Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) Information
(Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon, Vietnam)
Set in the south of Vietnam, the Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the country's largest and busiest air transport hub. Its proximate location to the central districts of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has ensured its popularity as the gateway to
Vietnam with business and leisure travellers alike, especially since its ultra-modern new international terminal was opened in late 2007. Passenger throughput has expanded considerably since the new terminal opened, from around 11 million in 2007 to just under 17 million at present.
A number of full-service airlines including All Nippon, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, JAL, EVA Air, Air France, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and Aeroflot provide routes to major Chinese, South-East Asian and European destinations. These carriers are backed up by low-cost carriers such as AirAsia and other smaller airlines. National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, the main carrier here, flies to diverse domestic destinations, as well as
London,
Tokyo,
Moscow,
Paris,
Sydney,
Frankfurt and a raft of other long-haul international routes.
Ho Chi Minh City's airport now has a restricted shelf-life as an international hub, since the nearby Long Than International Airport will be completed some time after 2015, at which point the Tan Son Nhat International Airport will be relegated to serving domestic travellers only. At the present time, Terminal 1 is used for domestic routes, while the International Terminal 2 serves flights from outside the country.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Address: Truong Son, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 8 844 8358
Given the airport's short distance of just 6 km / 4 miles from the centre of buzzing Ho Chi Minh City, the journey by road takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Nevertheless, motorists should be aware that traffic congestion can increase this time duration dramatically.
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) Guide
Facilities:
- ATMs and currency exchange booths in Terminal 2
- CIP / VIP lounges in Terminal 2, after the security checkpoint
- Travel shops offering hotel bookings, air ticketing and other travel services in the Arrivals area of Terminal 2
- Luxury spa services can be enjoyed in the Departures halls
- Upscale duty free stores including Burberry, Ferragamo, Swarovski and Coach are situated airside at Terminal 2
- Car hire service with driver is available through local suppliers
- A great selection of duty paid shops can be found landside in both terminals
- A plethora of restaurants, bars and coffee shops are located both landside and airside, including Skynet, The Orchid and the Lotus Restaurant. Fast-food outlets and bakeries are also featured
- VIP limousine hire can be arranged in the Arrivals area
- Medical services are provided in both terminals
- Long- and short-stay parking is provided
Cars
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located in the Tan Binh district, with Motorway 22 giving direct access to the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. The drive into the city takes around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. However, drivers should note that Vietnam does not permit foreigners to hire rental cars without a dedicated driver.
Buses
An economic and safe form of onward transportation is the number 152 city bus, which runs to the main rail station and its adjacent bus terminal, located about 15 minutes' walk from the central district. Bus number 147 also leaves from the airport, terminating at the city's Chinatown district. These journeys normally take in the region of 30 minutes.
Taxis and Limousines
Numerous taxis and shared minibuses are provided outside the Arrivals halls, although only vehicles whose drivers have an official badge should be hired, as taxi scams here are notorious. Limousines with drivers can be hired at Ho Chi Minh City's airport, or alternatively, booked in advance online.
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