Vietnam has a strong domestic air network, and flying can save a great deal of time on a north-to-south trip. The most important habit is simple: check both the airport code and terminal on your ticket.
Vietnam's main gateways
For most international visitors, Hanoi's Nội Bài (HAN), Da Nang (DAD) and Ho Chi Minh City's Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN) remain key gateways. Direct international services also reach tourism hubs such as Cam Ranh for Nha Trang and Phú Quốc.
Hanoi — Nội Bài International Airport (HAN)
Nội Bài serves Hanoi and much of northern Vietnam. It is outside the city centre, so build road-transfer time into your arrival and departure plans. International and domestic operations use separate terminal facilities.
Da Nang International Airport (DAD)
Da Nang airport is unusually close to the city and is the most convenient air gateway for Da Nang and Hoi An. The airport has separate domestic and international terminals within the same airport complex.
Ho Chi Minh City — Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN)
Tân Sơn Nhất remains a major gateway for southern Vietnam. A new Terminal 3 opened in 2025 for domestic operations, so passengers should check their airline and terminal before travelling to the airport rather than assuming all domestic flights use the same building.
Long Thành International Airport (LTH)
Long Thành is the major new airport east of Ho Chi Minh City. Initial commercial passenger operations began during the airport's rollout, and the airport is intended to take an increasing role in the region's international aviation. Because operations are being phased in, always check the airport code shown on your booking — SGN and LTH are different airports.
Other useful tourism airports
Cam Ranh (CXR) is the main airport for Nha Trang, Phú Quốc (PQC) serves the resort island directly, and Liên Khương (DLI) is the air gateway for Đà Lạt. Domestic flying is often the most practical way to cover Vietnam's long north-south distances.