Largest Airport in Vietnam: What Is the Largest International Airport in Vietnam?

Vietnam takes tourism very seriously. That's good news for travelers arriving at the largest airport in the country. Able to handle tens of millions of passengers a year, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is one of the best gateways to a Vietnam tour.

The Largest and Busiest Airport in Vietnam Is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is among the busiest airports in the world and the second-busiest in Southeast Asia. It's conveniently located only 6km north of the city center to facilitate air travel. In 2023, 41 million passengers passed through Tan Son Nhat Airport on their way to destinations domestic and abroad.

43 airlines operate direct flights to 79 destinations, including places as far away as London, Sydney, and San Francisco. The airport has 80 check-in counters and fully modern facilities for supporting the entry or exit of international passengers. There are duty-free shopping, local and international food, and rest zones with sleep chairs and spas.

Traveling between the airport and the city center is easy. Taxis take around 45 minutes to get to the city and cost around 4.7 USD. Airport buses have routes including stops at Dien Bien Phu, the backpacker street (Pham Ngu Lao), and Ben Thanh Bus Station. They depart every 15-20 minutes from 5:30 am until 1 am. Tickets cost 20,000-40,000 VND (0.7-1.5 USD).

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

The Second Largest and Significant Airport in Vietnam Is Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, the Capital City of Vietnam

Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is one of the capital's four airports and the second largest in Vietnam. It is the main gateway for tourists traveling to North Vietnam's destinations, such as the beautiful Halong Bay and the mountainous region of Sapa. It serves almost 30 million passengers a year and has modern facilities to allow the smooth flow of travelers.

40 airlines travel to 66 destinations. The most popular international routes connect Hanoi to Seoul and Bangkok, and direct flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Sydney are also available. Terminal 2 serves international travelers with 96 check-in counters and 17 boarding gates. Passengers can enjoy shopping and food or take advantage of sleep pods to rest between flight connections.

Noi Bai Airport is around 35 km from downtown Hanoi. The Nhat Tan Bridge connects the airport to the city and allows the transfer to be made in about 45 minutes. By taxi, it costs 12-18 USD depending on where you are going, or fixed-rate taxis go to the Old Quarter for 500,000 VND (19.7 USD). Air-conditioned express buses cost around 1.7 USD and operate along fixed routes to major destinations in the city. Buses are available from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm, leaving every 15 minutes.

Noi Bai International Airport

The Third Largest Airport of Vietnam Is Da Nang International Airport

Da Nang International Airport is the gateway to central Vietnam. In 2024, it was ranked as one of the Top 100 Airports in the world for its smart terminal and modern design. Serving over 15 million passengers a year, it is an important hub for destinations in Vietnam like Hoi An and Hue.

Smaller than the airports in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Da Nang Airport's main international routes are to countries in Asia. Connections to Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, and Cambodia are among the most popular. It has great coffee and dining options and extensive shopping choices for duty-free products and souvenirs.

It takes between 10-15 minutes to travel the 2 km from the airport to the city center. Taxis cost around 3-5 USD, and many hotels and agencies offer private shuttle pick up and drop off.

Da Nang International Airport

For International Tourists, It's Easy to Arrive in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Hanoi and Ho Chi Ming City have the most convenient flight options for international travelers from North America, Europe, and Australia. Vietnam Airlines flies the only direct route from the US to Vietnam, going between San Francisco and Ho Chi Minh City.

They also fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to several destinations in Europe and Australia, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Direct Flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi

It's Easy to Arrive in Other Tourists Cities, like Da Nang, Nha Trang, etc from Neighboring Countries

Airports in Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc have international connections to neighboring countries. If you're traveling within Asia, you can take advantage of these airports' convenient locations to travel direct to other destinations in Vietnam. Flights from Japan, Korea, Singapore, China, and Thailand are among the popular routes.

Direct Flights from Neighboring Countries

More Tips for Getting to Vietnam

1. Travelers from most countries need a Vietnam visa. The e-visa is the most convenient option and costs 25 USD. Phu Quoc is a visa-free destination for travelers entering by air and staying no more than 30 days.
2. What currency is used in Vietnam? The local currency in Vietnam is Vietnamese Dong. But USD is also widely accepted in Vietnam. It's usually best not to use the money changers at the airport. Better exchange rates can be found in large cities. You can get a local SIM card at the airport.
3. Download maps to your phone before arrival in case you have any problems with internet connectivity.
4. Use reputable taxis with a meter when traveling to and from the airports. You can negotiate the price in advance with the driver. 

14 Days Highlights of Vietnam from North to South

Hanoi – Sapa - Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Can Tho – Phu Quoc

Conclusion

Vietnam is an incredibly convenient place to travel to. With direct international flights from many countries to major destinations in different regions, it's easy to get where you want to go.

Our extensive range of Vietnam tours offers experiences for any kind of traveler. Contact us for more information or to plan your personalized tour of Vietnam.