For those wishing to explore Vietnam, the airports of each country are often the starting point of their adventure. Choosing the right airport, whether international or domestic, is essential to ensuring a smooth and memorable trip.
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 important airports of Vietnam and their unique features to help adventurous travelers choose the best starting point for their journey.
1. How many airports are there in Vietnam? – Vietnam Airports Map
Currently, the number of airports in Vietnam totals almost 40. According to their use, airports in Vietnam are mainly divided into two categories: civilian airports and military airports.
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22 civilian airports: These airports are created to meet the ordinary travel needs of the population. In addition, these airports also reserve a specific area for military activities if necessary.
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14 military airfields: Military airfields meet the training needs of the air forces and are managed by the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam.
2. How many international airports are there in Vietnam? – List of the largest airports
Currently, there are five major international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai Airport, Da Nang Airport, Tan Son Nhat Airport, Van Don Airport, and Phu Quoc Airport. These airports offer international flights to various regions.
Additionally, other international airports offer flights from Asian countries, such as Phu Bai Airport, Lien Khuong Airport, Cam Ranh Airport, and Can Tho Airport. Also, the 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 Son Road, District 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. This airport played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, along with Bien Hoa Airport, and was once equipped with the most advanced facilities in Asia.
Currently, the terminal of 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 national airlines and more than 40 international airlines offering round-trip flights to and from Vietnam.
Due to its central location in Southeast Asia, this airport has the highest number of international connections in Vietnam. International plane tickets to and from Tan Son Nhat are often cheaper than those of Noi Bai.
In recent years, Tan Son Nhat Airport has often been congested and criticized for its services and infrastructure. The risk of missing a flight at Tan Son Nhat is quite high, as the airport is located in the center of the city, and the surrounding streets are always crowded during rush hours. Currently, Tan Son Nhat Airport is building a new 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 in northern Vietnam. Located in Soc Son District, about 35 km from the capital, Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport was originally a military airbase called Da Phuc Military Airport. It is a relatively new airport, and the international terminal is famous for its quality in Asia.
The capacity of Noi Bai International Airport is quite high, ranging from 16 to 25 million passengers per year. In 2019, the airport reached a record of over 29 million passengers. The airport's management plans to renovate and expand the international terminal to avoid overcrowding and increase its capacity.
The number of international connections with Noi Bai increases every year. It is recommended to book a flight to Noi Bai, as most travel agencies are based in Hanoi, making it easier to meet with advisors and visit travel agency offices.
2.3. Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Da Nang International Airport is located on Duy Tan Road, Hoa Thuan Tay District, Hai Chau District. It occupies an area of 842 hectares, making it the third-largest airport in Vietnam.
Currently, five national airlines and 33 international airlines operate at Da Nang International Airport. From Da Nang, there are a total of 16 domestic and 25 direct international connections. The maximum frequency of flights can reach up to 200 flights daily.
The creation of Da Nang Airport has contributed to boosting the economy, culture, and tourism of Da Nang and Quang Nam.
There are direct flights to Da Nang from regional countries, mainly from Bangkok, Singapore, Incheon, and Hong Kong.
2.4. Van Don International Airport, Ha Long (VDO)
Previously known as Quang Ninh Airport, the airport was renamed in 2017 when it was upgraded to international airport status, becoming Van Don International Airport. Opened in 2018, Van Don International Airport is the first private airport in Vietnam. It benefits from a favorable location, about 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 tourist development of Phu Quoc Island. It is located in Group 2, Duong To District, Phu Quoc City. Currently, Phu Quoc International Airport hosts five national airlines and 20 international airlines.
2.6. Cat Bi International Airport (HPH)
Cat Bi International Airport was built by the French and was primarily used for military purposes. In 1985, Cat Bi Airport officially opened for commercial flights. Located 8 km from Hai Phong City, Cat Bi International Airport, along with Van Don Airport, plays a supporting role in effectively relieving congestion at Noi Bai Airport. There is currently a direct connection to Incheon (South Korea).
2.7. Vinh International Airport (VII)
This airport is experiencing impressive growth, hosting up to 7 million passengers annually. Although smaller than other airports, Vinh Airport manages between 13 and 15 flights daily. There are now flights between Vietnam and Laos.
2.8. Phu Bai International Airport (HUI)
Phu Bai International Airport is located in Phu Bai Commune, District 8, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province. Built during the French colonial period to serve the Hue Citadel, Phu Bai Airport is currently planning a new terminal with a capacity of 5 million passengers annually. In the future, it is expected to accommodate a higher frequency of flights.
2.9. Phu Cat International Airport (UIH)
Located in Phu Cat District, Binh Đinh Province, Phu Cat International Airport offers quick access to Quy Nhon City, just 50-55 minutes away. The design of the airport is inspired by the image of an altar with two main levels. The first level is designed as a square symbolizing the earth, while the second is circular, representing the sky. There are direct flights to Incheon (South Korea).
2.10. Can Tho International Airport (VCA)
Located on Le Hong Phong Road, Binh Thuy District, Can Tho City, about 8 km from the city center, Can Tho International Airport was formerly known as Binh Thuy, a military base of the Republic of Vietnam, near Tra Noc Bridge, hence its name as Binh Thuy Airport or Tra Noc Airport. The design of Can Tho's terminal is inspired by the three-leaf boat shape characteristic of the rivers and swamps of the Mekong Delta.
2.11. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI)
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 the western highlands of Vietnam, located near National Highway 20 and approximately from Da Lat, the capital of Lam Dong Province. Although it has not yet become an international airport, Lien Khuong Airport currently offers direct flights to Incheon and Busan (South Korea).
2.12. Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR)
Cam Ranh International Airport is the main civilian airport of Khanh Hoa Province and the southernmost provinces of Vietnam's central region. It is the only airport in Vietnam where international passengers exceed domestic passengers; in 2018, international passengers accounted for 70% of total passengers in transit. This airport ranks fourth in terms of passenger traffic in Vietnam. Cam Ranh offers direct flights to Incheon, Busan in South Korea, Kun Ming, and Moscow.
3. Domestic Airports in Vietnam
Vietnam's domestic airports are mainly for flights within the national borders. Currently, Vietnam has 10 domestic airports. Some of them have already started serving international flights, and they are expected to be transformed into international airports in the future.
3.1. Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN)
Formerly known as Muong Thanh, this airport was a military base of the French Army during the Indochina War. Since 1958, the government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam has officially used it for civilian purposes. It is the largest airport in the northwestern region, located about 4 km from Dien Bien City center.
3.2. Tho Xuan Airport (THD)
Originally called Sao Vang Airport, Tho Xuan Airport plays a crucial role in the transportation, trade, security, and political network of Thanh Hoa Province.
3.3. Chu Lai Airport (VCL)
Strategically located and connected with all North-South transportation axes 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)
Previously known as Dong Tac Airport, Tuy Hoa Airport currently plays a strategic role in connecting the transportation of tourists, goods, and equipment with Phu Yen Province and the southern central region.
3.5. Pleiku Airport (PXU)
Formerly known as Cu Hanh Airfield before 1975, Pleiku Airport is considered a major hub in the northwestern 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 soon. Thanks to its strategic location, Dong Hoi Airport has helped attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to Quang Binh Province for visits, exploration, and stays. There are already international flights to Chiang Mai (Thailand).
3.7. Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV)
Previously known as Phung Duc Airfield before 1975, Buon Ma Thuot Airport is considered an important air gateway connecting Đak Lak Province with the country's main economic and tourist 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 Base.
3.9. Ca Mau Airport (CAH)
Located in the center of Ca Mau Province, Ca Mau Airport plays a crucial role in promoting overall economic and tourism development.
3.10. Con Dao Airport (VCS)
Con Dao Airport (or Co Ong Airport) is located in Con Dao District, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province. It is not only the commercial gateway to the island from the mainland but also used for civil and military aviation activities.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main airport in Vietnam?
The main ones are: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang.
What is the best airport to fly into Vietnam?
It is recommended to choose airports with good domestic connections, such as Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (HAN) in the north, or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) in the south.
What is the name of Ho Chi Minh Airport?
Ho Chi Minh's airport is known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport.
What is the name of Hanoi Airport?
Hanoi's airport is known as Noi Bai International Airport.
5. Some Tips for Using Vietnam's Airports
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Arrive early at the airport: Major airports like Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat accommodate a large number of passengers. Therefore, you should arrive at least 2 hours before your flight to complete check-in and baggage procedures. This is especially important at Tan Son Nhat.
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Check the airline's official website to see if online check-in is available to save time.
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Prepare all your personal documents and ensure you meet visa requirements.
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Pack your luggage according to each airline's weight and size rules.
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The services offered at airports vary and can be free or paid. It's important to check online or ask an airport staff member before using them to avoid extra charges.