Ho Chi Minh Airport – A Helpful Airport Guide For Travellers

Ho Chi Minh Airport is one of the main gateway of Vietnam playing an important role in handling the travel and cargo needs of both domestic and international passengers. It is a perfect place to start your journey in Vietnam. 

In this article, VM Travel will provide all the information you need to know about Ho Chi Minh Airport before you land in Vietnam.

Useful Guidance For Tourists At Ho Chi Minh Airport

1. About Ho Chi Minh Airport

Ho Chi Minh Airport has an official name as Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located on Truong Sa Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City. It is the largest and busiest airport in Vietnam with the area of 850 hectares and the capacity over 30 millions passengers per year. Every year, Tan Son Nhat International Airport welcomes millions of visitors from various destinations around the world. The airport’s IATA code is SGN, derived from the city’s former name Saigon.

2. Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminals

Ho Chi Minh Airport has two main terminals: Domestic Terminal and International Terminal

2.1 Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminal 1 – Domestic terminal

Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminal 1 is a domestic terminal which has two storeys with a total area of 40.948m2.

• Ground floor (GF)

The ground floor has three exits which are: A1, A2 and A3 and six departure entrances from D1-D6.

Upon landing, you’ll exit the aircraft and be transported to the terminal by a transit vehicle. Here, you will get your luggages and leave the airport through A1, A2, and A3.

On the left of the three exits are the entrance D1 and D2. Here are the check-in counters of domestic airlines included: Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Vietravel Airlines.

On the right of the three exits are the entrance D3, D4, and D5. Here are the check-in counters of Vietjet Air.

After finishing check-in and a security check, passengers will move to a lounge area which has 7 boarding gates from 15 to 21, arranged from left to right.

• First floor (1F)

If you check in at the entrance D1 and D2, you will move to the first floor which has the lounge area which has 14 boarding gates from 1 to 14, arranged from left to right.

2.2 Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminal 2 – International Terminal

Five minutes walk away from the Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminal 1 is Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminal 2. The international terminal  is three times the size of the domestic terminal, covering an area of 115.834 m2 with four storeys: ground floor, first floor (1F), second floor (2F) and third floor (3F).

• Ground floor (GF)

The ground floor has two main exits that are A1 and A2. This is where arriving passengers receive their luggages and leave the airport.

• First floor (1F)

The first floor serves as the drop-off point for international airline passengers arriving at Ho Chi Minh Airport. Upon landing, passengers are required to proceed to the central areas on the first floor to complete immigration procedures.

After finishing immigration procedures, passengers will move down to the ground floor to get the luggages and leave the international terminal.

• Second floor (2F)

The second floor has two primary departure entrances, D1 and D2, housing check-in counters, immigration customs, and security checkpoints. Upon entering through these entrances, passengers should follow the directional signs and screens displaying estimated schedules, destinations, and airline information to locate their correct check-in counters.

• Third floor (3F)

The third floor is the lounge area for Business Class passengers or special members of airlines.

3. Procedures of Arrivals & Departure Flights

3.1 Ho Chi Minh Airport Arrivals Procedures

Arriving at Ho Chi Minh International Airport is designed to be easy and comfortable. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the arrivals process

• Step 1: Getting off the Plane

When your plane lands, you’ll exit the aircraft and head to the terminal building. Signs at the airport are clear and easy to follow, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way.

• Step 2: Passport and Visa Procedures

International travelers will be required to go through immigration and customs procedures. Some visitors may be able to get their visa upon arrival. It’s advisable to check Vietnam’s E-visa requirements before your trip.

• Step 3: Baggage claim

After clearing immigration, head to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage. Signs will show you where to find the right carousel, so you can get your bags quickly.

• Step 4: Customs Check

Next, you’ll go through customs, where you may need to declare any items you need to pay duty on or that are restricted. Most people go through this step smoothly and quickly at Ho Chi Minh Airport.

• Step 5: Meeting Area

Once you’ve finished with customs, you’ll find the area where friends, family, tour guides or transportation services can meet you. They welcome you to Ho Chi Minh City and take you to your next destination.

• Step 6: Transportation

At the airport, you have different options for getting around, such as taxis, shuttle buses, or renting a car. You can easily find these services in the arrival area to reach your final destination in the city.

3.2 Ho Chi Minh Airport Departures Procedures

Departing from Ho Chi Minh International Airport is organized to make your journey stress-free. Here’s a breakdown of the departure procedures

• Step 1: Check-in

Arrive at the airport early to check in for your flight. You’ll find dedicated check-in counters for your airline, where you can drop off your luggage and get your boarding pass.

• Step 2: Security Check

After check-in, go through the security screening area. Have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection. Ho Chi Minh Airport prioritizes security while trying to keep things efficient.

• Step 3: Passport Control (for International Flights)

If you’re flying internationally, you’ll go through passport control. Make sure you have all your travel documents, like your passport and any necessary visas.

• Step 4: Departure Lounge

Once you’ve passed security and passport control, you’ll enter the departure lounge. Here, you’ll find various services and amenities, including places to eat, duty-free shops, and comfortable seating areas.

• Step 5: Boarding

Keep an eye on the departure screens for updates on when and where your flight will board. Follow the signs to your boarding gate, where airline staff will help you get on the plane.

• Step 6: Take off

Find your seat on the plane and get ready for take off. Ho Chi Minh Airport makes sure that all passengers have a smooth transition from the terminal to the aircraft.

4. Popular Services in Ho Chi Minh Airport

4.1 Wi-Fi

Domestic and international terminals are equipped with free wifi service, operating 24/7. However, due to a large number of users, the Wi-Fi at the airport may be slow at times.

4.2 Ho Chi Minh Airport SIM Card

For travelers in need of local SIM cards or data packages, there are convenient kiosks and stores where you can purchase these essentials. You should buy top telecommunications in Vietnam such as: Viettel, Mobifone and Vinaphone.

4.3 Medical Services

Your safety is a top priority at Ho Chi Minh International Airport. Medical services are available for any emergencies or minor health concerns you may encounter during your journey.

4.4 Ho Chi Minh Airport Food

Ho Chi Minh Airport Restaurants offer a diverse range of food for passengers, from traditional Vietnamese cuisine to international fast food chains. Satisfy your cravings before or after your flight.

4.5 Ho Chi Minh Airport Shops

Shop for souvenirs, duty-free goods, clothing, electronics, and more at the various retail outlets in the terminals. Take advantage of the airport’s shopping opportunities.

4.6 Sleeping Zone

If you have a long layover or need some rest, the airport offers dedicated sleeping zones and lounges where you can relax and recharge before your next flight.

4.7 Other Services

Additional services at Ho Chi Minh International Airport include ATM, currency exchange, car rental, luggage storage, and a lost and found department to assist travelers with their needs.

5. How to transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to City

Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfer offers a variety of airport transfer options for travelers for their final destinations. Whether you prefer the convenience of a private car, the affordability of a shuttle bus, the speed of a taxi, or the app-based ease of Grab, there’s a transfer option to suit every traveler’s needs.

5.1 Booking a Private Car

For those seeking convenience and a personalized experience, booking a private car in advance is an excellent choice. Private car services offer the advantage of comfort and privacy, with spacious vehicles for you and your travel companions. Additionally, you can have friendly conversations with English-speaking drivers, eliminating language barriers.

5.2 Taking the Shuttle Bus

You can take Airport Shuttle Bus No. 49 which has a shorter travel time than public buses. It goes directly from the airport to and stops at big hotels in the city center. The fare is 40,000 VND ($2) per person. If you prefer to travel by public bus, you can take Bus No. 152 which leaves from domestic terminals B06–B09 for Ben Thanh Market. The fare is around 20,000 VND ($1) per person.

However, it’s important to note that when getting on the bus, you have to inform the driver of your preferred destination or address because they often skip a station if no one asks to get off.

5.3 Taxi Ho Chi Minh Airport

Taking a taxi transfer to the city is one of the popular ways. Many taxis are readily available outside the terminals, and the journey typically takes around 30 minutes. You should choose trusted taxis to get on such as: Mai Linh Taxi, Saigon Taxi or Xanh SM Taxi.

5.4 Grab Ho Chi Minh Airport

Grab is one of the most dominant app-based ride services in Vietnam, allowing users to book cars or motorbikes at affordable prices. Booking with the Grab app you’ll know the exact price that you have to pay for your trip without worrying the driver would charge you an extra fee as you are a tourist. Download the app before landing in Vietnam and enjoy your first ride!

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh Airport boasts efficient terminals and wide-ranging services that ensure your journey to and from Vietnam’s southern hub is smooth and enjoyable. We hope the information provided in this article is helpful for you. Whether you’re already in Vietnam or planning to visit, we wish you unforgettable experiences in our beautiful country.