Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) - Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Along with Lien Khuong Airport (Dalat), Con Dao Airport (Con Dao), Phu Quoc Airport, and several other local airports, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is managed by the Southern Airports Corporation (SAC), a state-owned entity.

Location

The airport is situated in Tan Binh District, approximately 8 km north of the city center. Travel time from the airport to the city center is about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Domestic and International Terminals

The domestic terminal, previously the international terminal, features 62 check-in booths and is easy to navigate, especially with only a few domestic airlines operating.

The new international terminal, which officially opened in 2007, welcomes tourists and business travelers from around the globe. This terminal offers modern amenities including restaurants, convenience stores, and currency exchange services.

Traveling between terminals takes about 10 minutes, so passengers can easily manage transfers when transiting through Ho Chi Minh City.

Photo: vi.wikipedia.org

Flights to Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Currently, Tan Son Nhat International Airport serves about 4 domestic and over 40 international airlines.

There are direct flights available from major cities across Asia (such as Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong), Europe (including Helsinki, Frankfurt, Moscow, and Paris), as well as from Australia (Melbourne and Sydney). Passengers traveling from North America or other regions in Western Europe can conveniently book connecting flights via hubs like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, or Seoul.

Photo: vietnamairlines-online.com

From Ho Chi Minh City Airport to City Center

Taxis are readily available outside the airport, regulated by local authorities. The fare for a metered taxi to the city center typically costs around $5-7, though a fixed rate is also available ($4-6). Popular and reliable taxi services include Airport Taxi and Saigon Taxi. To avoid scams, it is advisable to opt for the regulated taxis waiting in line rather than hailing one from the street. You may also check with your hotel in advance to see if they offer airport pickup services.

A local bus operates every 30 minutes between the airport and Ben Thanh Market, a 15-minute walk from the downtown area. Buses run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with tickets costing around 25 cents. While this is an economical option, it may not be the best choice for travelers with significant luggage.

Shopping at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport is not only an international hub but also a shopping destination. A variety of clothing items, electronics, and duty-free products can be found here, providing an attractive shopping experience for visitors.

Many kiosks offering diverse products line the path to the international boarding gates. The selection includes specialty products like alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes, as well as fashion and accessories from both local brands such as Viettien, An Phuoc, and Ninomaxx, and international names like D&G, Nike, Bossini, Hermes, and Swatch. Electronic devices from brands like Panasonic, Toshiba, and Samsung also draw considerable attention from travelers.

Photo: cafef.vn

For those wishing to purchase unique Vietnamese products, numerous handicrafts, souvenirs, and artisanal artworks are available at reasonable prices.

In contrast to the vibrant international terminal, the domestic terminal offers a quieter shopping environment with fewer kiosks and limited commercial options. Only a few known brands such as Converse, Lacoste, and Adidas are represented, along with local crafts and souvenirs. Additionally, there are stalls for books, chocolates, and sweets, as well as typical souvenirs similar to those found at Ben Thanh Market, albeit at higher prices.

Tips: It is advisable not to expect a comprehensive shopping experience comparable to that of Changi International Airport in Singapore or Hong Kong International Airport. If time permits, consider arriving early to shop at the nearby Parkson Mall, directly across from the airport. This mall features a variety of international brands in a more traditional shopping environment and offers better dining options than those available at the airport.

Dining at Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Tan Son Nhat Airport provides a wide array of dining options, from coffee shops to fast food restaurants, especially within the new international terminal. Passengers arriving at the airport will find various food stalls and restaurants catering to diverse tastes. For light snacks, numerous kiosks throughout the airport offer packaged food, such as snacks and cookies, as well as traditional Vietnamese flavors from Kinh Do and Phaner bakery kiosks.

Photo: zingnews.vn

For more substantial meals, larger food stalls and restaurants are available, including the Skynet restaurant in the international terminal, which serves a variety of Vietnamese and international cuisine. Fast-food enthusiasts, particularly children, can enjoy meals at the KFC outlet located within the airport.

Passengers looking for a quieter environment to enjoy coffee or chocolate should visit the Trung Nguyen Coffee shop at the airport, which offers an array of excellent beverages, with a particular emphasis on coffee. Be prepared for possibly lingering at this café as many guests tend to enjoy their drinks until the very last drop.

Ho Chi Minh City Airport Business Lounge

The airport lounge facilities cater to business class passengers and VIP members of airlines upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport. There are 8 VIP lounges expertly designed to provide top-tier services and a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation or work prior to flights.

Photo: oivietnam.com

VIP guests can select from a diverse menu of high-quality cuisines or simply enjoy a cocktail from the bar. Facilities for working, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, scanners, photocopiers, and fax machines, are also available, ensuring a comfortable environment for those needing to attend to urgent matters. For relaxation, amenities such as massage chairs and sleeping areas are accessible, providing a welcoming space to recuperate from long journeys.

Ho Chi Minh City Airport Map

The layout of Tan Son Nhat International Airport consists of three levels, with the first two levels designated for arrivals and the third level for departures.

Arrival Hall (Floor 1 and 2)

Upon exiting the airplane, you will find yourself on the second level of Ho Chi Minh City Airport, where the Immigration Office is located. If you require a visa on arrival, this is where you'll complete the necessary immigration documents and pick up your visa. Afterwards, proceed to level 1 via elevator.

Arrival Map of Floor 1 and 2 - HCMC Airport

On the first floor, you'll find baggage claim and customs services. Collect your luggage and clear customs before exiting. Restrooms are located at both ends of this level. Currency exchange booths are available just outside customs, allowing you to exchange money for Vietnamese Dong.

Departure Hall (Floor 3)

The third level is designated for departures, while the fourth level accommodates the lounge area. After check-in, passengers will clear customs and immigration, a process that typically takes less than 15 minutes. Following this, passengers proceed to security checks and can then make their way to the boarding gates.

Departure Map of Floor 3 and 4 - HCMC Airport

Travelers' Reviews of Ho Chi Minh City Airport

While being the largest airport in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat Airport still has areas for improvement. However, numerous passengers who have visited this airport have commented that it ranks among the best in terms of services and infrastructure within the Indochina region.

Positives:

• Many passengers have expressed that the staff and officers at this airport are friendly and courteous, providing a better experience compared to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. From immigration officers to security personnel, all strive to maintain a warm and helpful demeanor, particularly towards international travelers, showcasing Vietnamese hospitality.
• The spacious and well-ventilated terminals provide passengers with a comfortable environment, allowing for a pleasant waiting experience without excessive noise. Numerous comfortable seating options are available for passengers wishing to rest before their flights.
• Customs and flight procedures are expedited, minimizing time spent at security checks and allowing passengers to move swiftly through the airport. The process is efficient, with no fingerprint checks required, enabling a quick transition through immigration and security.
• Feedback from travelers highlights that Tan Son Nhat Airport maintains high cleanliness standards, with diligent staff ensuring that all areas of the terminal are kept tidy and hygienic.

Negatives:

• A noted drawback is the taxi service at the airport entrance, where various companies operate. Unfortunately, some taxis offer poor service and charge higher fares, especially to international travelers. Passengers are strongly advised to select reputable companies such as Saigon Air Taxi, Vinasun Taxi, or Mai Linh Taxi.
• Additionally, issues with petty theft have been reported, as some opportunistic thieves take advantage of passengers’ inattentiveness. Therefore, travelers should remain vigilant and keep an eye on their belongings.
• While the airport features numerous well-known brand shops, the variety and range of products available are somewhat limited, with not many options for each category compared to stores found outside of the airport.