But how many international and domestic airports are there in Vietnam? And which airport should you choose for your destination in Vietnam? In this article, we will explore the major airports in Vietnam and their unique characteristics to help adventurous travelers select the best starting point for their trip.
1. How many airports are there in Vietnam?
Currently, Vietnam has nearly 40 airports. Based on their usage, airports in Vietnam are primarily divided into two categories: civilian airports and military airports:
-
22 civilian airports: These airports are designed to meet the ordinary travel needs of the population. Additionally, these airports reserve a specific area for military activities when needed.
-
14 military airports: Military airports serve the training needs of the air force and are managed by the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam.
2. List of international airports in Vietnam
At present, there are five major international airports in Vietnam, including Noi Bai Airport, Da Nang Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport, Van Don Airport, and Phu Quoc Airport. These airports serve international flights across various regions.
Additionally, other international airports cater to flights from Asian countries, such as Phu Bai Airport, Lien Khuong Airport, Cam Ranh Airport, and Can Tho Airport. Furthermore, Long Thanh International Airport, currently under construction, aims to become the largest airport in Southeast Asia.
2.1. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is considered the largest airport in Vietnam, with a total area of 850 hectares. It is located on Truong Sa Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, in Ho Chi Minh City. This airport played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, along with Bien Hoa Airport, and at the time, it featured the most advanced facilities in Asia.
Currently, the terminal at this airport has a planned capacity of 28 million passengers per year. However, in 2019, this capacity was exceeded, reaching 41 million passengers.
The airport currently operates with two terminals, served by five domestic airlines and more than 40 international airlines that offer flights to and from Vietnam. Due to its central location in Southeast Asia, this airport has the most international connections in Vietnam. International flight tickets to and from Tan Son Nhat are often cheaper than those to and from Noi Bai.
In recent years, Tan Son Nhat Airport has often been overcrowded and criticized for its services and infrastructure. The risk of missing a flight at Tan Son Nhat is relatively high, as the airport is located in the city center and surrounding roads are always congested during peak hours. Currently, Tan Son Nhat Airport is constructing a new terminal, Terminal T3, to serve international passengers.
2.2. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
Noi Bai International Airport is recognized as the most important and modern airport in northern Vietnam. Located in Soc Son District, about 35 km from the capital Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport was initially a military airbase known as Da Phuc Military Airport. It is a relatively new airport, and its international terminal is renowned for its quality in Asia.
The capacity of Noi Bai International Airport is relatively high, ranging from 16 to 25 million passengers per year. In 2019, the airport set a record with over 29 million passengers. The airport management plans to renovate and expand the international terminal to prevent overcrowding and increase its capacity.
The number of international connections to Noi Bai increases every year. We recommend booking a flight to Noi Bai, as most travel agencies have their headquarters in Hanoi, facilitating meetings with consultants and visits to agency offices.
2.3. Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Da Nang International Airport is located on Duy Tan Street, in Hoa Thuan Tay Ward, Hai Chau District. Covering an area of 842 hectares, it is the third-largest airport in Vietnam.
Da Nang International Airport is currently operated by five domestic airlines and 33 international airlines. From Da Nang, there are a total of 16 domestic connections and 25 direct international connections. The maximum flight frequency can reach up to 200 flights per day.
The establishment of Da Nang Airport has contributed to the economic, cultural, and tourism development of Da Nang and Quang Nam.
There are direct flights from regional countries to Da Nang, particularly from Bangkok, Singapore, Incheon, and Hong Kong.
2.4. Van Don International Airport, Ha Long (VDO)
Previously known as Quang Ninh Airport, it was renamed in 2017 when it was upgraded to international airport status, becoming Van Don International Airport. Opened in 2018, it is Vietnam's first private airport. It boasts a prime location, approximately 60 km from Ha Long Bay and close to China.
2.5. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC)
Phu Quoc International Airport has been modernized to contribute to the economic, cultural, and tourism development of Phu Quoc Island. It is located in Group 2, Duong To District, Phu Quoc City. Currently, it hosts five domestic airlines and 20 international airlines.
2.6. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
Built by the French and initially used for military purposes, Cat Bi Airport officially began commercial operations in 1985. Located 8 km from Hai Phong City, Cat Bi International Airport, along with Van Don Airport, plays a supportive role in easing the load on Noi Bai Airport. Currently, it offers a direct connection to Incheon, South Korea.
2.7. Vinh International Airport (VII)
This airport has shown impressive growth, accommodating up to 7 million passengers annually. While smaller in size compared to other airports, Vinh Airport still manages between 13 and 15 flights daily. Flights between Vietnam and Laos are now available.
2.8. Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)
Located in Phu Bai Commune, Quarter 8, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, Phu Bai International Airport was constructed during the French colonial period to serve the Hue Citadel. A new terminal with a capacity of 5 million passengers annually is in the planning stages and is expected to handle higher flight frequencies in the future.
2.9. Phu Cat International Airport (UIH)
Situated in Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province, Phu Cat International Airport provides quick access to Quy Nhon City, just 50-55 minutes away. The airport's design is inspired by an altar image, featuring two main levels. The first level is square-shaped, symbolizing the earth, while the second level is circular, representing the sky. Direct flights to Incheon, South Korea, are available.
2.10. Can Tho International Airport (VCA)
Located on Le Hong Phong Street in Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City, approximately 8 km from the city center, Can Tho International Airport was formerly known as Binh Thuy. It was a military base for the Republic of Vietnam near the Tra Noc Bridge, giving rise to the names Binh Thuy Airport or Tra Noc Airport. The terminal design is inspired by the shape of a three-leaf boat, a characteristic feature of the rivers and marshlands of the Mekong Delta.
2.11. Lien Khuong Airport
Lien Khuong Airport was built on February 24, 1961, and was the second-largest international airport in South Vietnam at the time. It is currently the largest airport in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, located near National Highway 20 and approximately from Da Lat—the capital of Lam Dong Province. Although it has not yet been upgraded to international status, Lien Khuong Airport currently offers direct flights to Incheon and Busan in South Korea.
2.12. Cam Ranh International Airport
Cam Ranh International Airport is the main civil airport serving Khanh Hoa Province and the southernmost provinces of Vietnam's central region. It is the only airport in Vietnam where international passengers outnumber domestic ones; in 2018, international passengers accounted for 70% of the total traffic. This airport ranks fourth in Vietnam for passenger traffic. Cam Ranh offers direct flights to Incheon and Busan in South Korea, Kunming, and Moscow.
3. Domestic Airports in Vietnam
Domestic airports are primarily intended for flights within the country's borders. Currently, Vietnam has 10 domestic airports. Some of these have already begun serving international flights and are planned for conversion into international airports in the future.
3.1. Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN)
Previously known as Muong Thanh, this airport was a military base for the French Army during the First Indochina War. Starting in 1958, the government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam officially began using it for civilian purposes. It is the largest airport in the Northwest region, located about 4 km from the center of Dien Bien City.
3.2. Tho Xuan Airport (THD)
Initially called Sao Vang Airport, Tho Xuan Airport plays a crucial role in the transport, trade, security, and politics of Thanh Hoa Province.
3.3. Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
Located in a geographically strategic position connected to all major North-South transport routes by road, rail, and sea, Chu Lai Airport contributes to the economy and tourism of the two open economic zones of Chu Lai (Quang Nam) and Dung Quat (Quang Ngai), as well as the central provinces in general.
3.4. Tuy Hoa Airport (TBB)
Formerly known as Dong Tac Airport, Tuy Hoa Airport now plays a strategic role in connecting tourists, goods transportation, and equipment delivery to Phu Yen Province and the southern central region, and vice versa.
3.5. Pleiku Airport (PXU)
Previously known as Cu Hanh Airfield before 1975, Pleiku Airport is considered an important convergence point in the northwest region of the Central Highlands.
3.6. Dong Hoi Airport (VDH)
This airport, built by the French in the 1930s, was renovated and used during the Vietnam War but saw little use after 1975. Reconstruction began on August 30, 2006, with plans to become an international airport in the near future. Thanks to its strategic geographic location, Dong Hoi Airport has attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists annually to Quang Binh Province for visits, exploration, and stays. International flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand, are now available.
3.7. Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV)
Formerly known as Phung Duc Airfield before 1975, Buon Ma Thuot Airport is considered an important gateway that connects Đak Lak Province to the country's major economic and tourism hubs.
3.8. Rach Gia Airport (VKG)
Rach Gia Airport is a small civilian airport located along National Highway 8 in Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province. Before 1975, it was used as a military airport by the Republic of Vietnam Air Force.
3.9. Ca Mau Airport (CAH)
Located in the center of Ca Mau Province, Ca Mau Airport plays a crucial role in promoting the province's overall economic and tourism development.
3.10. Con Dao Airport (VCS)
Con Dao Airport (also known as Co Ong Airport) operates in the Con Dao district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province. It serves not only as a commercial gateway to connect the island with the mainland but also for civilian and military aviation activities.
4. Some Tips for Using Airports in Vietnam
-
Arrive at the airport early: Major airports like Noi Bai or Tan Son Nhat handle a large number of passengers. Therefore, you should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure to complete check-in and baggage drop-off procedures. This is especially important for Tan Son Nhat.
-
Check the airline's official website to see if you can complete online check-in to save time.
-
Prepare all your personal documents and ensure you meet visa requirements.
-
Pack your luggage while adhering to the weight and size regulations of each airline.
-
Services offered at airports vary and can be free or paid. It’s important to check online or ask a service staff member before using them to avoid additional costs.