Van Don International Airport Halong Bay - The Complete Guide
Van Don International Airport (VDO) is Vietnam's first privately operated airport serving both domestic and international flights to and from Quang Ninh province. The inauguration of Van Don international airport has eased the enormous number of flights to Noi Bai and Cat Bi international airports in order to access the Halong Bay tourism hub. In fact, taking a flight directly to Van Don international airport is the quickest and most convenient way to start your vacation in Halong Bay and Halong city center.
- Van Don airport was built in 2016.
- The airport was upgraded to Van Don international airport in January 2017.
- It was officially put into operation on 30 December 2018.
- Van Don international airport welcomed its first international flight on May 27th, 2019 which was a charter flight from Baoan airport in China's Shenzhen city to Van Don airport conducted by Donghai Airlines.
- In 2020, the airport completed the expansion plan with more facilities added.
- The airport's first-phase terminal capacity is 2.
- 5 million passengers per year and this figure is projected to reach 5 million by 2030 after expansion.
Location
Van Don international airport is the only airport in Quang Ninh province. It is located in Doan Ket commune, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. The airport is around 50 km from Halong city and 20 km from Cam Pha city.
Distance to Van Don Airport
| City | Distance | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Halong city | 53 km | 57m |
| Tuan Chau Island | 72 km | 1hr 6m |
| Hai Phong city | 98 km | 1hr 35m |
| Cat Ba Island | 109 km | 1hr 45m |
| Hanoi | 203 km | 2hrs 50m |
General Airport Information
- Van Don international airport was approved as a 4E-grade airport under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and as a military airport level II.
- The airport sprawls over a large area of 345 hectares with a total investment capital of VND7.500 billion.
- The terminal area is around 27.000 sqm. There are two separate arrival and departure areas.
- It has 31 check-in counters and 7 parking stands for Boeing 787 and Airbus 350.
- The runway is equipped with an ILS Cat II flight guidance system enabling airplanes to land safely in the worst weather conditions.
Airport Services
VIP services
VIP services are provided to assist departure passengers in check-in, boarding process, fast migration, and arrival passengers upon arrival.
VIP, CIP lounge
Van Don international airport has a business-class lounge spreading over an area of 1400 sqm serving up to 120 passengers at peak hours. Guests can enjoy premium features like a reception lobby, buffet, and cocktail area.
Utilities
Van Don international airport supports passengers with many utility services like an Internet access area, free drinking water, free phone charger, toilets for disabled people, ATM, pack luggage, and fast check.
Dining
Restaurants and food services are available inside and outside restricted areas for domestic and international travelers. Three restaurants at Van Don international airport are Lucky restaurant near gate 01 for domestic departure, Lucky restaurant near Gates 07 and 08 for international departure, and Red Cherry near check-in counter 01.
Flights to/from Van Don Airport
Van Don international airport provides flights both domestically and internationally. Major airlines in the airport are Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Dong Hai Airlines, Quingdao Airlines, and VietJet Air.
Domestic flight routes: Van Don (VDO) - Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Van Don - Danang City
International flight routes: Van Don - Korea, Van Don - Japan, and Van Don - China.
Note: At present, there haven’t any regular international flights to Van Don international airport yet and all those flights are exploited under the form of charter flights.
Domestic flights
1- Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Flights from Tan Son Nhat international airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to Van Don international airport are provided daily by Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air. The total flight duration is about 2.5 hours for an average price of VND 1.000.000 - VND 1.500.000/pax/one-way. Here is an overview of current flight prices:
| Route | Airlines | Fare (one-way) | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Vietnam Airlines | VND 1.200.000 | |
Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | VietJet Air | VND 1.300.000 | |
Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Bamboo Airways | VND 1.600.000 |
2- Danang City - Van Don
Currently, there are no direct flights from Danang City to Van Don international airport thus you need to take a flight to Ho Chi Minh city then another flight to Van Don.
| Route | Airlines | Fare (one-way) | Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
Danang City - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Vietnam Airlines | VND 2.500.000 | |
Danang City - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Bamboo Airways | VND 4.700.000 |
International flights
Because except for charter flights from Korea, Japan, and China, there have not direct international flights to Van Don international yet, foreign passengers are advised to take direct flights to Tan Son Nhat international airport (Ho Chi Minh City) then another flight to Van Don international airport. Alternatively, you can also take a flight to Noi Bai international airport (Hanoi) and book a private transfer or public bus to Van Don.
1- Tokyo - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Route | Airlines | One-way fare | Booking |
Tokyo - Ho Chi Minh City- Van Don | Asiana Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 20.000.000 | |
Tokyo - Ho Chi Minh City- Van Don | Japan Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 31.000.000 |
2- Seoul - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Route | Airlines | One-way fare | Booking |
Seoul - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Asiana Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 12.500.000 | |
Seoul - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Philippine Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 20.700.000 |
3 - Singapore - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Route | Airlines | One-way fare | Booking |
Singapore - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Vietnam Airlines | VND 5.500.000 | |
Singapore - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Singapore Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 24.000.000 |
4- Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Route | Airlines | One-way fare | Booking |
Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Malaysia Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 8.300.000 | |
Kuala Lumpur - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Singapore Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 20.000.000 |
5 - Sydney - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Route | Airlines | One-way fare | Booking |
Sydney - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Asiana Airlines + Vietnam Airlines | VND 45.000.000 | |
Sydney - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Qantas, EVA Air, Vietnam Airlines | VND 46.000.000 |
How to book flights to Van Don international airport
For domestic flights to Van Don international airport, you can book directly through the airport’s website: vandonairport.vn. Alternatively, you can find flight schedules on airlines’ websites that have routes to this airport.
Vietnam Airlines
- Official website: https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/vi/home
- Tel: 1900 1100
VietJet Air
- Website: https://www.vietjetair.com/vi
- Tel: 1800 1886
Bamboo Airways
- Website: https://www.bambooairways.com
- Tel: 1900 1166
Transportation to Van Don Airport
1. Halong city - Van Don international airport
The distance from Halong city to Van Don international airport is around 50km and various means of transportation are available for you to choose from.
1.1 By private car/taxi
Using a private car or taxi is the fastest and most convenient way for you to get to Van Don international airport from Halong city. You can easily catch a cab with a price from VND 300.000 - VND 400.000/ one way (US$12.5 - US$16.5).
Taxi brands at Halong city:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 033 3628628
- Hong Gai Taxi: 033 3848484
- Ha Long Taxi: 033 3626262
- Thanh Hung Taxi: 033 3659659
- Thinh Hung Taxi: 033 3616161
- Sao Mai Taxi: 033 3822822
1.2 By bus
Bus 14 operated by Phuc Xuyen transportation company is provided for budget-minded passengers to transfer from Halong city to Van Don international conveniently.
Route: Sun World Halong park - Bai Chay bus station - Kenh Liem - Ha Tu - Cam Pha - Cua Ong - Van Don - Van Don international airport.
For booking, you call directly 1900 6799, press number 4.
2. Hai Phong city - Van Don international airport
2.1 By private car/taxi
The distance from Hai Phong city to Van Don international airport is 98 km. It takes around 1 hour and a half to transfer by private car/taxi. The price is approximately VND 1.800.000/one-way (US$75).
Taxi brands in Hai Phong city:
- En Vang Taxi: 0225 3777 999
- Goi La Co Taxi: 0225 3785 785
- Hai Phong Taxi: 0225 3737 373/ 031 383 8383
- Hoang Anh Taxi: 0225 3222 222
2.2 By Limousine
Transferring by Limousine is also a good option for you to travel in comfort and at an affordable price.
Tien Vuong Limousine
- You can book Tien Vuong Limousine on the route Mong Cai - Van Don - Halong - Hai Phong. From Hai Phong city, you take the Limousine and stop at Van Don.
- From Mong Cai: Limousine cars depart every hour daily from 4:30 to 18:30.
- From Hai Phong: Limousine cars depart every hour daily from 5:30 to 17:30.
- Ticket price: VND 350.000/pax/ one way
- Tel: 0703 303 398
Tuan Anh Limousine
- Tuan Anh Limousine follows the route Kien Thuy - Hai Phong - Bach Dang bridge - Halong city - Cam Pha - Mong Duong - Van Don expressway - Mong Cai.
- From Hai Phong:12:00, 13:00
- From Mong Cai:18:15
- Tel: 0377885755 or 0394063063
2.3 By bus
If you travel on a tight budget, you can consider taking Hai Van bus from Hai Phong - Van Don - Mong Cai.
From Hai Phong: 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00
From Van Don: 9:30, 12:15, 14:40, 17:10
Tel: 0939 479 888
3. Hanoi - Van Don international airport
Van Don international airport is about 206 km from Hanoi which takes over 2 hours to arrive. To get to the airport from Hanoi, there are a number of taxis, buses, and Limousine cars.
3.1 By taxi/ private car
If you travel in a small group, want to save transfer time and enjoy utmost privacy, it is best to take a taxi or a private car to transfer from Hanoi to Van Don international airport.
Taxi brands in Hanoi:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 024 35 518 1111
- Group Taxi: 024 38 535 353
- Thanh Cong Taxi: 024 3 575 757
Additionally, you can install grab taxi applications namely Grab, GoJek, and Bee and book a taxi.
3.2 By Limousine
Limousine is one of the most convenient ways for you to transfer to Van Don international airport from Hanoi.
Van Don Xanh Limousine
- With a high frequency of every 30 minutes, Van Don Xanh is among the top choices.
- From Van Don: Limousine cars run from 2:00 to 18:00
- From Hanoi: Limousine cars run from 5:00 to 21:00
- Tel: 02033 777 6666/ 0964 240 240
- Website: vandonxanh.com
Co To Ha Thanh Limousine
- Co To Ha Thanh Limousine is also another reputable brand that you can book for transfer from Hanoi to Van Don on the route Hanoi - Halong - Cam Pha - Van Don.
- Tel: 0978901901 - 19004501
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/nhaxehanoivandon
3.3 By bus
Hoang Cong bus provides 16-seater transit cars and Limousine cars from Hanoi to Van Don. Buses run daily every 2 hours.
- From Van Don: 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15, 11:15, 13:15, 15:15, 17:15
- From Hanoi: 4:30, 6:30, 8:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30
- Hotline: 1900 23 23 92
- Website: nhaxehoangcong.com
Things to Do
Halong Bay
A majority of passengers to Van Don international airport flock to Halong Bay as a primary tourist destination. The bay is about 54 km from Van Don international airport. Depending on your time and schedule, you can choose day cruises or overnight cruises exploring the bay and join some activities like kayaking, swimming, visiting caves, and so on.
At the same time, on land, you can take a city tour with major attractions like Quang Ninh museum, Sun World Halong complex, and Halong night market.
Uong Bi
86 km from Van Don international airport, it takes you a 1.5-hour drive to Uong Bi, a famous land of religious sites. You have a chance to take a pilgrim tour to Ba Vang pagoda, Giai Oan pagoda, and Mot Mai pagoda as well as contemplate natural scenery.
Yen Tu
Yen Tu is another not-to-miss destination for travelers in Quang Ninh province which is 97 km from Van Don international airport. The site impresses visitors with the magnificent beauty of the natural landscapes, ancient structures, and peaceful atmosphere.
Binh Lieu
Lastly, Binh Lieu is a quite unfamiliar tourist attraction for most visitors to Quang Ninh province. Yet, if you are keen on natural and peaceful scenery, this destination will not disappoint you. It is 75 km from the international airport. Binh Lieu is known for its lush mountains, generous fields, and unique cuisines. You normally need around 1.5 hours to arrive at the destination.
Recommended Hotels Near Van Don Airport
In close proximity to Van Don international airport, there are a number of decent hotels to choose from.
Diamond Hotel Van Don
- Location: Diamond road, Phuong Dong urban residential area, Dong Xa, Van Don, Quang Ninh province
- Distance from the airport: 6 km
- Tel: 020 3222 3333
- Check rates on Booking.com
Ngoc Anh Hotel
- Location: Dong Xa, Van Don, Quang Ninh province
- Distance from the airport: 8.5 km
- Tel: 039 632 8060
- Check rates on Booking.com
Hong Ngoc Hotel
- Location: Zone 9, Cai Rong town, Van Don, Quang Ninh province
- Distance from the airport: 6.4 km
- Tel: 033 937 4166
Hai Luu Hotel
- Location: Cai Rong town, Van Don, Quang Ninh province
- Distance from the airport: 5.6 km
- Tel: 097 920 7006
- Check rates on Booking.com
Phoenix Minh Chau Hotel
- Location: Quan Lan island, Van Don, Quang Ninh province
- Distance from the airport: 23.4 km
- Tel: 090 344 2285
- Check rates on Booking.com
See our guide to the nearest airports to Halong bay
