The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1
Three main gateways
Most international flights land in Hanoi (North), Ho Chi Minh City (South) or Da Nang (Center), depending on which region you visit first.
- 2
Tan Son Nhat, the busiest airport
The South's main hub, often congested at peak hours, with mandatory online registration since April 2026.
- 3
Da Nang, direct access to Central Vietnam
Just 3 km from downtown, one of the closest airports to a major city in Asia, convenient for reaching Hoi An or Hue.
- 4
Official taxis recommended
Favor official taxi counters or the Grab app directly from the airport, rather than touts in the arrivals hall.
- 5
Frequent, affordable domestic flights
Hanoi-Da Nang-Ho Chi Minh City connections are served by several low-cost carriers (Vietjet, Bamboo Airways), often cheaper than long-distance trains.
The 3 main international airports
Distance from downtown and estimated travel time.
| Airport | Code | Distance from downtown | Travel time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai (Hanoi) | HAN | 25 km | 40-60 min depending on traffic | |
| Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) | SGN | 7 km | 20-40 min depending on traffic | |
| Da Nang | DAD | 3 km | 10-15 min |
Vietnam airport 2026: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
Vietnam is organized around 3 main international airports, one per major region: Noi Bai for Hanoi in the North, Tan Son Nhat for Ho Chi Minh City in the South, and Da Nang for the Center. Hereโs how to choose your gateway and handle transfers.
Noi Bai (Hanoi), the gateway to the North
Located about 25 km from downtown Hanoi, Noi Bai International Airport (code HAN) serves the capital, the classic starting point toward Ha Long Bay, Sa Pa and the mountainous North. Plan 40 to 60 minutes of travel depending on traffic, an official taxi or a Grab booking staying the simplest option. An express bus also connects downtown at a lower cost, with a somewhat longer ride.
Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), the busiest hub
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (code SGN) remains the countryโs busiest, the gateway to the South and the Mekong Delta. Its relative proximity to downtown (7 km) makes it one of the fastest airports to reach among major Asian metropolises, despite dense traffic at peak hours that can stretch the trip to 30-40 minutes.
New in 2026: since April 15, 2026, arrivals at Tan Son Nhat require online pre-registration before the flight, a measure meant to speed up immigration processing at this particularly congested airport. Check the exact procedure with your airline before departure.
Da Nang, direct access to Central Vietnam
Da Nang Airport (code DAD) sits just 3 km from downtown, one of the fastest accesses to a major city in Asia. Itโs an excellent option for reaching Hoi An directly (a 30-minute drive) or Hue (2-3 hours) without going through another hub, though direct international flight options stay more limited than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around from the airport
Three main options at all three airports:
- Official taxi: counters signposted inside the terminal, certified metered fare
- Grab: book directly through the app before even leaving the terminal, fare set in advance
- Public bus or shuttle: the cheapest option, longer ride, available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Avoid: accepting an offer from a tout in the arrivals hall, a practice that frequently leads to overcharging.
Getting between regions by air
On a full North-South circuit, domestic flights between Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are served by several low-cost carriers (Vietjet, Bamboo Airways) in addition to Vietnam Airlines, often at very competitive fares if booked several weeks ahead. A solid alternative to the night train for long distances, with a significant time saving.
Other practical info Vietnam
- Visa: 45-day exemption for French and EU nationals
- Safety: snatch theft, tourist scams
- Currency (โซ Dong): cash, cards and withdrawals
- Budget: how much to plan per day
Page written by Marie L., Southeast Asia specialist, editor-in-chief of LโHeure du Voyage. 12 years of experience, regular stays in Vietnam since 2016. Updated: July 29, 2026. Verified by 2 experts.
Sources
FAQ
Which airport should you choose for a first trip to Vietnam? +
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Marie Laurent
Verified authorSoutheast Asia specialist ยท 12 years experience.