You can get to Hanoi over-land from elsewhere in the country via train or car, but most people chose to come by plane. Hanoi's small international airport (code: HAN) is a little less well served by international airlines than Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors coming from Europe may fly into Bangkok and then on to Hanoi via Thai or Vietnam Airlines. From the Americas, there are flights via Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Malaysia Air System
- The Malaysian national carrier flies internationally between Kuala Lumpur and major cities around the world.
- Singapore Airlines
- The Singaporean national airline flies daily between Singapore and Hanoi.
- Thai Airways
- The Thai national carrier flies daily to Hanoi from Bangkok.
- Vietnam Airlines
- The Viet national carrier flies to Hanoi from major cities around the world.
- Pacific Airlines
- The only other domestic airline in Vietnam. It is a little cheaper than Vietnam Airlines, but isn't really a budget carrier. Also serves Taiwan.
Hanoi Airport Arrivals
Passengers on international flights should be given a two-part customs form to fill out before arrival. On entering the terminal, follow the signs to immigration. You'll need your passport with the visa along with the customs form for immigration. After passing through immigration, you can collect your bags. There's only one baggage carousel for international arrivals, so there's no confusing where to get your bags. Once you retrieve your bags, you must stop at the customs counter and submit your passport and customs form there. They will keep the top portion and return your passport along with bottom portion. Be sure to keep the departure form with your passport. You will need to submit it on your departure.
Hanoi Airport Transfers
Taxis are easy to get at Hanoi airport. There is a queue just outside the terminal, at roughly the center of the drive. As at all international airports, you should avoid any touts who approach you in the terminal building. Taxis are metered, with the cost of transport to a city center hotel running about 200,000 Dong (-200,000.00 USD) for the 45 minute trip.
If you want to save yourself some hassles, you can book your airport transfers in advance through. See the Hanoi airport transfers page for a list of services available.
Hanoi Departures
Check-in for departures on foreign airlines usually takes place in "Lobby A" of the terminal building. Departures on Vietnam Airlines check in at "Lobby B". The entrances to domestic departures are at either end of the terminal building. Be sure to check your gate number and use the appropriate entrance. All international departures are reached through immigration, which is accessed at the center of the terminal.
Once you finish with passport control, there's a security check before you get to the departure lounge.
Departure Lounge & Duty Free
The departure area features several shops lining the concourse. The duty free shopping is rather basic, although there is a good selection of handicrafts and other local products at good prices. There's a restaurant, and not much else, on the second floor.
Duty Free Benchmark Prices
| Marlboro Cigarettes (Carton of 100) | US$ 14.00 |
| Chivas Regal (1 liter) | US$ 25.00 |
| Bacardi Light Rum (1 liter) | US$ 10.00 |
| Beefeater Gin (1 liter) | US$ 10.00 |
| Stolichnya Vodka (1 liter) | US$ 13.00 |
See our duty free guide for full price comparisons.
The shared business lounge on the main level is small and cramped. There are just a few packaged snacks and drinks on offer. There seems to be a wi-fi setup, but it wasn't functional on my last visit. The two computers available weren't working either. There is another, larger lounge on the second floor, but it was closed.