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 remains the sole airport serving Quang Ninh province as of 2025. Situated in Doan Ket commune within Van Don district, this modern airport is positioned approximately 50 km from Halong City and 20 km from Cam Pha City. The airport continues to play a significant role in enhancing connectivity and supporting tourism in the region, particularly for popular destinations such as Ha Long Bay.
Distance to Van Don Airport
City |
Distance |
Travel time |
---|---|---|
Halong City |
53 km |
approximately 1 hour |
Tuan Chau Island |
72 km |
about 1 hour 10 minutes |
Hai Phong City |
98 km |
roughly 1 hour 40 minutes |
Cat Ba Island |
109 km |
around 1 hour 50 minutes |
Hanoi |
203 km |
estimated at 3 hours |
General Airport Information

- Van Don International Airport has been designated as a 4E-grade airport according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and serves as a Level II military airport.
- The airport covers an extensive area of 345 hectares, with total investment capital reaching VND 9,000 billion as of 2025.
- The terminal spans approximately 30,000 square meters, featuring distinct areas for arrivals and departures.
- The facility includes 35 check-in counters and 10 parking stands accommodating aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
- The runway is outfitted with an ILS Category II flight guidance system, allowing planes to land competently even under adverse weather conditions.
Airport Services

VIP Services
VIP services are designed to assist departing passengers with check-in, boarding procedures, and expedited migration, as well as to aid arriving passengers upon landing.
VIP and CIP Lounge
Van Don International Airport features a business-class lounge that spans 1,400 square meters and accommodates up to 120 guests during peak times. Visitors can take advantage of high-end amenities, including a welcoming reception area, a buffet, and a cocktail lounge.
Utilities
Van Don International Airport offers a variety of utility services to enhance passenger convenience. These include areas for internet access, complimentary drinking water, free phone charging stations, accessible restrooms, ATMs, luggage wrapping services, and expedited check-in options.
Dining
Dining options are available both inside and outside restricted areas for both domestic and international travelers. Three key restaurants at Van Don International Airport include Lucky Restaurant located near Gate 01 for domestic departures, another Lucky Restaurant close to Gates 07 and 08 for international departures, and Red Cherry situated near the check-in Counter 01.
Flights to/from Van Don Airport

Van Don International Airport offers both domestic and international flights. The major airlines operating at the airport include Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, VietJet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Vietstar Airlines.
Domestic flight routes: Van Don (VDO) - Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Van Don - Da Nang City.
International flight routes: Van Don - South Korea, Van Don - Japan, and Van Don - China. Currently, most international services through Van Don are charter flights, with regular scheduled flights expected to be introduced soon.
Domestic Flights
1- Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don
Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air provide daily flights from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to Van Don International Airport. The average flight duration is approximately 2.5 hours, with one-way fares ranging from VND 1,000,000 to VND 1,800,000. Below is a summary of the latest 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 1,400,000 | |
Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Bamboo Airways | VND 1,600,000 |
2- Da Nang City - Van Don
At present, there are no direct flights from Da Nang City to Van Don International Airport. Passengers will need to transit through Ho Chi Minh City to reach Van Don.
Route | Airlines | Fare (one-way) | Reservation |
---|---|---|---|
Da Nang City - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Vietnam Airlines | VND 2,500,000 | |
Da Nang City - Ho Chi Minh City - Van Don | Bamboo Airways | VND 4,700,000 |
International Flights
Currently, other than charter flights from South Korea, Japan, and China, there are no direct international flights available to Van Don. Foreign travelers are recommended to fly directly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) and then connect to another flight to Van Don International Airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) and either book a private transfer or take a 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 + 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 official website: vandonairport.vn. You may also find flight schedules on the airlines' websites that operate flights 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: 1900 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 approximately 50 km, with various transportation options available for travelers.
1.1 By Private Car/Taxi
Traveling by private car or taxi is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Van Don International Airport from Halong City. The fare typically ranges from VND 400,000 to VND 600,000 one way (US$17 - US$25).
Taxi companies in Halong City:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 033 362 8628
- Hong Gai Taxi: 033 384 8484
- Ha Long Taxi: 033 362 6262
- Thanh Hung Taxi: 033 365 9659
- Thinh Hung Taxi: 033 361 6161
- Sao Mai Taxi: 033 382 2822
1.2 By Bus
Bus route 14, operated by Phuc Xuyen Transportation Company, is a budget-friendly option to get from Halong City to Van Don International Airport.
Route: Sun World Halong Park - Bai Chay Bus Station - Kenh Liem - Ha Tu - Cam Pha - Cua Ong - Van Don - Van Don International Airport.
For reservations, call 1900 6789 and press 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, requiring approximately 1.5 hours by private car or taxi. The fare is around VND 2,000,000 one way (US$85).
Taxi companies 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
Limousine services are a comfortable and reasonably priced way to travel.
Tien Vuong Limousine
- Book Tien Vuong Limousine for the Mong Cai - Van Don - Halong - Hai Phong route. From Hai Phong, the Limousine stops at Van Don.
- Departures from Mong Cai: Hourly from 4:30 to 18:30.
- Departures from Hai Phong: Hourly from 5:30 to 17:30.
- Ticket price: VND 450,000 per passenger one way.
- Tel: 0703 303 398
Tuan Anh Limousine
- Tuan Anh Limousine travels the route Kien Thuy - Hai Phong - Bach Dang Bridge - Halong City - Cam Pha - Mong Duong - Van Don Expressway - Mong Cai.
- From Hai Phong: Departing at 12:00 and 13:00.
- From Mong Cai: Departing at 18:15.
- Tel: 0377885755 or 0394063063
2.3 By Bus
If you're on a budget, consider taking the Hai Van bus from Hai Phong to Van Don and 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, taking over 2 hours to reach. Various options including taxis, buses, and Limousine services are available.
3.1 By Taxi/Private Car
For small groups seeking privacy and a quicker journey, taking a taxi or private car from Hanoi to Van Don International Airport is ideal.
Taxi companies in Hanoi:
- Mai Linh Taxi: 024 35 518 1111
- Group Taxi: 024 38 535 353
- Thanh Cong Taxi: 024 35 757 757
Mobile apps such as Grab, GoJek, and Bee are also available for booking taxis.
3.2 By Limousine
Limousine services provide a convenient option for transfers from Hanoi to Van Don International Airport.
Van Don Xanh Limousine
- Operating every 30 minutes, Van Don Xanh is a popular choice.
- From Van Don: Limousines operate from 2:00 to 18:00.
- From Hanoi: Limousines operate 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 offers reputable service on the Hanoi - Halong - Cam Pha - Van Don route.
- Tel: 0978901901 / 19004501
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/nhaxehanoivandon
3.3 By Bus
Hoang Cong Bus provides 16-seater transit and Limousine services from Hanoi to Van Don, operating 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 significant number of travelers arriving at Van Don International Airport seek out Halong Bay as a premier tourist destination. Located approximately 54 km from the airport, visitors can choose between day cruises or overnight excursions to explore the bay. Activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cave visits offer memorable experiences amidst stunning natural beauty.
On land, there are several attractions to discover, including the Quang Ninh Museum, Sun World Halong Complex, and the vibrant Halong Night Market, providing a glimpse into both culture and leisure.
Uong Bi
Situated 86 km from Van Don International Airport, a 1.5-hour drive will take you to Uong Bi, renowned for its sacred sites. Pilgrimage tours to Ba Vang Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, and Mot Mai Pagoda offer spiritual insights alongside breathtaking natural scenery.
Yen Tu
Another essential destination within Quang Ninh province is Yen Tu, located 97 km from the airport. Famous for its stunning landscapes, historical structures, and tranquil environment, Yen Tu provides a serene retreat for those seeking peace and natural beauty.
Binh Lieu
Lastly, Binh Lieu remains a somewhat lesser-known gem for many visitors to Quang Ninh province. However, for those who appreciate serene landscapes and natural beauty, this destination is sure to impress. Just 75 km from the international airport, Binh Lieu is celebrated for its lush mountains, expansive fields, and unique local cuisines. Travelers typically require about 1.5 hours to reach this tranquil spot.
Recommended Hotels Near Van Don Airport

In close proximity to Van Don International Airport, there are several excellent hotels to consider in 2025.
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
- Check rates on Booking.com
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.