Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam's busiest airport, serving Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and the surrounding southern region. Located just 7 km north of District 1 (the city center), it handles over 40 million passengers annually and serves as a hub for Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air.

The airport has two terminals that are adjacent but operationally separate:

• Domestic Terminal (Terminal 1): All domestic flights, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines
• International Terminal (Terminal 2): All international flights, opened in 2007 with modern facilities

The terminals are not connected airside. If connecting between domestic and international flights, you must exit security, walk between terminals (about 5-10 minutes via the outdoor covered walkway), and clear security again.

Due to increasing passenger volumes, the airport can become congested during peak hours, particularly for evening international departures and morning domestic flights. A new Long Thanh International Airport is under construction approximately 40 km east of the city to handle future growth.

Tan Son Nhat Airport enjoys a close proximity to Ho Chi Minh City center, located just 7 km north of District 1 (Ben Thanh Market area). This makes it one of the most conveniently located major airports in Southeast Asia.

Typical travel times to District 1:

• Without traffic: 15-20 minutes
• With traffic: 30-60+ minutes (peak hours can be significantly longer)
• Rush hours: 7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-8:00 PM see heavy congestion

The airport is surrounded by dense urban development, and road access can become severely congested, especially during rainy season downpours which cause widespread flooding and traffic jams.

Grab (Recommended)

Grab is the dominant rideshare app in Vietnam and the recommended option for airport transportation. Uber exited Vietnam in 2018.

• Pickup location: Exit arrivals and follow signs to Grab pickup zones (clearly marked in both terminals)
• Services available: GrabCar, GrabCar 7-seater
• Fares to District 1: VND 80,000-150,000 (USD 3-6) depending on traffic and service level
• Payment: Cash or card through app

Tips:

• Book through the app before exiting to avoid taxi touts
• Confirm the license plate matches your booking
• Air-conditioned vehicles are standard

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside both terminals. Mai Linh (green) and Vinasun (white with green stripe) are the two reputable taxi companies.

Destination	Fare	Time
District 1 (city center)	VND 120,000-200,000 (USD 5-8)	15-45 min
District 3	VND 100,000-150,000 (USD 4-6)	15-30 min
District 7 (Phu My Hung)	VND 150,000-250,000 (USD 6-10)	20-40 min

Important warnings:

• Use only Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white/green) taxis
• Avoid unmarked taxis or those that approach you inside the terminal
• Ensure the meter is running and starts at approximately VND 11,000
• Beware of fake taxis with similar color schemes but slightly different names

Airport Bus (Route 109)

The most affordable option to reach the city center.

To Ben Thanh Bus Station (District 1):

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Bus Station"
2. Take bus route 109 (yellow bus)
3. Exit at Ben Thanh Bus Station, next to Ben Thanh Market

Detail	Information
Fare	VND 20,000 (USD 0.80)
Journey time	40-60 minutes
Frequency	Every 15-20 minutes
Operating hours	05:30-01:30

Other bus routes:

• Route 152: Airport to Ben Thanh (similar to 109)
• Route 49: Airport to Mien Tay Bus Station (for Mekong Delta)

Metro

Note: As of 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 does not extend to the airport. The first metro line runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. A future airport extension is planned but not yet operational.

For now, take bus 109 to Ben Thanh, then connect to Metro Line 1 if heading to Binh Thanh or Thu Duc districts.

The airport has multi-story parking structures serving both terminals.

Location	Rate
Domestic Terminal Parking	VND 5,000/hour, max VND 120,000/day (motorbike: VND 3,000/hour)
International Terminal Parking	VND 5,000/hour, max VND 120,000/day
Long-term parking	VND 100,000/day (advance booking recommended)

Tips:

• Parking can fill up during peak travel periods (Tet holiday, summer)
• Keep your parking ticket safe; replacement fees apply
• Motorbike parking available at lower rates

Vietnamese cuisine is well-represented at the airport, though prices are higher than in the city.

Terminal 1 (Domestic)

• Pho 24: Vietnam's famous beef noodle soup chain
• Highlands Coffee: Vietnamese coffee chain, excellent ca phe sua da (iced milk coffee)
• Lotteria: Korean fast-food chain
• Banh mi stalls: Vietnamese baguette sandwiches

Terminal 2 (International)

• Vietnam Kitchen: Full Vietnamese menu including pho, bun, and rice dishes
• Pho 24: Reliable pho option
• Highlands Coffee: Multiple locations
• Burger King, Pizza Hut: International fast food
• Duty-free food court: Post-security dining options

Budget tip: Prices inside the terminals are 2-3 times city rates. If you have time, eat before arriving at the airport or bring snacks. Highlands Coffee offers reasonable pricing for drinks.

Must-try: Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a specialty. Strong coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice.

Free WiFi is available throughout both terminals.

Detail	Information
Network name	TSN Free WiFi
Registration	Phone number required for OTP verification
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Moderate; suitable for browsing, may struggle with streaming

Alternative: Purchase a local SIM card (see below) for more reliable connectivity throughout your trip.

SIM cards are readily available at the airport and highly recommended for visitors.

Airport Locations

• Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone counters in arrivals hall (both terminals)
• Kiosks open 06:00-22:00

Major Carriers

Provider	Tourist Package	Data	Price
Viettel	30-day tourist	60 GB	VND 200,000 (USD 8)
Mobifone	30-day tourist	60 GB	VND 200,000 (USD 8)
Vinaphone	30-day tourist	60 GB	VND 180,000 (USD 7)

Recommendations:

• Viettel has the widest coverage, including rural areas
• Mobifone and Vinaphone offer competitive pricing and good urban coverage
• All require passport for registration (bring a copy)
• 4G/LTE coverage is excellent in Ho Chi Minh City
• Staff will install and activate the SIM for you

ATMs are located throughout both terminals in arrivals and departures areas.

Currency

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 USD = 24,000-25,000 VND

ATMs

Major Vietnamese banks with ATMs at the airport:

• Vietcombank
• BIDV
• Sacombank
• VietinBank

ATM Detail	Information
Withdrawal limit	VND 2,000,000-5,000,000 per transaction (varies by bank)
Fees	Foreign cards typically VND 50,000-100,000 (USD 2-4)
Cards accepted	Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Plus

Currency Exchange

Exchange counters are located in arrivals halls. Rates at the airport are typically 1-3% worse than city rates.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw VND from ATMs (better rates, though fees apply)
• Exchange in city center at gold shops on Ha Trung Street (District 1) for best rates
• Many establishments accept USD, though change is given in VND at variable rates

Tip: Vietnam is still largely a cash economy, especially for street food, markets, and smaller shops. Carry sufficient VND. Cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and larger restaurants.

Duty-Free

Lotte Duty Free operates the main duty-free shops in Terminal 2 (International).

• Alcohol, tobacco, cosmetics, and perfumes
• Vietnamese specialties: coffee, dried fruits, cashew nuts
• Tax-free savings for departing international passengers

Terminal Shopping

Terminal 2 (International):

• Vietnamese coffee: Trung Nguyen, Highlands Coffee beans
• Ao dai shops: Traditional Vietnamese dresses
• Lacquerware and handicrafts: Vietnamese souvenirs
• Convenience stores: Familymart, Circle K

Terminal 1 (Domestic):

• Limited shopping
• Convenience stores for snacks and drinks
• Vietnamese souvenirs

Best buys:

• Vietnamese coffee (Trung Nguyen, Weasel coffee)
• Dried tropical fruits (jackfruit, mango, coconut)
• Cashew nuts
• Phin (Vietnamese coffee filter)

Le Saigonnais Business Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2 (International), after immigration
• Access: Priority Pass, business class passengers, lounge pass purchase
• Day pass: VND 650,000 (USD 26)
• Hours: 05:00-01:00
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, shower facilities, WiFi

Lotus Lounge

• Location: Terminal 2 (International)
• Access: Vietnam Airlines business class, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Amenities: Vietnamese cuisine, beverages, shower facilities

Apricot Lounge

• Location: Terminal 1 (Domestic)
• Access: Vietnam Airlines Golden Lotus members, business class
• Hours: 05:00-22:00
• Amenities: Light refreshments, WiFi

Song Hong Business Lounge

• Location: Terminal 1 (Domestic)
• Access: Priority Pass, day pass available
• Day pass: VND 500,000 (USD 20)

Tip: Lounges can become crowded during evening peak hours. Arrive early for the best experience.

At/Near the Airport

ibis Saigon Airport

• 5-minute walk from terminals
• Budget-friendly, modern rooms
• From VND 800,000/night (USD 32)

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon

• 10-minute drive, free airport shuttle
• 5-star amenities
• From VND 2,500,000/night (USD 100)

Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport

• 10-minute drive
• 4-star international chain
• From VND 1,800,000/night (USD 72)

Transit Options

The airport does not have dedicated transit hotels or sleeping pods inside the terminals. For overnight layovers, booking a nearby hotel is recommended.

Tip: Given the airport's proximity to District 1 (15-20 minutes without traffic), many travelers opt to stay in the city center and taxi/Grab to the airport.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest and most dynamic city, offering a compelling mix of history, street food culture, and modern development.

Key Areas

• District 1 (Downtown): Main tourist area, home to Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Independence Palace
• District 3: Local neighborhood feel, excellent street food, less touristy
• District 7 (Phu My Hung): Modern expat area, Korean/Japanese restaurants
• Thu Duc City: Technology hub, universities

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Distance from Airport	Best Transport
Ben Thanh Market	7 km	Grab/taxi (15-30 min)
War Remnants Museum	8 km	Grab/taxi (20-35 min)
Independence Palace	7 km	Grab/taxi (15-30 min)
Notre-Dame Cathedral	7 km	Grab/taxi (15-30 min)
Cu Chi Tunnels	60 km	Organized tour (1.5-2 hours)
Mekong Delta (My Tho)	70 km	Tour or bus (2 hours)

Must-See Attractions

• War Remnants Museum: Powerful and moving documentation of the Vietnam War (VND 40,000 entry)
• Independence Palace: Former seat of South Vietnamese government, preserved as a time capsule
• Ben Thanh Market: Iconic covered market for souvenirs, food, and local goods
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: French colonial architecture (currently under renovation)
• Cu Chi Tunnels: Half-day trip to explore the famous tunnel network used during the war
• Mekong Delta: Full or multi-day excursions to the river delta region

Food Specialties

• Pho: Vietnam's famous beef or chicken noodle soup
• Banh mi: French-Vietnamese baguette sandwich
• Com tam: Broken rice with grilled pork
• Goi cuon: Fresh spring rolls
• Banh xeo: Crispy Vietnamese pancake
• Ca phe sua da: Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk

Practical Tips

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Carry cash for street food and markets
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (round up for good service)
• Bargaining: Expected at markets, not in restaurants or shops with fixed prices
• Traffic: Motorbike traffic is intense. Cross streets slowly and predictably
• Weather: Hot and humid year-round. Rainy season May-November (afternoon thunderstorms)
• Power outlets: Type A, C, and G; 220V (bring adapter if needed)

Day Trips

• Cu Chi Tunnels: Underground tunnel network from the Vietnam War (half-day tour, USD 15-40)
• Mekong Delta: River cruises, floating markets, fruit orchards (full-day tour, USD 25-50)
• Cao Dai Temple (Tay Ninh): Unique syncretic religion headquarters (half-day tour)
• Vung Tau: Beach town 2 hours southeast, popular weekend escape