Airports in Vietnam
While Vietnam’s international airports connect the country to the world, its domestic airports play an equally important role in linking remote towns, rural provinces, and smaller cities with major hubs like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. For travelers, these domestic airports make it easier to reach less touristy destinations that would otherwise require long bus or train rides.
Some of the most popular domestic airports include:
- Dong Hoi Airport (VDH – Quang Binh):
Located just 6 km from Dong Hoi city center, this airport is the gateway to Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, home to the world-famous Son Doong and Paradise Caves.
- Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV – Dak Lak):
Serves Vietnam’s Central Highlands, an area known for coffee plantations, ethnic minority villages, and national parks. A great base for travelers looking to explore authentic highland culture.
- Con Dao Airport (VCS – Ba Ria Vung Tau):
About 14 km from Con Dao town, this small airport serves the Con Dao Islands, famous for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites. Since Con Dao is relatively remote, flights are the most practical option.
- Ca Mau Airport (CAH – Ca Mau):
Located 10 km from Ca Mau city, this airport provides access to the southernmost tip of Vietnam and the Mekong Delta wetlands, an off-the-beaten-path destination.
Other noteworthy domestic airports include Chu Lai (Quang Nam), Pleiku (Gia Lai), Rach Gia (Kien Giang), and Dien Bien Phu (Dien Bien), each catering to specific regional travelers.
👉 Tip: Smaller airports may have limited flight schedules—sometimes just one or two departures a day—so plan ahead to avoid long layovers or missed connections.
Airlines in Vietnam
Vietnam’s airline industry has grown rapidly in the past decade, offering travelers more choices than ever. Each airline caters to different travel needs, from budget-friendly to full-service experiences.
- ✈️ Vietnam Airlines – The national flag carrier, rated 4-star by Skytrax. Known for professional service, complimentary meals, and generous baggage allowance. Operates both domestic and international flights with a modern fleet.
- ✈️ Bamboo Airways – A newer airline that has quickly built a reputation for punctuality, modern aircraft, and affordable comfort. Offers both economy and business-class options at competitive prices.
- ✈️ Vietjet Air – Vietnam’s most popular low-cost carrier, famous for its frequent promotions and “0 VND tickets.” Great for budget-conscious travelers, but expect extra fees for baggage and occasional delays.
- ✈️ Pacific Airlines – A budget airline (part of Vietnam Airlines group) operating domestic and short-haul regional flights. Service is basic but reliable for short trips.
- ✈️ Vietravel Airlines – The newest player in the market, launched by Vietravel tourism company. Focuses mainly on domestic leisure routes linking major cities with beach and resort destinations.
👉 Choosing the right airline:
- For comfort & reliability: Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo Airways.
- For cheap fares: Vietjet Air or Pacific Airlines.
- For domestic leisure trips: Vietravel Airlines may be convenient.
Travel Tips for Using Airports in Vietnam
✅ Arrive early: At least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Airports can get busy, and check-in counters close earlier than in some countries.
✅ Use online check-in: Most airlines allow online or app check-in, saving time and avoiding long queues at the airport.
✅ Check baggage allowances: Low-cost carriers like Vietjet Air and Pacific Airlines often have strict baggage rules—you’ll need to pre-purchase extra weight if carrying more than a small carry-on.
✅ Keep documents handy: Have your passport, visa (if applicable), and booking confirmation ready, even for domestic flights (a valid photo ID may suffice for Vietnamese citizens).
✅ Paid vs. free services:
- Free: Wi-Fi, water refill stations (at some airports), and charging points.
- Paid: Luggage wrapping, VIP lounges, priority boarding, and sometimes even shuttle buses.
✅ Plan for traffic: In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, allow extra travel time to the airport—rush hour can easily double your journey.
✅ Stay updated: Flight delays are common during peak travel seasons or bad weather. Download your airline’s app or check the flight status screens frequently.
Final Thoughts
With 22 airports spread across Vietnam, reaching your dream destination has never been easier. From the busy hubs of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to regional gateways like Phu Quoc, Da Lat, or Con Dao, each airport offers a unique doorway to Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders.
Whether you’re a budget backpacker or a luxury traveler, Vietnam’s airports and airlines provide options to match every style and budget—making your journey smooth, convenient, and unforgettable.
