Aviation in Vietnam – fast, affordable, and surprisingly extensive
Vietnam has a large number of airports spread across the country, making flying a logical and efficient way to get around. Because of the country’s length—over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from north to south—domestic flights are often much faster and more practical than traveling by train or bus. The route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was even ranked among the busiest domestic flight routes in the world in 2025, which shows how heavily air travel is used within Vietnam by both locals and international travelers.
Several airlines operate in Vietnam. Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier and offers both domestic and international flights, usually with slightly more comfort and checked baggage included. VietJet Air is the most well-known budget airline, offering frequent flights and low base fares, but charging extra for baggage. Bamboo Airways positions itself somewhere in between, focusing on service while expanding its domestic network. For you as a traveler, this means plenty of choice, competitive prices on popular routes, and the flexibility to build your itinerary using different regional airports.
Map of the main airports in Vietnam
This map gives you a clear overview of the main airports across Vietnam, helping you quickly understand their locations and how they fit into your travel route.
Main international airports in Vietnam
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
Noi Bai International Airport is located about 30 km (18 miles) from the center of Hanoi and is the main international gateway to northern Vietnam. Many travelers start their trip here, especially if you plan to explore destinations like Sapa, Ha Giang, or Halong Bay. The airport has strong connections to major Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, as well as several European cities.
There are also direct flights between Europe and Hanoi, making it a convenient entry point without needing a transfer. This makes Hanoi a logical starting point for many international travelers.
Within Vietnam, Noi Bai is connected to nearly all major destinations in the country, including Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City. This also makes it an important hub for domestic flights.
Read here how to get from Noi Bai Airport to the center of Hanoi.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the busiest airport in Vietnam and is located very close to the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Many travelers begin or end their trip here. Compared to Hanoi, the city often feels more international and easier to navigate, which can make it a softer landing when arriving in Southeast Asia.
The airport has the largest number of international connections in the country, with flights to Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. In addition, Tan Son Nhat is the main hub for domestic flights. Almost all regional airports in Vietnam have direct connections with Ho Chi Minh City, making it a strategic transfer point for travel to the Mekong Delta, central Vietnam, or islands like Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
Read here how to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
Long Thanh International Airport (new airport)
East of Ho Chi Minh City, Long Thanh International Airport is currently under construction in Dong Nai Province. This new airport is being developed to reduce the pressure on Tan Son Nhat, which has been operating above capacity for years.
Long Thanh is planned to grow in phases into one of the largest airports in Southeast Asia, with a strong focus on long-haul international flights. In the future, part of the international traffic is expected to shift here, while Tan Son Nhat will likely focus more on domestic and regional routes.
Other international airports in Vietnam
Besides Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, several other airports in Vietnam officially have international status. In practice, this usually means connections within Asia (for example to South Korea, China, Thailand, or Singapore). Some of these airports are technically international, but do not have consistent long-haul routes outside Asia year-round.
International airports in Vietnam include:
- Da Nang International Airport
- Cam Ranh International Airport
- Phu Quoc International Airport
- Can Tho International Airport
- Phu Bai International Airport
- Van Don International Airport
For most international travelers, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remain the main entry points into Vietnam, while the other airports are mainly useful for regional flights within Asia or as direct arrivals for beach destinations.
Main airports in North Vietnam
North Vietnam has fewer airports than the central and southern regions, but they still play an important role if you plan to explore the mountains, Halong Bay, or the remote northwest. Most international travelers arrive in Hanoi and continue their journey from there, but for certain regions, a regional airport can save you significant travel time.
Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi)
As mentioned earlier, Noi Bai is the main hub of North Vietnam. Almost all domestic destinations are connected to Hanoi, and together with Ho Chi Minh City, it is the country’s primary international gateway. If you’re traveling to places like Sapa, Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, or Halong Bay, this will almost always be your starting point.
Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong)
Cat Bi Airport is located in Hai Phong, about a 45-minute drive from Halong Bay. Some travelers use this airport as an alternative to Hanoi when heading directly to Halong Bay or Cat Ba Island.
Most flights are domestic, with popular routes to Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. International connections are mainly within Asia and are often seasonal.
Dien Bien Phu Airport (Dien Bien Phu)
This small regional airport is located in the far northwest of Vietnam, close to the border with Laos. Travelers mainly use Dien Bien Phu Airport when visiting the historic battlefield of Dien Bien Phu or when combining a route with northern Laos.
There are only limited domestic flights, usually from Hanoi. For international travelers, this is not an arrival airport, but rather a practical domestic connection.
Other airports in North Vietnam
- Van Don International Airport (VDO): Located near Halong Bay, but in practice rarely used by international travelers.
- Tho Xuan Airport (THD): A regional airport serving Thanh Hoa Province, mainly used by domestic travelers.
Main airports in Central Vietnam
Central Vietnam has several well-connected airports spread along the coast and in the highlands. For many itineraries, you combine Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with one or two of these airports to avoid long bus or train journeys.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Da Nang Airport is located right in the city of Da Nang and close to Hoi An. Travelers use this airport for city trips, beach stays, and cultural routes in Central Vietnam.
Popular domestic routes include Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. International connections are mainly within Asia.
Cam Ranh International Airport (CXR) – Nha Trang
Cam Ranh Airport is about 30 minutes from Nha Trang and is the main gateway for beach destinations along the south-central coast.
There are many domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with several international routes within Asia, especially popular for beach travel.
Phu Bai International Airport (Hue)
Phu Bai Airport is located about 15 km (9 miles) from Hue. Travelers use this airport when focusing on the imperial city of Hue and the nearby DMZ region.
Domestic connections with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the most common.
Lien Khuong Airport (Da Lat)
Lien Khuong Airport is located around 30 km (18 miles) from Da Lat in the Central Highlands. Travelers use this airport for its cooler climate, nature, and coffee plantations.
Popular routes include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Dong Hoi Airport (Dong Hoi)
Dong Hoi Airport is located in Quang Binh Province and is the best airport for visiting Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
There are domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re heading to Phong Nha, flying here can save a lot of travel time compared to train or bus.
Other airports in Central Vietnam
- Phu Cat Airport (Quy Nhon): Regional airport for beach destinations around Quy Nhon.
- Chu Lai Airport: Located in the same province as Hoi An, but rarely used by travelers since Da Nang is much more practical.
- Tuy Hoa Airport: Small airport serving Phu Yen Province, mainly domestic flights.
- Buon Ma Thuot Airport: Gateway to the coffee and highland region of the Central Highlands.
- Pleiku Airport: Regional airport in the highlands, mostly used by domestic travelers.
Main airports in South Vietnam
South Vietnam, in addition to Ho Chi Minh City, has several airports that are useful for beach and island trips or exploring the Mekong Delta.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)
Tan Son Nhat is located close to the center of Ho Chi Minh City and is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Almost all domestic destinations are directly connected to this hub.
Internationally, it has the largest number of routes in the country, making it a logical starting or ending point for many itineraries.
Phu Quoc International Airport (Phu Quoc)
This airport is located on Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam. Travelers mainly use it for beach holidays.
There are frequent domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with several international connections within Asia.
Can Tho International Airport (Can Tho)
Can Tho Airport is located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Travelers use this airport when they want to reach the delta directly without first traveling overland from Ho Chi Minh City.
Domestic routes mainly connect Can Tho with Hanoi, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Con Dao Airport (Con Dao)
This small airport serves the Con Dao island group. Travelers use it for nature, beaches, and national parks.
There are domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City and sometimes from other major cities.
Other airports in South Vietnam
- Rach Gia Airport: Small regional airport, mainly used by domestic travelers and as a gateway to nearby islands by boat.
- Ca Mau Airport: The southernmost airport in Vietnam, with limited domestic connections.
Booking domestic flights in Vietnam
Domestic flights are often the fastest way to cover long distances in Vietnam. Below are a few practical points to keep in mind.
- How far in advance to book – For popular routes such as Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City or flights to Phu Quoc, it’s best to book 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during high season or around holidays. Outside peak periods, you can often still find good fares closer to departure.
- How much do domestic flights cost? – Prices vary depending on the season and airline. As a general guideline, expect around $35–$100 USD for a one-way ticket if you book in advance. Last-minute bookings or peak travel periods can be more expensive.
- Full-service airlines – Airlines like Vietnam Airlines usually include checked baggage, assigned seating, and a bit more comfort. A good option if you’re traveling with luggage or prefer a smoother experience.
- Budget airlines – VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer low base fares, but charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and sometimes even carry-on luggage above a certain weight.
- Check baggage policies – Cheap tickets can look attractive, but always check what’s included. If you’re taking multiple flights during your trip, baggage fees can add up quickly.
- Avoid busy periods – Around Tet (Vietnamese New Year), national holidays, and the summer season, domestic flights can sell out quickly and prices increase significantly.
- Be flexible with flight times – Early morning or late evening flights are often cheaper than mid-day departures.
If you want to understand more about how domestic flights in Vietnam work, which airlines fit your travel style best, and what to watch out for when booking, read our detailed guide on domestic flights in Vietnam for more practical tips and insights.
