🛬 Vietnam Arrival & Airport Guides (SGN / HAN / DAD) – 2025 Traveler Handbook
Landing in Vietnam is exciting, but the first hour after arrival can feel chaotic if you don’t know what to expect. Whether your flight takes you to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Hanoi (HAN), or Da Nang (DAD), each airport has its own layout, procedures, and transport flow. This guide brings together everything travelers need for a smooth arrival — from immigration and customs to SIM cards, transport, duty-free rules, and late-night tips.
✈️ Vietnam’s Three Main International Airports
Vietnam’s busiest airports serve different regions and travel styles:
- SGN – Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City): Just 7 km from District 1. Vietnam’s busiest airport, handling over 35 million passengers yearly.
- HAN – Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi): About 28 km from the Old Quarter. Spacious terminals with clear signage.
- DAD – Da Nang International Airport: Only 3 km from Da Nang center. Smaller and efficient, ideal for travelers heading to Hoi An or Hue.
🛂 Immigration & Visa on Arrival
Most international visitors enter Vietnam using an e-visa, valid for single or multiple entry up to 90 days. Visa on Arrival remains available at SGN, HAN, and DAD for travelers with a pre-approved visa letter.
Average waiting times (2024–2025):
- SGN: 30–45 minutes during evening peaks (6 PM–11 PM)
- HAN: 20–30 minutes
- DAD: usually 15–25 minutes
Tip: Keep your approval letter, passport, a passport photo, and flight details easily accessible to speed up processing.
🌙 Late-Night Arrival Tips
Vietnam receives many late-night flights, especially from Europe and Australia. Here’s what to expect:
- SIM counters: SGN usually has 24/7 service; HAN often stays open until ~1 AM; DAD operates until the last flight.
- Grab & taxi: Available all night, though the pickup wait may increase after midnight.
- Duty-free shops: Open until the last arrival.
- Nearby hotels: SGN and DAD have several 24h-check-in hotels within 5–10 minutes, helpful for red-eye travelers or families.
🚗 Airport Taxi vs. Grab
Both options are reliable, and choosing depends on convenience and price. Below are typical fares:
| 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 |
Traveler insight: Many visitors choose Grab for transparent pricing, while others prefer taxis for immediate availability, especially late at night or with large luggage.
📱 Airport SIM Cards vs. eSIM
Staying online helps with ride apps, hotel check-ins, and customs documents.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport SIM | Immediate setup, staff assistance | Queues, higher tourist pricing, passport required |
| eSIM (online) | Instant activation, no passport, avoid lines | Requires eSIM-compatible device |
Many travelers report leaving the terminal faster using eSIM, since there’s no need to queue for physical SIM registration.
🛃 Customs Declaration Rules
All passengers pass through customs. You must declare:
- Cash over USD 5,000 or EUR 15,000
- More than 300g of gold
- Electronics or luxury goods beyond personal use
- Alcohol and tobacco exceeding duty-free limits
Random checks are common, even for green-lane passengers.
👜 Duty-Free Allowances
Vietnam’s duty-free rules (updated 2025):
- 1.5L spirits (>20% alcohol) OR 2L wine OR 3L beer
- 200 cigarettes OR 20 cigars OR 250g tobacco
- Personal goods up to 10 million VND (~USD 400)
Tip: Keep receipts for arrival duty-free purchases. Some travelers unintentionally exceed limits, especially with alcohol.
👥 Traveler Insights (2024–2025)
- Grab is the most popular first ride choice among visitors.
- Many travelers using eSIM connect within minutes of landing.
- DAD is consistently rated as the smoothest airport for immigration and baggage flow.
- SGN sees the heaviest evening traffic; expect longer lines from 6 PM–11 PM.
❓ FAQ – Vietnam Airport Arrivals
Can I buy a SIM after midnight?
Yes. SGN generally has 24h service; HAN stays open until around 1 AM; DAD until last flight.
Does Grab work at 2 AM?
Yes, but wait times may be slightly longer.
Do I have 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 easiest?
DAD is closest to the city, SGN is busiest, HAN is largest in size.
📣 Plan Your Arrival Smoothly
For travelers who prefer to avoid searching for transport after a long flight, you can pre-arrange a reliable ride through our Vietnam Airport Pickup Service .Many visitors choose this option for the comfort of having a driver waiting right at the arrivals area,
especially on late flights when Grab prices can fluctuate or taxis may take longer to find.
To stay connected instantly after landing, you can explore the Vietnam eSIM 30 Days Plan or the Vietnam eSIM with Phone Number for OTP and ride-hailing apps.
For remote or mountainous destinations, the Viettel eSIM for Tourists offers the most reliable coverage nationwide.
Support: WhatsApp +84 98 307 49 15 · LINE anyaxiaoying · Email info@govnsim.com
Part of Heera Travel Group – Explore more Vietnam tours at HeeraTravel.com.