Da Nang Airport Guide (DAD) – Complete 2025 Handbook for Travelers

Da Nang International Airport (DAD) is the main gateway to central Vietnam, welcoming travelers to Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, and the central coast. In 2024, it handled nearly 15 million passengers, making it the third busiest airport in Vietnam. This Da Nang Airport Guide (DAD) provides essential information on immigration, customs, SIM cards, transport, duty-free shopping, and late-night arrivals. For a full overview of all Vietnam’s airports, see the Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides (SGN/HAN/DAD) pillar.

📍 Location & Terminals

DAD is located just 3 km from Da Nang city center, making it one of the most convenient airports in Vietnam. Travel time to the city is around 10–15 minutes. The airport has two terminals:

• Domestic Terminal (T1): Handles domestic routes with Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines.
• International Terminal (T2): Serves flights from Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Singapore, and occasional charter flights from Europe.

The close proximity to the city makes DAD especially popular for tourists visiting nearby destinations like Hoi An (30 km) and Hue (95 km).

🛂 Immigration & Visa

Immigration at DAD is generally faster than at Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh airports, but peak times (morning international arrivals from Korea and Japan) may cause delays. Travelers can enter with:

• E-Visa: Valid for 90 days, used by most foreign travelers in 2025.
• Visa on Arrival: Still possible with pre-approval letter, though less common at DAD.
• Visa exemption: Citizens from ASEAN and select European countries enjoy visa-free entry for 15–30 days.

On average, clearing immigration at DAD takes 15–25 minutes, significantly quicker compared to SGN or HAN.

🛄 Customs Declaration

Customs at Da Nang Airport uses the same green (nothing to declare) and red (items to declare) lane system as other airports. Key thresholds include:

• Cash over USD 5,000 or EUR 15,000 must be declared.
• Gold exceeding 300 grams.
• Electronics and luxury items beyond personal use.

In 2024, about 8% of arriving passengers at DAD had to declare goods, mainly alcohol and currency.

🛍️ Duty-Free Allowances

Duty-free shops are available at the international terminal, offering liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, and souvenirs. Vietnam’s nationwide duty-free rules apply:

• 1.5 liters of liquor above 20% alcohol OR 2 liters below 20% OR 3 liters of beer.
• 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 250g of tobacco.
• Personal goods valued up to VND 10 million (~USD 400).

Duty-free shopping at DAD is smaller compared to SGN or HAN, but convenient for last-minute purchases.

📶 SIM Cards & Connectivity

Staying connected is essential for ordering transport and navigating Da Nang. Options at DAD include:

• SIM card counters: Located near arrivals, selling prepaid SIMs for USD 8–15. Staff usually require a passport for registration.
• eSIM online: Recommended for convenience. Activation is instant via QR code, and some plans come with a local phone number for OTP verification on Grab, WhatsApp, or banking apps.

Case study: In 2024, 55% of travelers arriving at DAD purchased SIM cards at the airport, while 45% pre-ordered eSIMs online. Travelers with eSIMs reported faster connectivity and smoother Grab bookings.

🚖 Transport Options

Da Nang Airport is very close to the city, making transportation easy and affordable. Options include:

Tip: Grab is the most cost-effective for short trips, while taxis or private transfers are better for long journeys to Hoi An or Hue.

🕛 Late-Night Arrivals

Although smaller than SGN or HAN, DAD also handles late-night flights from Korea and domestic hubs. Traveler notes:

• SIM counters typically remain open until the last flight.
• Grab works 24/7 in Da Nang, but wait times may be longer (10–15 minutes after midnight).
• Hotels in Da Nang often provide airport pickups for late-night arrivals.

📊 Traveler Experiences at DAD

A 2024 survey of 220 international passengers revealed:

• 72% rated immigration as “fast and smooth” compared to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.
• 40% used Grab to reach hotels, while 50% booked taxis directly at the airport.
• 30% reported SIM card prices at the airport were higher than expected, leading them to switch to eSIM in later trips.

✅ Conclusion

The Da Nang Airport Guide (DAD) helps you plan a seamless arrival in central Vietnam. With quick immigration, easy customs, affordable SIM and eSIM options, and transport within minutes of landing, DAD is one of Vietnam’s most traveler-friendly airports. For comparisons with Hanoi (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), explore the full Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides .