Vietnam Airport Arrival Guide: What to Expect

Vietnam’s main international airports can be hectic on arrival. Here is a complete guide to what to expect at each major gateway and how to sort out the essentials immediately after landing.

Primary Airports

Vietnam has three main international gateways — Hanoi (Noi Bai), Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat) — plus additional direct international services at Nha Trang (Cam Ranh) and Phu Quoc. All travellers need either a valid visa or a visa exemption before boarding. Sort this before you fly.

All international terminals share a common set of facilities: complimentary WiFi, water stations, currency exchange desks, duty-free shops, chain restaurants (Burger King, Highlands Coffee), and ATMs positioned just outside the arrivals exit. ATMs typically dispense 2–5 million VND per transaction — enough to cover your onward transfer and first night.

Immediately After Landing

• Transport: GreenSM (formerly Xanh SM) is Vietnam’s all-electric ride-hailing service — VinFast EVs, upfront fares, no surge pricing. It now operates at all three major airports and is a quieter, more comfortable option than petrol taxis. Grab and Be are solid alternatives if GreenSM isn’t available. For metered taxis, stick to Mai Linh or Vinasun.
• Currency: ATMs are positioned just outside arrivals exits. Exchange only what you need immediately — better rates are available at exchange counters in the city.
• SIM card: Available at kiosks immediately after immigration. Viettel is recommended if you plan to travel to remote areas — it has the widest rural coverage. If you want data from the moment you land, buy an eSIM before you fly — Airalo has Vietnam plans from $5 USD (use ESIMTRAVEL15 for 15% off your first order, or ESIMTRAVEL10 for 10% off if you’ve used Airalo before).
• WiFi: Free at all international terminals. Log in at the kiosk near the arrivals hall or connect directly from your phone.
• Domestic connections: Main carriers for onward flights are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Jetstar Pacific.

Hanoi — Noi Bai Airport (HAN)

Two terminals: T1 handles domestic flights and T2 handles international, separated by 850 metres. A free shuttle bus runs between them every 10–15 minutes from 6am to 1am. The airport sits 27km from central Hanoi — allow around one hour in normal traffic.

• GreenSM / Grab: ~VND 250,000 — GreenSM EVs are widely available at Noi Bai; book in-app for a fixed price
• Metered taxi: VND 300,000–400,000
• Minivan: VND 40,000
• Express Bus 86: VND 30,000 (runs to the Old Quarter)

→ Book onward trains from Hanoi — Baolau lists all departures with fixed pricing.

Da Nang Airport (DAD)

T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) are connected by a covered walkway — no shuttle needed. The airport is just 5km from Da Nang city centre, 29km from Hoi An, and 98km from Hue, making it a convenient entry point for the whole central region.

• Taxi to city centre: VND 70,000–120,000
• Hired car to Hoi An: VND 250,000–350,000
• Taxi to Hoi An: VND 450,000+
• Shuttle vans to Hoi An: Hourly, 5am–11pm

→ Book the Da Nang–Hue train — one of Vietnam’s most scenic rail legs.

Ho Chi Minh City — Tan Son Nhat (SGN)

Vietnam’s busiest airport. T1 (domestic) and T2 (international) are connected by a 500-metre covered walkway. The airport sits about 6km from the city centre — but traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is notorious. Allow at least 30–50 minutes depending on the time of day.

• GreenSM / Grab / Be: VND 130,000–170,000 — GreenSM EVs run a flat fare with no surge pricing; book in-app before you leave arrivals
• Metered taxi: VND 150,000–200,000 plus VND 10,000 toll — use the official rank outside arrivals and check the meter starts before you move
• Bus 109 (from Gate 1, international terminal): VND 10,000–20,000, runs to Ben Thanh Market, every 15–20 minutes, 5:30am–11pm
• Bus 152 (from Gate 2, domestic terminal): VND 10,000–20,000, runs to Le Lai Street
• Hotel transfer: VND 300,000–500,000; many mid-range hotels offer free pick-up — confirm when booking

→ Book trains from Ho Chi Minh City — to Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, and Hanoi.

Nha Trang — Cam Ranh Airport (CXR)

Located 35km south of Nha Trang city on the Cam Ranh Peninsula — one of the longer airport-to-city transfers in Vietnam. The drive takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.

• Taxi or hired car: VND 300,000–450,000 to Nha Trang city
• Shuttle bus: VND 60,000–80,000, runs to main hotels along Tran Phu Beach
• GreenSM / Grab: Available; fix the price in-app before you board

Phu Quoc Airport (PQC)

The island’s only airport sits about 10km from the main tourist strip at Long Beach. Phu Quoc is compact enough that most hotels arrange pick-ups — confirm with your accommodation before arrival.

• Taxi to Long Beach / Duong Dong: VND 150,000–200,000
• Grab: Available on the island (GreenSM coverage is limited on Phu Quoc — Grab is the better option here)
• Hotel transfer: Most mid-range and above properties offer this — worth asking when you book

Departure Checklist

• Print or save your visa approval and travel insurance documents offline
• Carry small-denomination VND bills for last-minute purchases airside
• For domestic flights, retain your luggage claim tag until you clear the arrivals area — staff check them at the exit
• Prices rise around Vietnamese public holidays — book transfers and onward transport in advance during Tet and national holidays
• Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you unsolicited inside the terminal — always book through an app or use the official taxi rank