Travel Tips
Flying Around Vietnam in 2025: Airports, Airlines & Routes Guide
Planning your dream trip to Vietnam? Whether you're landing internationally or hopping between regions like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, getting your flights sorted is step one to keeping things smooth and stress-free. Here's our complete 2025 guide to flying in Vietnam: what airports to use, which airlines to book, what to expect when you land, and how to make your itinerary work around it.
Quick Overview: Major Airports in Vietnam
| Airport | City | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noi Bai (HAN) | Hanoi | International + Domestic | Northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay, Sapa |
| Tan Son Nhat (SGN) | Ho Chi Minh City | International + Domestic | Southern Vietnam, Mekong Delta |
| Da Nang (DAD) | Da Nang | International + Domestic | Central Vietnam, Hoi An, Hue |
| Cam Ranh (CXR) | Nha Trang | International + Domestic | Beaches, island resorts |
| Phu Quoc (PQC) | Phu Quoc Island | International + Domestic | Island holidays |
| Cat Bi (HPH) | Hai Phong | Domestic (some intl.) | Closest to Ha Long Bay |
| Van Don (VDO) | Quang Ninh | Domestic (some intl.) | High-end Ha Long cruises |
| Phu Bai (HUI) | Hue | Domestic | Imperial city of Hue |
| Can Tho (VCA) | Can Tho | Domestic | Exploring the Mekong Delta |
International Flights: Where to Arrive
Most international travellers arrive at one of four major hubs: Hanoi (HAN), the gateway to the north - Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh; Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), best for southern cities, Mekong tours, and regional connections; Da Nang (DAD), central access to Hoi An, Hue, and coastal resorts; and Phu Quoc (PQC), great for a fly-in beach escape.
Domestic Airlines in Vietnam (2025)
- Vietnam Airlines - national carrier, great service, free snacks and baggage often included.
- VietJet Air - budget airline with regular flash sales. Cheap, but delays are common.
- Bamboo Airways - smooth ride, better seats and less chaos. Mid-tier pricing.
- Pacific Airlines - no-frills but decent; best for short internal hops.
Few Days tip: If you're tight on time or have connections, book Vietnam Airlines or Bamboo to reduce stress.
Popular Domestic Routes
| Route | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi ↔ Ho Chi Minh | 2 hrs | Over 30 flights daily |
| Hanoi ↔ Da Nang | 1 hr 20 mins | Quick hop to central Vietnam |
| Da Nang ↔ Ho Chi Minh | 1 hr 30 mins | Coastal-to-city connection |
| Hanoi ↔ Phu Quoc | 2 hrs | Scenic views on arrival |
| Ho Chi Minh ↔ Phu Quoc | 1 hr | Great for weekend beach trips |
| Hanoi ↔ Nha Trang (CXR) | 1 hr 50 mins | Good for resort breaks |
| Ho Chi Minh ↔ Hue (HUI) | 1 hr 20 mins | Limited daily service - book early! |
Which Airport for Which Destination?
- Ha Long Bay - Cat Bi (HPH) and Van Don (VDO) are closer than Hanoi; great if heading straight to the bay.
- Phu Quoc - fly direct to PQC from Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang, or international hubs like Singapore.
- Hoi An - nearest airport is Da Nang (DAD), 45-60 mins by taxi/shuttle.
- Sapa - no airport. Fly into Hanoi (HAN) then continue by train, sleeper bus, or private car (5-8 hrs).
- Hue - use Phu Bai Airport (HUI); short flights from Hanoi/SGN, ~30 mins from city centre.
- Nha Trang - fly into Cam Ranh (CXR), then transfer ~40 mins to town.
- Mekong Delta - Can Tho (VCA) connects to Hanoi, Phu Quoc, and SGN.
What to Know Before You Fly
- Baggage allowances: budget fares rarely include checked bags - add during booking to save money.
- Delays: VietJet is prone to delays. Mornings are usually smoother. Don't book a back-to-back connection unless you've got time to spare.
- Airports & WiFi: free WiFi everywhere. Some lounges even offer free showers and decent coffee.
- Getting to/from airports: Hanoi ~45 min to city; HCMC 20-60 mins depending on traffic; Da Nang 10 mins to city, 45 mins to Hoi An; Phu Quoc 15 mins to most resorts.
Seasonal Flight Advice
Best time to fly: December-April (dry season). Stormy season: May-October, especially for island flights. Want to avoid weather surprises? Add a buffer day around flights to Phu Quoc or Con Dao.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an e-visa at all airports?
Yes, at most international airports: HAN, SGN, DAD, PQC, CXR, HUI, VDO, HPH.
Can I connect through Vietnam on separate tickets?
Yes - but give yourself breathing room. Two hours minimum if changing airlines.
Is flying better than trains or buses?
For long distances, 100%. But for Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Da Nang to Hue, land travel's more scenic.
How early should I arrive?
Domestic: 90 minutes. International: 2.5 hours (more if flying VietJet during peak time).
Flying Vietnam Loop: North → Central → South
Planning to see it all? Start in Hanoi (HAN) and explore Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ninh Binh, then fly to Da Nang (DAD) for Hoi An and Hue, and finally fly to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to explore the Mekong Delta or hop a short flight to Phu Quoc (PQC). This loop is ideal for 10-16 day itineraries.
Planning a trip to Vietnam?
Get your free personalised itinerary ›