Airport in Ho Chi Minh City: The biggest airport in Vietnam

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Tan Son Nhat – the only airport in Saigon (Source: Collected)

To reach Vietnam’s most bustling tourist destination, travelers need to land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Handling millions of passengers annually, it is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Let’s explore all the information about the busiest airport in the country to plan your trip here!

1. How many airports in Ho Chi Minh City are there?

There is only one international airport in Saigon which is Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It is also the largest airport in Vietnam. Located about 7 kilometers away from the city center, the airport enjoys a strategic position. It serves as the gateway that connects Ho Chi Minh City with the world, an ideal stopover for flights from other continents to Southeast Asia. Operating 24/7, it accommodates regular and irregular flights, private aircraft, charters, commercial flights, and technical flights.

Here is the information regarding the address, hotline, and airport code for Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, includes:

Are there any international airports in Ho Chi Minh City? – Tan Son Nhat (Source: Collected)

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2. The development of Tan Son Nhat Airport

The development of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is intertwined with the history of the city and the nation as a whole.

• After the reunification of North and South Vietnam on April 30, 1975, the Vietnamese government took over the airport from the previous regime.
• From May 1 to May 15, 1975, the new administration restored the air route between Saigon and Hanoi, as well as the routes to other destinations in the South with a frequency of 5-6 flights per day.
• In 1986, after the 6th Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the airport continued to be invested in equipment and infrastructure, becoming it the largest airport in the country.
• On September 7, 2015, Decision No. 3193/QD-BGTVT was signed to adjust the detailed planning of the airport, including renovating and expanding passenger and cargo terminals.

3. The map of Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

At Tan Son Nhat International Airport – the only airport in Saigon, there are two terminals: an international terminal and a domestic terminal. The international terminal covers a total area of 92,000 square meters, while the domestic terminal spans 40,048 square meters. Due to their extensive size, they consist of numerous areas such as check-in counters, baggage conveyor belts, and customs inspection. For better navigation, travelers need to familiarize themselves with the airport layout in advance. 

Below are the detailed layouts of the arrival and departure halls for both the terminals of the airport:

The map of Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

4. Reviews of Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

As the largest airport in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat Airport serves as the gateway of commerce for Ho Chi Minh City and the nation as a whole. The facilities and services at the airport are continuously upgraded and expanded to increase the capacity, satisfy the passengers, and attract more investment.

4.1. Facilities

The airport’s infrastructure is among the most advanced in the country, featuring modern equipment with cutting-edge technology, including:

• Runway: Two runways with lengths of 3,048 meters and 3,800 meters, capable of accommodating aircraft coded E.

• Apron: A system of taxiways, parking stands, and CAT II standard guidance equipment. The aircraft parking system comprises 82 parking positions, capable of accommodating large-bodied aircraft such as A350, B747-400, A330, B777, B767, A321, etc.

• Domestic terminal: The domestic terminal has a capacity of 13 million passengers per year with modern facilities, including 111 check-in counters, 01 transfer counter, 01 oversized baggage counter, 19 boarding gates, 04 passenger boarding bridges, 06 arrival baggage conveyors, 06 departure baggage conveyors, etc.
• International terminal: The international terminal, designed to accommodate 10 million passengers per year, is also equipped with modern facilities, including 80 check-in counters, 01 transfer counter, 12 boarding gates, 08 passenger boarding bridges, 06 arrival baggage conveyors, 04 departure baggage conveyors, 18 emigration counters, 20 immigration counters, 02 departure customs inspection machines, and 06 arrival customs inspection machines.

The terminals are fully equipped with modern facilities (Source: Collected)

4.2. Services

The services at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City are continuously enhanced to meet the needs of travelers, enhancing their flying experience. Some of these services include:

• First-aid service: Several medical rooms are located within the terminals to assist passengers requiring medical aid. In case of emergencies, passengers can call the hotline at (08) 38 485 383 – 3408, and an ambulance will arrive within 5 – 7 minutes for timely rescue and hospital transfer.

• Dining area: There is a wide range of options for food in Tan Son Nhat Airport, including Vietnamese dishes like banh mi, fast food like burgers, pizzas, fried chicken, and beverages.

• Shopping area: Travelers can explore various shops in Ho Chi Minh City Airport while waiting for their flights. These shops offer a diverse range of products, from clothes, accessories, gifts, groceries, toys to local specialties.

• Lounge: The system of airport lounges in Ho Chi Minh City for VIPs and CIPs is highly praised for its comfortable spaces, which comes with dining services. There are 2 Tan Son Nhat airport lounges at the domestic terminal and 6 airport lounges at the international terminal.
• Other services: Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon also provides free wifi and water, information desks, and lost & found counters.

Travelers can seek assistance from Ho Chi Minh City airport counters (Source: Collected)

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5. Flights to & from Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat Airport in Saigon boasts the highest passenger capacity in Vietnam, accommodating over 30 million passengers annually. Every day, the airport handles hundreds of domestic and international flights.

• Domestic flights: Tickets to and from Ho Chi Minh City can be purchased from various domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines. The airport offers domestic flights connecting to nearly all other airports in Vietnam, including routes like Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong – Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh – Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat – Ho Chi Minh City, etc.

• International flights: There are numerous direct international routes to and from this airport, including Hong Kong – Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul – Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok – Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City, Frankfurt – Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur – Ho Chi Minh City, Manila – Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai – Ho Chi Minh City, etc., which are operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Asiana Airlines, Nordwind Airlines, AirAsia, Korean Air, EVA Air, etc.

More on: 21 bucket list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

6. A complete transportation guide to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City

According to Google Maps, the distance between the airport and downtown Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 7 kilometers. The travel time ranges from 17 to 30 minutes, depending on the route and means of transportation. Travelers have various options such as taxis, public buses, and shuttle buses.

The travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport is ranges from 17 to 30 minutes (Source: Collected)

6.1. By public bus

Buses are a popular public transportation option used by the locals in Ho Chi Minh City, with fares ranging from 6,000 to 40,000 VND per trip. Some bus routes to and from the airport include:

*Note: For more information about public bus routes from and to Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, you can contact the hotline 1022 (press 9). The hotline operates from 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

6.2. By taxi

Taxis are a fast, comfortable, and time-saving means of transportation, suitable for groups of passengers. For the utmost comfort, travelers can choose the service of Xanh SM Airport Taxi. Xanh SM uses Vinfast electric cars, professional drivers, and reasonable fares starting from 130,000 VND per trip. 

Xanh SM ensures the most convenient Ho Chi Minh City airport transfer service

To catch a taxi of Xanh SM, passengers can go to the taxi stands of both terminals. For the domestic terminal, Xanh SM is at Lane C, from column C3 to column C15. For the international terminal, Xanh SM is at Lane A, from column A1 to column A3. Alternatively, you can just book a ride via the Xanh SM mobile application or the hotline 1900 2088.

6.3. By ride-hailing mobile apps

With the advancement of technology, travelers can also book rides from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city center via ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, Be, etc. These apps operate 24/7 at Tan Son Nhat Airport, with fares varying depending on the destination and the time of booking. Passengers can get on their rides at the waiting area on the 1st floor of the domestic and international terminals. If choosing motorbike taxi rides, passengers need to walk approximately 500 meters outside the airport gate.

6.4. By airport shuttle bus

Airport shuttle buses are also a popular choice for travelers commuting between the airport and downtown Ho Chi Minh City. This service offers a variety of vehicles, including 4-seater and 7-seater cars, ensuring timely pickups, accommodating luggage, and providing comfort for passengers during transit. The cost varies depending on the vehicle and distance, ranging from 190,000 to 550,000 VND per trip.

The airport shuttle bus is a popular choice due to its convenience (Source: Collected)

The sole airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat, serves as a vital link connecting travelers to the vibrant heart of Vietnam. With its modern facilities, efficient services, and convenient transportation, it ensures a seamless journey for both domestic and international visitors.

After landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, travelers can indulge in exploring the city’s prominent landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Tan Dinh Church, Bui Vien Street, Independence Palace, etc.

To continue on your memorable Vietnam travel, you can extend your trip to Vietnam’s other cities with beautiful natural scenery, hospitable people, delicious food, and rich heritage such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc.

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