Can Tho Airport: the basics
Can Tho International Airport — also known as Tra Noc Airport — is the largest and most important airport in the Mekong Delta region. The IATA code is VCA. Rach Gia and Ca Mau both have small airports, but neither operates meaningful scheduled service. For any traveler flying into or out of the delta, Can Tho is the only realistic option. It sits 8 kilometers northwest of the city center, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by road.
The terminal is a single two-floor building: arrivals on the ground floor, departures on the upper floor. Layout is simple and signage is in both Vietnamese and English. Getting from the entrance to your gate takes minutes, not the extended walks you find at Vietnam’s larger airports.
The airport was originally built in the 1960s as a US Air Force base and served as a military airfield until after 1975. It was converted to civilian use and officially reopened on 1 January 2011 following a major renovation. The terminal was designed to handle up to 5 million passengers per year. Current passenger numbers sit well below that, which is a large part of why the airport feels so relaxed compared to Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai.
When to use Can Tho Airport
The main reason to use Can Tho Airport is convenience. If your itinerary begins or ends in the Mekong Delta, flying directly into Can Tho saves a significant amount of travel time compared to landing in Ho Chi Minh City and continuing overland. The bus journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho takes around 3.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic. Flying into Can Tho cuts that out entirely.
The trade-off is a limited flight network. As of 2026, all scheduled routes from Can Tho are domestic, and the only connections are to Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Hai Phong, and Vinh. If your trip starts in one of those cities, Can Tho Airport is a practical and stress-free entry point into the delta.
If you are flying from abroad or connecting through a hub not served from Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City remains the better option. Tan Son Nhat has far more connections, and the overland journey to Can Tho is manageable.
Direct flights from Can Tho Airport
As of 2026, two airlines operate out of Can Tho: Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. All scheduled routes are domestic. The airport holds international designation but has no regular international service at the time of writing. Around 40 flights depart per week in total, making this a quiet airport by any measure.
- Can Tho → Hanoi (HAN) — approximately 2 hours | the busiest route, with multiple daily departures operated by both Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air
- Can Tho → Da Nang (DAD) — approximately 1 hour 30 minutes | several flights per week
- Can Tho → Hai Phong (HPH) — approximately 2 hours | several flights per week
- Can Tho → Vinh (VII) — approximately 1 hour 30 minutes | limited frequency
- Can Tho → Phu Quoc (PQC) — approximately 1 hour | limited frequency
- Can Tho → Con Dao (VCS) — approximately 45 minutes | limited frequency
Note that there is no direct flight between Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City. The two cities are close enough that flying makes no practical sense, and no airline operates that route. If you need to get between Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City, the bus is the standard option.
International routes to destinations such as Taipei and Seoul have operated seasonally in the past. Whether these return depends on airline decisions. Check directly with VietJet Air if an international connection from Can Tho is relevant to your plans.
Getting to and from Can Tho Airport
The airport is 8 kilometers from the city center, around 15 to 20 minutes by road in normal traffic. There is no public bus connection. Your options are Grab, metered taxi, or a hotel transfer arranged in advance.
Grab
Grab is the most practical option for most travelers. The app works in Can Tho and drivers are available even in the early morning hours. A GrabCar to the city center costs around 70,000 to 100,000 VND. GrabBike is also available and cheaper, but not ideal if you are traveling with luggage.
One thing to note: Grab response times in Can Tho are slower than in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are arriving late at night or very early in the morning, it is worth having a backup plan. Arranging a hotel pickup in advance is the safer choice for unusual arrival times.
Metered taxi
Taxis wait directly outside the arrivals exit. Expect to pay around 150,000 to 200,000 VND to the city center. Stick to known companies to avoid overcharging:
- Mai Linh: +84 292 365 6565
- Khanh Cuong: +84 292 386 8686
- Vinasun: +84 292 382 7272
Always confirm the meter is running before the driver pulls away.
Hotel transfer
Many hotels in Can Tho offer airport pickups on request, sometimes included in the room rate. If you are arriving late or want a smooth start without dealing with apps or taxis, this is worth arranging the night before through your accommodation.
Getting to other Mekong Delta destinations
There are no direct airport shuttles to other parts of the delta. If you are heading to Ben Tre, Chau Doc, My Tho, or elsewhere, the practical approach is to get to Can Tho city first and continue from there by bus or private vehicle. Your hotel can usually help arrange onward transport.
Facilities at Can Tho Airport
Can Tho Airport is clean, modern for its size, and straightforward to navigate. That said, the range of facilities is limited. Do not arrive expecting the options you would find at Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai.
Food and drink
There is one cafe landside and one airside after security. Both serve basic options: coffee, juice, rice dishes, instant noodles. Food quality is average at best. If you have a long wait ahead, eating before you arrive is the better plan.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal under the MobiFone Free WiFi network. Connectivity is functional but some travelers report difficulty getting connected. Having a local SIM card as a backup is a sensible precaution.
ATMs and money exchange
ATMs are available inside the terminal. Exchange rates at airports are rarely favorable, so if possible withdraw cash in the city before heading to the airport. There is no dedicated currency exchange counter confirmed at the terminal.
Shopping
A small gift shop operates airside selling local Mekong Delta products — dried fruit, snacks, and regional specialties. The selection is limited. There are no SIM card vendors, no pharmacy, and no car rental desks inside the terminal.
Business lounge
A business class lounge is available for eligible passengers, with seating, food, and beverages included. Given how calm and uncrowded the departure area already is, the lounge offers less of an advantage here than it would at a busier airport. For most travelers passing through Can Tho, it is not worth paying extra for access.
Other practical details
- Air conditioning throughout the terminal
- Clean and well-maintained toilets
- Adequate seating in the departure area
- No self-service check-in kiosks
- No dedicated priority lane for check-in or security
- No luggage wrapping service
Frequently asked questions about Can Tho Airport
Is there a direct flight from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh City?
No. There is no direct flight between the two cities. The distance is short enough that flying makes no practical sense. The bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho takes around 3.5 to 5 hours and departs frequently from Mien Tay Bus Station.
How many flights per day does Can Tho Airport have?
Around five to six departures per day on average, though this varies depending on the day and season. Hanoi is the busiest route with multiple daily flights. Other destinations operate with lower frequency.
Are there international flights from Can Tho Airport?
Not on a regular scheduled basis. The airport holds international designation and seasonal routes to destinations like Taipei and Seoul have operated in the past. Check directly with VietJet Air for the latest situation if this is relevant to your trip.
How long before my flight should I arrive at Can Tho Airport?
For domestic flights, arriving 90 minutes before departure is sufficient. The airport is small and check-in plus security rarely takes more than 15 to 20 minutes. Two hours gives you a comfortable buffer without a long wait at the gate.
Is there a bus from Can Tho Airport to the city center?
No. There is no public bus connecting the airport to the city. Grab or a metered taxi are your only realistic options.
How much does a taxi from Can Tho Airport cost?
Around 150,000 to 200,000 VND to the city center. Always confirm the meter is running before departure. Grab is generally slightly cheaper and more transparent on price.
Does Grab work at Can Tho Airport?
Yes. Grab operates in Can Tho and drivers are available at the airport. Response times can be slower than in larger cities, so allow a few extra minutes. For very early or late arrivals, a pre-arranged hotel transfer is more reliable.
What airlines fly to Can Tho?
Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air are the only airlines currently operating scheduled flights to and from Can Tho Airport.
How long is the flight from Can Tho to Hanoi?
Approximately 2 hours. Hanoi is the most frequently served route from Can Tho and the one with the most daily departure options.
Is Can Tho Airport easy to navigate for first-time visitors?
Yes. The terminal is compact, the layout is logical, and signage is in both Vietnamese and English. Most travelers clear check-in and security in under 20 minutes. It is one of the least stressful airports in Vietnam to pass through.
Can I buy a SIM card at Can Tho Airport?
No. There are no SIM card vendors inside the terminal. Pick one up in the city, or better yet, buy one at your point of arrival in Vietnam before traveling to Can Tho.
Is Can Tho Airport better than flying through Ho Chi Minh City?
It depends entirely on your route. If you are flying from Hanoi, Da Nang, or another city with a direct Can Tho connection, flying into Can Tho is faster and far more relaxed than dealing with Tan Son Nhat. If you are arriving internationally or from a city not served from Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City is your only option.
