Ho Chi Minh Airport Terminals
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Introduction and historical background
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the main gateway to southern Vietnam and the busiest airport serving Ho Chi Minh City. Located about 6 km from the city center, it handles tens of millions of passengers each year and connects Vietnam with more than 90 destinations across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
The airport dates back to the 1930s, when it was built during the French colonial period. It later became a major military airbase during the Vietnam War before gradually transforming into a commercial aviation hub. In the 2000s, passenger growth forced the airport to expand rapidly, leading to the construction of a modern international terminal (Terminal 2) to complement the original domestic terminal. Today SGN operates with two main passenger terminals, one for domestic flights and one for international routes.
SGN is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports, and queues at immigration or security can become long during peak hours. Arriving early is strongly recommended.
Terminal 1 – Domestic Terminal
Overview and layout
Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights within Vietnam, connecting Ho Chi Minh City with destinations such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang.
The terminal is older than the international facility but has been renovated several times to support the high volume of domestic travelers.
Main zones inside Terminal 1
- Ground floor: Arrivals hall, baggage claim, and airport exits.
- Upper level: Check-in counters, security screening, and domestic departure gates.
- Commercial areas: Shops, cafés, and quick-service restaurants.
Domestic flights from SGN are extremely frequent, especially to major Vietnamese cities, with some routes operating dozens of times per day.
If you’re connecting from an international flight, allow at least 90 minutes to move between terminals and complete domestic check-in.
Restaurants and cafés in Terminal 1
Popular food options include both Vietnamese and international brands.
Highly rated options
- Highlands Coffee – One of Vietnam’s most famous coffee chains, located in both public and airside areas. Ideal for Vietnamese iced coffee or light snacks.
- Star Café – Offers Vietnamese dishes and simple international meals such as sandwiches and noodles.
- Pho Ong Hung – A great place to try authentic pho soup before a domestic flight.
- KFC and Pizza Hut – Located in the public area for quick meals.
Typical opening hours range from 05:00 until the last departure, though some cafés operate nearly 24 hours.
Vietnamese coffee is stronger than most Western coffee—try a “cà phê sữa đá” (iced coffee with condensed milk).
Shops and retail (Terminal 1)
Shopping options include:
Convenience stores
- Fresh2Go
- Mini-marts for snacks, drinks, and travel essentials
Souvenirs
- Vietnamese handicrafts
- Silk and local gifts
Travel essentials
- Electronics accessories
- Books and magazines
Terminal 2 – International Terminal
Overview and layout
Terminal 2 opened in 2007 to handle international flights and significantly increase the airport’s capacity. The terminal covers more than 115,000 m² and is organized across four levels, making it the airport’s most modern facility.
Terminal 2 levels
- Ground floor: International arrivals, baggage claim, and exit area
- First floor: Immigration processing and visa counters
- Second floor: International departures and airline check-in counters
- Third floor: Restaurants, cafés, and passenger services
The terminal includes modern boarding gates, duty-free stores, and airline lounges serving long-haul travelers.
International departures can get crowded in the evening, when many long-haul flights to Europe and East Asia depart.
Restaurants and bars in Terminal 2
Several well-rated restaurants and cafés are located mainly in the departure hall and airside areas.
Recommended places
- Cuisine de Saigon – Vietnamese specialties in a comfortable restaurant environment.
- Pho 24 – A reliable place to try Vietnam’s most famous noodle soup.
- Big Bowl – Offers Asian noodle dishes and rice meals.
- Starbucks – Located both landside and airside, good for coffee and quick snacks.
- Burger King – Fast food option in the departure hall.
- Trung Nguyen Coffee – Famous Vietnamese coffee brand with premium beans.
Typical menus include pho, banh mi sandwiches, rice dishes, coffee drinks, and Western fast food.
Restaurants inside the airside area are usually more expensive. If you have time, eat in the public area before security.
Duty Free and shopping
Duty-free shops are located after security in the international departure area. Major operators include well-known travel retail brands offering:
- Perfume and cosmetics
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Chocolates and sweets
- Electronics and travel accessories
- Vietnamese souvenirs and handicrafts
Large operators such as DFS and King Power Duty Free operate stores in the terminal.
Airport facilities and passenger services
Connectivity and money services
Passengers can access several useful facilities across both terminals.
- Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport
- ATMs and currency exchange counters in arrivals and departures areas
- SIM card kiosks selling Vietnamese mobile plans
- Luggage storage services for short-term storage
Services for families and passengers with reduced mobility
The airport provides facilities designed for accessibility and family travel.
For families
- Baby-changing rooms
- Family restrooms
- Child-friendly seating areas
For passengers with reduced mobility
- Wheelchair assistance
- Priority lanes at security and boarding
- Elevators and accessible restrooms
Request special assistance at least 48 hours before departure through your airline.
Security and baggage screening
Security checks occur in several stages:
-
Entrance screening at terminal access points
-
Security screening before entering the departure area
-
Immigration control for international flights
-
Boarding gate verification
Checked baggage is screened automatically after check-in before being loaded onto aircraft.
Liquids above 100 ml are not allowed in carry-on luggage on international flights.
Lost and found
If you lose an item at the airport:
- Contact the Lost & Found office in the arrivals area.
- Alternatively report the loss to your airline if it occurred on the aircraft.
Items such as passports, electronics, and baggage are typically stored for several weeks before being transferred to airport authorities.
Check-in and boarding procedures
Typical recommended arrival times:
- International flights: 3 hours before departure
- Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
Check-in options include:
- Traditional airport check-in counters
- Online check-in with major airlines
- Self-service kiosks for some carriers
Boarding usually begins 30–45 minutes before departure.
Boarding gates at SGN sometimes change. Always check the departure screens after passing security.
Most popular routes from SGN
Below is a summary of some of the most common routes and their approximate flight durations.
Long-haul routes such as Paris and London can exceed 13 hours, while regional Southeast Asian flights usually take under two hours.
Tan Son Nhat is very close to the city center compared with many Asian airports. However, traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be heavy, so allow extra travel time when heading to the airport.