Vietnam Travel Tips

IV. Air Transport in Vietnam

International Airports
There are three international airports in Vietnam:
- Noi Bai (Hanoi)
- Danang (Danang)
- Tan Son Nhat (Hochiminh City)
Noi Bai Airport is about 35 km from the north of the city. There are Vietnam Airlines minibuses going there, and cars of Airport Taxi
(Tel: 873 3333). Fee is around 200,000VND. Bus price from the city centre to Noi Bai is about 2,500-3,000 VND/person.
Danang Airport is close to the centre of the city. There are taxis available all the time. Fee is about 100,000VND.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is 15km from the city centre. A taxi is about 100,000-200,000VND.

Travel around Vietnam by planes

Besides other normal types of domestic transport, visitors can also travel to other provinces, cities, and towns inside Vietnam by air. Domestic flights are available everyday. For details, please click here http://www.vntraveltips.com/before-you-go/further-for-foreign-tourists/111-tips-for-vietnam-domestic-flights-a-intl-flights

Domestic Airports: Gia Lam (Hanoi), Cat Bi (Haiphong), Dien Bien (Dien Bien), Na San (Son La), Vinh (Nghe An), Phu Bai (Hue), Pleiku (Gia Lai), PhuCat (Quy Nhon), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen), Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak), Lien Khuong (Dalat), Vung Tau, Con Dao (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Phu Quoc, Rach Gia (Kien Giang), Ca Mau (Camau).

From Hanoi: There are daily return flights to Hochiminh City, Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang. There are also return flights to Na San and Vinh.

Northern Airport Flight Service Company (Tel: 852 3451) from Hanoi to Halong Bay by helicopter. There is a flight on Saturdays at 8 a.m, departing from Gia Lam Airport.

From Hochiminh City: There are daily flights and return to Hanoi and Danang. There are also return flights to Haiphong, Hue, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, and Phu Quoc.

Vietnam Airport Taxes

Applied for both domestic and international departures.

With international flights
Passengers have to pay US$14 per person for leaving Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) or Danang airport (Danang), US$12 per person for leaving Vietnam at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).

With domestic flights
From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang, the tax of VND 25,000 per person (around US$1.7) is always added in your ticket fare. Tax for departing from Hue and Hai Phong is VND 20,000 per person (US$1.3) and from other airports is VND15,000 per person (US$1).

Airport security Regulations
Here are some tips to help you comply with the new regulations when checking in at Vietnam’s International Airport:

Airport Security and Flight Check in
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before flight time. You may encounter long lines at check-in counters and airport screening stations.
Curbside baggage check is being reinstated on an airline-by-airline and airport-by-airport basis. Check with the airport to see if your airline has been approved for curbside checks. Otherwise, proceed directly to the check-in counters.
If you are traveling with a tour group or cruise group, you will no longer be allowed to check in for flights at hotels or at the cruise terminals. You must check in at the airport.
If someone is dropping you off at the airport, they must stay with the vehicle at all times. They should not leave it unattended, even for a moment.
You must have a picture I.D. such as a driver's license, passport, or government-issued identification. Ensure that you make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the identification you plan on presenting at the airport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order). If traveling with an e-ticket, you must produce a copy of your e-ticket receipt when you check-in.

Airport Security Checkpoint = Getting to Gate
To enter the secured area beyond the security screening checkpoint, you must show a valid picture I.D. and one of the following boarding documents indicating a flight departure for the current date:
1) A receipt for an electronic ticket;
2) An itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket;
3) A boarding pass
4) A paper ticket.

Receipts and itineraries MUST have ticket numbers on them

If you do not have a boarding pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued boarding document must be obtained at the ticket counter prior to clearing security.
E-ticketed passengers with no receipt, agency or airline-issued itinerary must first go to the airport ticket counter to obtain a boarding pass. More information can be found at http://www.vietnamair.com.vn/default.aspx?tabid=262
Passengers, who do not have baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate. Although no curbside or skycap check-in is permitted, wheelchair assistance from curbside will continue to be provided.
Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medial emergency beyond the check point.
All passengers should check with their airline or airport, or visit the airline or airport web site for additional information. http://www.vietnamair.com.vn/
Keep your identification handy, as you may be asked after entering the gate area to produce it for airport or airline personnel.

Luggage
Keep your luggage and carry-on bags with you at all times prior to arriving at the airport and while in the terminal. Unattended bags will likely be confiscated - and even destroyed - by airport security.
Check with your travel agent or airline for information on carry-on luggage restrictions. Since you will likely encounter longer waits and more thorough inspections at screening stations, ASTA recommends that you minimize your carry-on items so you can be processed more quickly.
Do not accept any packages or materials from strangers.
Do not carry any sharp instruments (i.e., letter openers, knives, box cutters, scissors, etc.) in carry on luggage.  
If you see any suspicious activity or see unattended bags, contact airline or airport personnel immediately.
Carry medications in your carry-on bags.
Hold onto your baggage claim check. Individual airports may elect to provide more security in the baggage claim area.  
More information can be found on the http://www.vietnamair.com.vn/default.aspx?tabid=260