Airports in Vietnam

There is no shortage of airports in Vietnam, making it easy for anyone looking to enter this amazing destination. Flying into Vietnam is one of the most convenient ways to enter the country, as even visa regulations are effortlessly smooth. Vietnam is a long, elongated country, but the airports in Vietnam are distributed in a way to ensure each part of the country is connected and accessible. Read our comprehensive guide on airports in Vietnam to get a feel of the layout.

Vietnam has several domestic and international airports, well maintained and with modern facilities.

International Airports in Vietnam

Vietnam has three main international airports, 4 including the one at Phu Quoc island. Each of these is located such that they ensure Vietnam’s tapering geography is well covered. Each is equipped with washrooms, WiFi and other facilities. All three have two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international flights. You can make use of taxicabs there as well.

Noi Ban (HAN)- Hanoi

The Noi Bai International Airport is about 35 km from the center of Hanoi. It is the main airport for North Vietnam. Free shuttle buses run at intervals of 15 minutes to transport people between the two terminals. The international terminal also comes equipped with an ATM facility.

Tan Son Nhat (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat Airport is the main airport for South Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City. It was previously called Saigon, and is still referred to as such by the locals, thus explaining why the city code is SGN. The two terminals at Tam Son Nhat airport are connected by a 500 m walkway. You’ll find the international terminal is quite the modern setup, with everything from duty-free stores to lounges available.

Da Nang Airport (DAD) – Da Nang 

Both terminals at Da Nang International Airport are connected by a covered walkway. However, there is no ATM facility available in the international terminal immigration area. This is the closest international airport to Hoi An; it is around 30 kms away, and it takes a 45-minute drive to get there.

Phu Quoc (PQC) – Phu Quoc island

The international airport at Phu Quoc island was opened in 2012, and since then has been running alongside the domestic terminal. Ensure you know about the interesting Phu Quoc island visa exemption: Anyone taking a direct flight in and out of Phu Quoc enjoys a visa exemption, as long as you are not travelling from or flying directly into Vietnam. It may be geographically part of Vietnam, but this 30-day exemption doesn’t apply to onward travel in Vietnam. 

Here’s a list of the other international airports in Vietnam-

• Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) – Hue
• Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) – Hai Phong City
• Cam Ranh (CXR) – Nha Trang (35 kms away from Nha Trang)
• Vinh International Airport (VII) – Nghe An Province
• Lien Khuong International Airport (DLI) – Lam Dong Province (28 kms away from Da Lat)
• Can Tho International Airport (VCA) – Can Tho Province (Mekong Delta)
• Chu Lai International Airport (VCL) – Quang Nam Province 

Cat Bi International Airport at Hai Phong city is good for those travelling to Northeast Vietnam.

Domestic airports and flights in Vietnam

There are at least 6 airlines plying domestic flights in Vietnam. Of these, Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier. Domestic flights in Vietnam are inexpensive and their frequency is good as well. Apart from the Hue, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang airports that have domestic terminals, the following are the other domestic airports in Vietnam.

• Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN) – Northern region
• Pleiku Airport (PXU) – Gia Lai Province
• Tuy Hoa Airport (TBB) – Central Coast
• Chu Lai International Airport (VLC) – Quang Nam Province
• Buon Mua Thuot Airport (BMV) – Central highlands
• Rach Gia Airport (VKG) – Southern coast

Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier of Vietnam, with a range of flights offering good connectivity.

Tips for air travel in Vietnam

When travelling to Vietnam, you will quickly find that most flights will land at one of the three main airports. However, you may be able to find a direct flight to one of the other international airports mentioned here. A valid Visa or an eligible Visa exemption requirement applies at every airport. Remember that Phu Quoc’s visa requirements differ slightly as compared to the rest of Vietnam.

As mentioned, there are several options to choose from when flying domestic. However, our insider’s tip is to stick with Vietnam Airlines. The other airlines may offer cheaper prices, but Vietnam Airlines is the most reliable and punctual. They also have affordable and frequent options for the main routes. From personal experience, VietJet did not fare well, while Vietnam Airlines passed with flying colours.

Phu Quoc island’s visa exemption makes it easy for those looking to travel to the beach island.

Because of its geography, flying is the fastest way to get from one destination to the other in Vietnam. However, if you have the time to spare and the inclination to truly experience Vietnam, consider the overnight trains. Getting around in Vietnam is quite affordable; transportation caters to every budget and even flight tickets are cheap. If the hassle of travelling in Vietnam is too much to take on, let us help you out! We’ll cater to every need so you can sit back and wait for your journey to start. Just hit Plan Your Trip to know more!