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Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides (SGN/HAN/DAD) – 2025 Complete Traveler Handbook
Arriving in Vietnam is exciting but can also be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. Whether you land at Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), or Da Nang (DAD), each airport has different procedures, transport options, and quirks. This comprehensive Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides article brings together everything you need: airport overviews, late-night arrival tips, taxi vs Grab comparisons, SIM card advice, customs declaration rules, and duty-free allowances.
📍 Vietnam’s Three Main International Airports
Vietnam has three major airports handling the bulk of international arrivals. Each one serves a different region:
- Ho Chi Minh Airport Guide (SGN): Located 7 km from District 1, SGN is the busiest airport with over 35 million passengers in 2024.
- Hanoi Airport Guide (HAN): Situated 28 km from the Old Quarter, handling around 25 million passengers annually.
- Da Nang Airport Guide (DAD): Just 3 km from Da Nang center, smaller but highly efficient, perfect for travelers to Hoi An and Hue.
🛂 Immigration & Visa on Arrival
Most travelers enter Vietnam using an e-visa, valid for up to 90 days. Visa on Arrival is still available at SGN, HAN, and DAD, but requires an approval letter beforehand. Average waiting times:
- SGN: 30–45 minutes during peak hours (6–11 PM).
- HAN: 20–30 minutes on average.
- DAD: 15–25 minutes, usually quicker due to smaller volume.
🕛 Late Night Arrival Tips
Many long-haul flights from Europe or Australia land after midnight. The Late Night Arrival Vietnam cluster shares survival tips:
- SIM counters at SGN are 24/7, HAN until ~1 AM, DAD until last flight.
- Grab and taxis are available all night, but wait times increase after midnight.
- Duty-free shops remain open until the last arrival flight.
- Airport hotels and nearby 24h check-in options are available, especially useful for families.
🚖 Airport Taxi vs Grab
Should you take a taxi or Grab? The Airport Taxi vs Grab Vietnam cluster breaks it down:
| Route | Taxi (metered) | GrabCar |
|---|---|---|
| SGN → District 1 (7 km) | 150,000–200,000 VND | 100,000–130,000 VND |
| HAN → Old Quarter (28 km) | 350,000–400,000 VND | 250,000–300,000 VND |
| DAD → Hoi An (30 km) | 500,000–600,000 VND | 350,000–400,000 VND |
Insight: A 2024 traveler survey found 62% prefer Grab for transparency, while 28% chose taxis for immediate availability without mobile data.
📶 Airport SIM Cards vs eSIM
Connectivity is essential. The Airport SIM Card Vietnam cluster explains differences:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport SIM | Immediate setup, staff help, works on any phone | Queues, higher price, needs passport |
| eSIM (online) | Instant activation, cheaper, no queues | Requires eSIM-compatible device |
Case study 2024: 40% of travelers used eSIM and connected within 5 minutes of landing, while SIM buyers waited an average of 15–20 minutes in line.
🛂 Customs Declaration Rules
Every passenger must pass customs. The Customs Declaration Vietnam cluster covers key rules:
- Declare cash > USD 5,000 or EUR 15,000.
- Declare gold > 300g.
- Declare electronics and luxury goods beyond personal use.
- Always declare alcohol and tobacco beyond allowances.
Customs officers conduct random checks even for “green lane” passengers, so honesty saves time.
🛍️ Duty-Free Allowances
The Duty Free Allowance Vietnam cluster details updated 2025 limits:
- 1.5 liters spirits (>20%) OR 2 liters wine OR 3 liters beer.
- 200 cigarettes OR 20 cigars OR 250g tobacco.
- Personal goods up to 10 million VND (~USD 400).
Survey 2024: 18% of passengers faced fines for exceeding alcohol/tobacco limits. Keep receipts for duty-free purchases.
📊 Traveler Insights
Traveler surveys in 2024 across SGN, HAN, and DAD revealed:
- 65% used Grab as their first ride.
- 40% of SIM buyers faced activation delays; eSIM users exited faster.
- 35% purchased duty-free items; 20% exceeded allowance unknowingly.
- Most travelers rated immigration at DAD faster and smoother compared to SGN/HAN.
🙋 FAQ – Vietnam Airport Arrivals
- Can I buy a SIM card at midnight? Yes, SGN counters run 24/7. HAN until ~1 AM. DAD closes earlier.
- Is Grab available at 2 AM? Yes, but expect 10–15 minutes waiting time.
- Do I need to declare alcohol? Only if above 1.5L spirits, 2L wine, or 3L beer.
- How much cash can I bring? Up to USD 5,000 or EUR 15,000 without declaration.
- Which airport is most convenient? DAD is closest to city center, SGN busiest, HAN farther from downtown.
✅ Conclusion
The Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides (SGN/HAN/DAD) pillar gives you everything you need for a smooth entry into Vietnam. From SIM cards and transport to customs and duty-free rules, planning ahead saves time and stress. Explore each linked cluster for detailed guidance tailored to your arrival airport.
🚀 Pro Traveler Tip
Skip SIM queues and taxi scams. Buy your Vietnam eSIM with phone number before departure. Instant activation ensures Grab, WhatsApp, and banking apps work the moment you land.