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I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
Ho Chi Minh City's Airport is officially named Tan Son Nhat International Airport (TIA) (aviation code: SGN). This is the largest airport in Vietnam in terms of area and capacity.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is one of two major airports in Vietnam and the busiest one in Southeast Asia, connecting many countries in the region and internationally. The airport is located on Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, only 7 km from the city center. It has 2 operating terminals: Domestic Terminal T1 and International Terminal T2, which are connected by the public lobby on the ground floor.
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1. How to get around Ho Chi Minh airport terminals?
Tan Son Nhat International Airport has two main terminals: T1 (domestic terminal) and T2 (international terminal). The T1 terminal has 2 storeys, while the T2 terminal has 4 storeys, serving millions of international passengers per year. These two terminals are so close that you can easily walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal in less than 5 minutes. Some airlines or travel agencies offer a shuttle for passengers who transit here or have connecting flights between MEL/SYD/KUL/SIN and HAN.
T1—Domestic terminal: Many domestic flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Hue,... depart and arrive here every day. The domestic terminal consists of 2 floors with a simple layout to navigate.
- The ground floor: Domestic arrival hall and baggage claim
- The first floor: Domestic departure hall
Terminal 1 - Tan Son Nhat Airport map
T2—International terminal: This terminal, which has 4 floors and is much newer than the domestic one, is busy around the clock.
- The ground floor: International arrival hall, connecting counter & baggage claim and exit
- The first floor: International arrival hall, immigration area, landing visa counter
- The third floor: Departure terminal, check-in counters
- The fourth floor: Cafés, restaurants and entertainment
Terminal 2 - Tan Son Nhat Airport map
When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will head towards the arrival gate. You'll stop at the visa counter if you need a visa to enter Vietnam. Make sure to check if you need a visa before your trip to avoid any delays. Next, you'll show your passport and any necessary documents to the immigration officers. After immigration, you'll head down to the ground floor to collect your luggage from the baggage carousel. Finally, you'll exit into the arrival hall, where you can meet your driver or representative.
In summary, you will go through these areas: arrival gate – landing visa counter (if required) – immigration area – ground floor – baggage claim – arrival hall.
Without a visa, it should take less than 20 minutes to get through everything. It could take up to an hour for those who need a visa stamp, as you'll need to wait at the visa counter.
>> Check the Vietnam visa requirements online before you travel to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth arrival!
Arrival hall - Tan Son Nhat Airport
For travelers taking a domestic flight from Tan Son Nhat Airport, please turn right after exiting to reach the domestic terminal.
>> If your next flight is to a domestic airport, you should read more about Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) and Da Nang International Airport.
2. Available services at one of the most modern Vietnam's airports
You can use various services of Tan Son Nhat Airport to ensure a more comfortable airport experience.
2.1. Free Wi-Fi
Tan Son Nhat Airport has free Wi-Fi in both the domestic and international terminals. You can look for the networks named “FreeWifi TanSonNhat Airport”, “TSN Free Wifi Express”, or similar. You don't need a password, but you might need to open your web browser to log in. Sometimes the Wi-Fi might disconnect, but don't worry. Just open your browser again and log back in. You'll be surfing the web in no time.
2.2. Information desk
The airport information desk provides all aviation and travel information you may need in English and Vietnamese. If you need instant support, contact them at the C, D gate (Terminal T1), arrival hall, counter opposite C, D gate, and waiting lounge (Terminal T2). Brochures and city maps are complimentary.
2.3. SIM cards
Vietnamese SIM cards are readily available for purchase near the exit of the airport terminal, typically costing between USD 7 and 13. To register a tourist SIM, you'll need to present your passport. Afterward, you can verify its functionality by sending a text message with the content 'TTTB' to 1414. Popular providers in Vietnam include Viettel, Vietnamobile, Vinaphone, and Mobifone, offering a variety of data and call plans to suit your needs.
SIM Kiosk
2.4. Money exchange
You'll find currency exchange counters with competitive rates in both the departure and arrival halls of the international terminal (T2). While the rates are good here, you might find slightly better rates at local jewelry shops in the city. If you're in the domestic terminal (T1), there's a VietinBank branch conveniently located opposite the D2 entrance.
Tan Son Nhat Airport has plenty of ATMs operated by various banks, including Vietcombank, Vietinbank, BIDV, ANZ, CitiBank, and Shinhan Bank. In the international terminal, you'll find five ATMs near columns 14 and 3. If you're in the domestic terminal, there are six machines at the D2 entrance.
Tip: You can check the current exchange rates online by visiting the Vietcombank or VietinBank websites.
2.5. Shopping
Duty-free shops are scattered inside the security area and in the check-in hall. However, there are quite a few, so shopping in the city center will be better. You can get a VAT refund near gate 6-9 on the 2nd floor of the international terminal.
2.6. Restaurant
Airport food courts in Tan Son Nhat serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals in Vietnamese and Western styles. You can find them in both terminals. Restaurants stay open till 11 pm.
Fresh2go in Tan Son Nhat Airport
2.7. Saigon’s Airport lounge
Single-visit passes and lounge memberships allow you to enter the airport lounge area. If you are not flying business class, you can pay at the door to enter any lounge. There are several lounges in Tan Son Nhat airport for you to choose from, all of which provide air conditioning, food and beverage, a conference facility, disabled access, flight information screen, newspapers, television, and Wi-Fi. However, none of the lounges has a sleeping facility. Normally, the price is USD 25/person for 3 hours for a single pass and different membership plans.
Note: The Apricot Lounge and Lotus Lounge at the international terminal have modern showers.
- Le Saigonnais Business Lounge:
Location: 2nd floor, opposite gate number 14, domestic departure terminal, and 3rd floor, near the stairs down to gate 18-20, international departure terminal
Opening hours: 04:30 am - 11:00 am
- Lotus Lounge:
Location: 1st floor (near gates 1 and 2) of the domestic terminal, 3rd floor of the international terminal
Opening hours: 24/7 hours
- Luxury Lotus Lounge 2:
Location: 2nd floor, near gate 18, international departure terminal isolation area, Tan Son Nhat International Airport
Opening hours: 24/7
- Apricot Lounge:
Location: midway between boarding gates on the first floor of the international terminal
Opening hours: 06:00 am – 02:00 am
- Orchid Lounge Lounge:
Location: 1st floor, near gate 17 of the international terminal
Opening hours: 06:00 am – 02:00 am
Orchid Lounge
2.8. Luggage storage
You can have airport staff keep your luggage while you are moving around. Contact the counter at columns 13 and 14 on the ground floor of the T2 terminal, opening 7 am – 11 pm. The price is VND 27.500/piece/hour for less than 10 hours, VND 275.000/piece for more than 10 hours. Over 24 hours, the price is 275,000 VND/day/package
2.9. Luggage packing
To protect your luggage, you can use luggage packing service at areas D2, A, and B, and near the elevator of the T1 terminal and gates D1 and D2 of the T2 terminal. The price ranges from VND 80,000 – 100,000 (USD4 – 5) depending on the baggage size.
2.10. Smoking rooms
Smoking is prohibited in public areas of Tan Son Nhat airport. You can use the smoking room opposite gate 14 in the departure hall, domestic terminal, or opposite gate 15 – 18 in the departure hall, international terminal.
2.11. Showers and spa
Besides the fully serviced shower of the business lounge, you can find a free airport shower opposite gate 25 in the international terminal. Massage is opposite gate 10 of the domestic terminal and near gates 6-9 of the international terminal.
2.12. Mobile charging (free)
If you left your charger in your checked baggage, don’t worry. There are free mobile charging stations near the check-in kiosk of the domestic terminal and opposite gates: 10 – 11, 11 – 12, and 16 – 17.
2.13. Medical services
Fully-staffed medical services at the airport operate 24/7. The medical room is located near the D2 entrance at the domestic terminal, boarding gates 17-18 and A2 entrance at the international terminal. In case of emergency, please call the hotline at (08) 38 485 383, medical staff and ambulance of the Aviation Medical Team will come to the scene within 5 to 7 minutes.
2.14. Rest zone
For passengers waiting to board the plane, you can rest at the Sleep Zone near gate 21 on the 2nd floor of the international departure terminal. This area includes 10 mini bedrooms, serving passengers to rest while waiting for their flight. Each sleeping box has an area of about 4 square meters, 2,7m high, equipped with a night light, power outlet, mattress, pillow... suitable for one person to rest instead of having to sit and wait for many hours. The sleeping room is served with drinks and cold towels. The mini sleeping service costs 7 USD/hour. The minimum time to use the Sleep Zone sleeping room is 3 hours, with a surcharge of 4 USD for each additional 30 minutes.
The sleeping room can only be used by a maximum of 1 adult and 1 child under 5 years old. In addition, there are 20 free lounge chairs readily available for napping.
2.15. Children play area
Children's entertainment is set up near gate 21 – 22 departure hall T2 terminal. This service is free for children and families. The area covers 40m2 and provides a safe soft ground, LEGOs, slides, clay, etc.
3. How to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to city centre (District 1, 3) and vicinity
Getting from Tan Son Nhat airport to the city center is quick and easy since it's only 7 km away. If you have an early flight or layover in Saigon, staying at an airport hotel or a downtown hotel is a convenient option, allowing you to get back to the airport quickly if needed. From the airport terminal, you can take one of these transportation services at reasonable prices.
Map: Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1
3.1. Car booking application
Utilizing your smartphone and Vietnamese sim card, you can book a car via a booking platform like the Grab application, Be application, Xanh SM. Grab, similar to Uber, operates throughout Southeast Asia and is a reliable option. Expect to pay between VND 120,000–250,000 (USD 5–11) depending on traffic. Xanh SM is a popular choice for locals as it’s an environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Before heading to the pickup area in the outer lane, note the license plate number provided in the app and be aware that most drivers may not speak English.
See more: 10 Most Useful Transportation Applications in Vietnam
3.2. Airport taxi
Taxis are also a convenient way to get to District 1 from the airport. The ride should cost around VND 200,000 (USD 9). You should always ask how much it will cost before you get in the car as the taxi drivers can charge a fixed price or use the meter. To make sure you have a good experience, use a reliable taxi company like: Mai Linh Taxi: 028 3838 3838, Noi Bai Taxi: 028 3842 4242 and Saigon Taxi: 028 3823 2323.
3.3. Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycles are the most popular way to get around in Vietnam, offering a cheaper, faster, and more exciting experience than cars. To catch a motorbike taxi, head to the airport parking area, where you can find a ride for just USD 3–4. However, this option isn't ideal for travelers with lots of luggage.
3.4. Airport bus
While taking the bus is a budget-friendly option for reaching the city center, expect your journey to take 2-3 times longer than other methods. Buses can get crowded, so be sure to keep a close eye on your belongings. You should ask the driver to drop you off near your destination, as they may skip stops if no one signals to get off. Local buses, equipped with air-conditioning, pick up passengers outside the terminal. Look for bus numbers 152, 109, 49, or 119 to travel to the city centre.
- Bus No. 152:
Fare: VND 5,000
Frequency: 50 minutes
Route: Terminal T2 – Terminal T1 – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ki Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Dinh Chieu – Cach Mang Thang Tam - Le Lai – Ben Thanh – Tran Hung Dao – Nguyen Van Cu – 9A – Trung Son resident area and vice versa
- Bus No. 109:
Fare: VND 8,000 – 15,000
Frequency: 45 minutes
Route: T2 Terminal – T1 terminal – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ki Khoi Nghia – Ham Nghi – Cong Truong Quach Thi Trang – Pham Ngu Lao – Park 23/9 and vice versa
- Bus No. 119:
Fare: VND 12,000 – 20,000
Frequency: 15 – 30 minutes
Route: T2 Terminal – T1 terminal – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Lang Cha Ca – Hoang Van Thu – Xuan Dieu- Xuan Hong – Truong Trinh – Ly Thuong Kiet – Bac Hai – Thanh Thai – Nguyen Tri Phuong – Nguyen Chi Thanh – Nguyen Thi Nho – Hong Bang – Kinh Duong Vuong – Mien Tay depot and vice versa.
- Bus No. 49:
Fare: VND 40,000
Frequency: 15 – 30 minutes
Route: Column 12 at T2 Terminal – Column 18 at T1 terminal – Truong Son – Tran Quoc Hoan – Hoang Van Thu – Nguyen Van Troi – Nam Ki Khoi Nghia – Le Duan – Cong Xa Paris – Dong Khoi – Dong Du – Hai Ba Trung – Ton Duc Thang – Ham Nghi – Ben Thanh – Pham Ngu Lao – Nguyen Trai – Le Lai – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Cach Mang Thang Tam – Dien Bien Phu – Nam ki Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Van Troi – Phan Dinh Giot – Truong Son – T2 Terminal
Note: Shuttle bus No. 49 drops off passengers at some hotel lobbies (Park Royal Hotel, Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon, Cosmopolitan Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Majestic Hotel, Vissai Saigon Hotel), stop a while at Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Opera House for passengers to take photos.
3.5. Private car
For a truly hassle-free arrival, pre-booking a private car with a travel agent or online transportation service will assure it. Your driver will greet you in the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name, and assist with your luggage before transferring you directly to your hotel. This convenient door-to-door service is reasonably priced at around USD 20 for a 7-seat car.
Above all, a private car is the most convenient transportation option. You are escorted with door-to-door service. Private cars are also a great option for those heading directly to popular beach destinations like Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, or Vung Tau, offering a comfortable and efficient transfer from the airport.
4. Extra note
During Vietnamese national holidays and weeks before Tết (Vietnamese New Year), domestic travel surges, leading to crowded streets and potential transportation challenges. Taxi fares may increase, and finding available taxis might be difficult. To avoid delays, it's recommended to leave for the airport earlier than usual on these dates and, if possible, book an airport pick-up service in advance.
Some key Vietnamese public holidays in 2025 include:
- New Year's Day (January 1st, 2025)
- Vietnamese New Year (January 29th and February 2nd, 2025)
- Hung Kings Commemorations (April 7th, 2025)
- Reunification Day (April 30th, 2025)
- International Labour Day (May 1st, 2025)
- National Day (September 2nd, 2025)
Tan Son Nhat Airport (also known as Ho Chi Minh Airport) is extremely busy, but with this guidance, you'll be well-prepared to navigate the airport and immigration with ease. Remember that traffic in Vietnam can be challenging, so choose a reliable transportation option for your arrival. Again, don't forget to double-check Vietnam's visa requirements for your nationality before you arrive!
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