Vietnam Airports Guide: Which Airport Should You Fly Into?

Quick Answer

Vietnam Airports at a Glance

Vietnam has 22 civilian airports in operation, including 12 international airports and 10 domestic airports. For most international travelers, the three most important arrival airports are:

• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, ideal for northern Vietnam,
• Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in central Vietnam, ideal for Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue,
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, ideal for southern Vietnam.

Other international airports also serve popular destinations such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Da Lat and the Mekong Delta. In practice, the best airport for your trip depends less on the airport itself and more on your itinerary: northern, central or southern Vietnam.

Vietnam Airport Map

Vietnam’s main domestic airlines include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines. Flight schedules, routes and baggage rules may change, so travelers should always check the airline’s official website before booking.

If you plan to travel during Vietnamese public holidays or peak travel seasons, it is better to book flights in advance and recheck your flight schedule before departure.

Main Vietnam Airports for International Travelers

Hanoi Airport - Noi Bai International Airport (HAN): Best for Northern Vietnam

• Official name: Noi Bai International Airport
• Address: Noi Bai International Airport is located in Soc Son District, about 30 km from Hanoi Old Quarter / central Hanoi. The drive usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
• Airport code: HAN
• Website: noibaiairport.vn

Noi Bai International Airport is the main airport serving Hanoi and the main international gateway for travelers visiting northern Vietnam. It is a practical choice if your trip begins in Hanoi or includes destinations such as Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang or Mai Chau.

For many first-time visitors, Hanoi is a natural starting point for a Vietnam itinerary, especially before heading to the mountains, Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay.

The 2 terminals at Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai Airport has two main passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1: Domestic flights, used by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways and other domestic carriers.
• Terminal 2: International flights, serving Vietnam Airlines and many international airlines.

The two terminals are connected by a shuttle bus. If you need to transfer between domestic and international flights, allow around 15-20 minutes just to move between terminals, plus enough time for check-in, security and immigration procedures.

Flights from Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai Airport serves both domestic and international routes. From Hanoi, travelers can connect to most major destinations in Vietnam, including Da Nang, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Da Lat and Phu Quoc, depending on the airline schedule.

For international travelers, Noi Bai is especially convenient if Vietnam is the first stop of a north-to-south itinerary, or if the trip focuses mainly on northern Vietnam.

Useful Services at Noi Bai Airport

Noi Bai Airport offers the main services travelers usually need on arrival or before departure:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available in the terminals.
• ATMs and currency exchange: Available in both domestic and international terminals.
• Vietnam SIM card counters: Especially useful for international arrivals at Terminal 2.
• Sleeping cabins: A practical option for long layovers or early departures.
• Lounges, restaurants and shops: Available in passenger areas.
• Luggage services: Including luggage packing and storage services.
• Family facilities: Children’s areas are available in selected zones.
• Terminal shuttle: Connecting the domestic and international terminals.

Service locations and opening hours may change, so it is best to check airport signs or ask the information desk when you arrive.

How to Get from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi City Center

Noi Bai Airport is located outside the city, so the journey to Hanoi city center usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

With Kampá Tour, your airport transfer can be arranged in advance, so you can meet your driver after arrival and avoid negotiating taxi prices at the airport.

💡 Noi Bai Airport is the best starting point if your journey begins in northern Vietnam, especially Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ha Giang or Mai Chau.

>>> For your next trip: Best Time to Visit North Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City Airport - Tan Son Nhat (SGN): Best for Southern Vietnam

• Official name: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
• Address: Truong Son Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, about 6 km from the city center
• Airport code: SGN
• Website: tansonnhatairport.vn

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the main airport serving Ho Chi Minh City and the most convenient gateway for travelers visiting southern Vietnam. It is a practical choice if your trip starts in Ho Chi Minh City or includes the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Con Dao or a domestic connection to Phu Quoc.

For many travelers following a north-to-south Vietnam itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City is also a logical final stop before taking an international flight home or continuing to another Southeast Asian country.

The 3 terminals at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Since 2025, Tan Son Nhat Airport has had three main terminals:

• Terminal 1: Domestic flights operated by several Vietnamese carriers.
• Terminal 2: International flights.
• Terminal 3: Terminal 3 is the new domestic terminal. Since May 17, 2025, Vietnam Airlines has moved its domestic flights at Tan Son Nhat Airport to Terminal 3, except for flights to Con Dao, Rach Gia and Ca Mau. Pacific Airlines and VASCO continue to operate from Terminal 1.

The transfer time between terminals can take around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic inside the airport area and the terminal you need. Free shuttle buses connect Terminals 1, 2 and 3, but travelers should allow extra time because the terminals are separate.

Flights from Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport serves both domestic and international routes. From Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can connect to most major destinations in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Phu Quoc and other regional airports, depending on the airline schedule.

Internationally, SGN is one of Vietnam’s busiest gateways and offers many connections within Asia and beyond. For travelers visiting southern Vietnam, it is usually the most practical arrival or departure airport.

Useful Services at Tan Son Nhat Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport offers the main services travelers usually need on arrival or before departure:

• Free Wi-Fi: Available in the terminals.
• ATMs and currency exchange: Available in passenger areas, especially around the international terminal.
• Vietnam SIM card counters: Useful for international arrivals who need mobile data immediately.
• Nap pods: A practical option for long layovers or late-night departures.
• Lounges: VIP and CIP lounges are available in domestic and international terminals.
• Luggage services: Including luggage packing and luggage storage.
• Shops and restaurants: Available before and after security.
• Medical services: Available inside the airport.

Service locations and opening hours may change, so it is best to follow airport signs or ask the information desk when you arrive.

How to Get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Ho Chi Minh City Center

Tan Son Nhat Airport is close to the city center, but traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be heavy. The ride to central areas such as District 1 usually takes around 30 minutes, but it can take longer during rush hour.

For most first-time visitors, taxi, Grab or a pre-arranged private transfer is easier than public buses, especially after a long international flight.

With Kampá Tour, your airport transfer can be arranged in advance, so you can meet your driver after arrival and avoid negotiating taxi prices at the airport.

💡 Tan Son Nhat Airport works best for southern Vietnam itineraries, including Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, the Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, Con Dao or a domestic connection to Phu Quoc.

>>> Explore more: Southern Vietnam - Top Places to Visit

Other Useful Airports in Vietnam for Tourists

Besides Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, several other airports in Vietnam are useful for travelers, especially if your itinerary focuses on central Vietnam, beach destinations or the Mekong Delta. Among them, Da Nang Airport (DAD) is particularly important, as it is one of the main gateways for international visitors traveling to central Vietnam.

Da Nang Airport (DAD): Best for Hoi An, Hue and Central Vietnam

• Address: Nguyen Van Linh Street, Hoa Thuan Tay Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City
• Distance from city center: Da Nang Airport is about 3–5 km from the city center, depending on the exact destination.
• Airport code: DAD

Da Nang Airport is the most convenient airport for travelers visiting central Vietnam. It is the best arrival point for Da Nang city, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills and, in many itineraries, Hue. If your Vietnam trip focuses on the central coast, DAD is usually a better choice than flying into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City and taking a long domestic transfer.

💡 Da Nang Airport is the most practical choice for Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Ba Na Hills and the central coast of Vietnam.

Cam Ranh Airport (CXR): Best for Nha Trang

• Address: Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Cam Ranh, Khanh Hoa Province
• Airport code: CXR

Cam Ranh Airport is commonly used by travelers visiting Nha Trang and nearby beach resorts. Although many visitors search for “Nha Trang Airport,” the airport code CXR actually refers to Cam Ranh Airport.

💡 For Nha Trang and nearby beach resorts, Cam Ranh Airport is the airport you should look for when booking your flight.

Hue Airport (HUI): Best for Hue

• Address: National Road 1A, Phu Bai area, Huong Thuy, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Distance from city center: About 15 km
• Airport code: HUI

Hue Airport is convenient if you only plan to visit Hue. However, many international travelers still fly into Da Nang Airport because it offers more flight options and works well for combined Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An itineraries.

💡 Hue Airport is convenient for a Hue-focused trip, but Da Nang often offers more flight options for a combined Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An itinerary.

Da Lat Airport (DLI): Best for Da Lat and the Central Highlands

• Address: National Road 20, Lien Nghia Town, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province
• Distance from city center: About 28 km
• Airport code: DLI

Da Lat Airport, also known as Lien Khuong Airport, is the most convenient airport for travelers visiting Da Lat. For wider Central Highlands itineraries, Buon Ma Thuot Airport may also be useful depending on the route.

💡 Da Lat Airport is ideal if you want to go straight to Da Lat, while Buon Ma Thuot may be more useful for some wider Central Highlands routes.

Phu Quoc Airport (PQC): Best for Phu Quoc Island

• Address: Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang Province
• Distance from city center: About 15 km
• Airport code: PQC

Phu Quoc Airport is the main gateway to Phu Quoc Island, one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. It is usually reached by domestic flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, depending on the season and airline schedule.

💡 Phu Quoc Airport is the easiest arrival point for a beach stay on Phu Quoc Island.

Can Tho Airport (VCA): Useful for the Mekong Delta

• Address: 179B Le Hong Phong Street, Tra An Ward, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City
• Distance from city center: About 8 km
• Airport code: VCA

Can Tho Airport can be useful for travelers going directly to the Mekong Delta. However, most international visitors still enter southern Vietnam via Ho Chi Minh City because Tan Son Nhat Airport offers more flight options and easier international connections.

💡 Can Tho Airport can save time for some Mekong Delta routes, although most international visitors still arrive via Ho Chi Minh City because of better flight connections.

Vietnam Airport Codes You Should Know

Many travelers search for “Vietnam airport code”, but Vietnam does not have one single airport code. Each airport has its own three-letter IATA code, which is the code you will usually see when booking flights, checking boarding passes or searching airline schedules.

Here are the most useful Vietnam airport codes for travelers:

When booking flights, search by both the destination name and the airport code. This is especially useful for places that do not have their own airport. For example, if you are going to Hoi An, search for Da Nang or DAD, not “Hoi An airport”.

Common Airport Mistakes When Planning a Vietnam Trip

Choosing the right airport in Vietnam is not only about finding the cheapest flight. A small airport mistake can add an unnecessary domestic flight, a long transfer or a stressful connection day. Here are the most common mistakes travelers should avoid when planning a Vietnam itinerary.

In general, plan your Vietnam flights around your itinerary, not the other way around. For a first trip, the simplest route is often to start in one region and depart from another, such as Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, instead of returning to the same airport.

Useful Domestic Airports in Vietnam

Besides the main international airports, Vietnam also has several domestic airports that can be useful if you want to reach specific regions faster. These airports are especially helpful for destinations such as Phong Nha, the Central Highlands, Con Dao or the far south of Vietnam.

For most first-time visitors, these domestic airports are not the main entry points into Vietnam. They are more useful once your itinerary has already been planned and you want to save travel time between specific regions.

Main Airlines Flying in Vietnam

When traveling between Vietnamese cities, you will mainly come across a few local airlines. For tourists, the choice is usually simple: Vietnam Airlines is often preferred for comfort and service, while Vietjet Air is popular for lower fares. Other airlines may be useful depending on the route and flight schedule.

Before booking a domestic flight in Vietnam, always check three things: the departure terminal, checked baggage allowance and total travel time. A cheaper flight is not always the best choice if the schedule is too tight or if you need to pay extra for luggage.

Arrival and Departure Tips at Vietnam Airports

Airports in Vietnam are generally easy to use, but major airports such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang can get busy, especially during holidays, weekends and peak travel seasons. A little preparation can make your arrival or departure much smoother.

• Arrive early enough: For domestic flights, try to arrive at least 2 hours before departure during busy periods. For international flights, allow around 3 hours, especially at major airports such as Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai.
• Check your terminal before leaving: Some airports have separate domestic and international terminals. This is especially important at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Keep your documents ready: Have your passport, visa or e-visa, boarding pass and hotel address easily accessible, especially when arriving in Vietnam.
• Check baggage rules carefully: Baggage allowance can vary depending on the airline and ticket type. Low-cost airlines may charge extra for checked luggage.
• Review power bank rules: Power banks and lithium batteries are usually subject to airline safety rules. Check your airline’s latest regulations before boarding.
• Use reliable transport: On arrival, choose official taxis, Grab or a pre-arranged private transfer. This is easier than negotiating prices after a long flight.
• Prepare some local cash: ATMs and currency exchange counters are available at major airports, but it is useful to have some Vietnamese dong for small payments, taxis or snacks.
• Recheck your flight schedule: Domestic flight times can change, so it is worth checking your airline’s website or app before going to the airport.
• Keep your luggage tag after domestic flights: Airport staff may check your luggage stub before you leave the arrival hall, especially on domestic routes.

In short, the most important things are simple: arrive early, check the right terminal, keep your travel documents ready and choose a reliable airport transfer. These small steps can save you stress, especially on your first trip to Vietnam.

FAQs About Airports in Vietnam

What are the major international airports in Vietnam?

The main international airports for travelers in 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 central Vietnam. Other useful international airports include Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) for Nha Trang and Phu Quoc Airport (PQC) for Phu Quoc Island.

How many airports are there in Vietnam?

Vietnam has 22 operational civilian airports, including 12 international airports and 10 domestic airports.

What transportation options are available from Vietnam airports to the city center?

Most major airports in Vietnam offer several transfer options, including taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Grab, airport buses and private transfers. For first-time visitors, families or late arrivals, a pre-arranged private transfer is often the easiest and most comfortable option.

Do Vietnam airports have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, most major airports in Vietnam offer free Wi-Fi in the terminals. You can also usually find ATMs, currency exchange counters and SIM card shops at international arrival areas.

What is Vietnam’s main airport?

Vietnam does not rely on just one airport for international arrivals. In practice, the country has three key gateways for travelers: Hanoi (HAN) in the north, Da Nang (DAD) in central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in the south.

If we speak strictly about the busiest and most important southern gateway, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is often considered Vietnam’s main airport. But for planning a trip, the “main” airport is the one that best matches your route.

Which airport do you fly to in Vietnam?

Choose your airport according to where your Vietnam itinerary begins. Fly to Hanoi (HAN) if you start with Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay or the northern mountains. Fly to Da Nang (DAD) if your trip focuses on Hoi An, Da Nang or Hue. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) if you begin in southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta or nearby beach extensions.

For a classic first trip, it is often easier to enter Vietnam in one region and leave from another. For example, you can fly into Hanoi and fly out of Ho Chi Minh City, instead of returning to your first airport at the end.

What is the airport code for Vietnam?

There is no single airport code for Vietnam. Each airport has its own three-letter IATA code. The three codes most travelers should know are HAN for Hanoi, DAD for Da Nang and SGN for Ho Chi Minh City.

When booking flights, it is useful to search with both the city name and the airport code. This helps avoid confusion, especially for destinations such as Hoi An or Ha Long Bay, which do not use their own major international airport code.

Which airport is best for Hoi An?

The best airport for Hoi An is Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Hoi An does not have its own airport, so travelers normally fly to Da Nang and continue by road to Hoi An.

This is one of the most common airport mistakes in Vietnam: searching for a “Hoi An airport” or flying into Ho Chi Minh City for Hoi An. If Hoi An is your goal, DAD is the airport code to remember.

Which airport is best for Ha Long Bay?

For most first-time international travelers, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi is the most practical airport for Ha Long Bay, especially if the trip also includes Hanoi, Ninh Binh or northern Vietnam.

There are closer regional airports, such as Van Don Airport and Cat Bi Airport, but they may offer fewer flight options depending on your route. If your cruise starts from Hanoi or your itinerary begins in the capital, flying into HAN usually keeps the trip simpler.

Can you fly direct from the US to Vietnam?

Yes, but nonstop options between the US and Vietnam are still limited. Vietnam Airlines operates a direct route between San Francisco (SFO) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN).

If you are flying from another US city, or if your final destination is Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An or Ha Long Bay, you will usually connect through Ho Chi Minh City or another Asian hub such as Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong or Singapore. Always check the latest schedule with your airline before booking.

Conclusion

Choosing the right airport in Vietnam is not only about finding the cheapest flight. It is about planning the direction of your trip. A good airport choice can save you time, reduce unnecessary transfers and make your itinerary feel much smoother from the first day.

Before booking, think about where your journey should naturally begin and end. For many travelers, it makes more sense to enter Vietnam in one region and leave from another instead of returning to the same airport at the end of the trip.

If you are not sure whether to start in Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, build your route first, then choose the airport that saves the most time. Kampá Tour can help you design a logical Vietnam itinerary with the right arrival city, departure city and domestic flight plan.

🏮 You might also love:

• Is Vietnam Safe To Travel? 7 Must-Know Tips For Travelers!
• Phong Nha Ke Bang: complete guide to the most beautiful cave in Vietnam
• Vietnam Travel Cost: 3 Key Tips First-Time Travelers Shouldn't Ignore
• Vietnam's Top 12 Breakfast Delights!
• How To Get Around Vietnam?
• Vietnam’s Money: Pocket Information About Currency Exchange - [2026]
• Stopover in Vietnam: Visa, Luggage and What To Do During a Long Connection?