Discover the distance from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City with our guide! Learn about transport options, travel times, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. Legend Travel Group since 2008. Bản quyền nội dung thuộc về Legend Travel Group (By Legend Travel Group).
Long Thanh International Airport (LTIA), Vietnam's newest gateway, is set to open in 2026 as the country's largest airport, located 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City in Dong Nai Province. This modern hub will connect seamlessly to the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, home to cultural landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica, Ben Thanh Market, and Cu Chi Tunnels. Understanding the distance and transport options ensures a smooth journey for travelers, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or exploring independently. As Vietnam's aviation expands, LTIA will reduce congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport, offering efficient access to the city's cultural heart. This guide provides practical distance insights, transport tips, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options to enhance your arrival.
With Legend Travel Group since 2008, we specialize in organizing tours for international travelers, offering flexible payments with just 10% deposit up to 30 days before departure for peace of mind. This guide leads you to seamless Vietnam Travel experiences, from airport transfers to cultural immersions.
The distance from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 40 km (25 miles) by road, with travel times of 45–90 minutes depending on transport and traffic. A Cambodia visa is not required for Vietnam entry, but a Vietnam visa or exemption is needed. Cultural site entries like Ben Thanh Market are free; guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration (TM.30) is required within 24 hours for stays over 90 days, typically handled by hotels. Verify transport and visa requirements via official channels or book through Legend Travel Group for hassle-free **Vietnam Tours.
Immerse in the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City after a smooth transfer (Source: Internet)Distance: 40 km (25 miles) via National Highway 51 and Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thành–Dầu Giây Expressway vietnam.travel.
Travel Time: 45–60 minutes by taxi or private car; 60–90 minutes by bus or shuttle; 30–45 minutes by high-speed train (once operational) vinpearl.com.
Route Highlights: The expressway offers scenic views of Dong Nai's countryside, passing through Bien Hoa City and leading to District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Expect moderate traffic during peak hours (7–9 AM, 4–6 PM) vietnam.travel.
Alternative Routes: Via local roads (50–60 km, 1–2 hours) for a more scenic drive, or the upcoming Long Thanh–Ho Chi Minh City metro line (projected 2028) for 30-minute travel vietnam.travel.
Tip: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for real-time navigation; book transfers through Legend Travel Group for reliable **Vietnam Tours with 10% deposit and flexible payments up to 30 days before departure.
Taxi/Private Car: Fastest option (45–60 minutes, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND); book via Grab or Vinasun apps; ideal for groups or those with luggage vinpearl.com.
Shuttle Bus: Affordable (60–90 minutes, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND); departs from airport terminal; connects to District 1; eco-friendly with shared rides vietnam.travel.
Public Bus: Budget-friendly (90–120 minutes, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); routes via Highway 51; less comfortable but scenic vietnam.travel.
High-Speed Train (Future): Projected 30–45 minutes ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); connects airport to Saigon Station; sustainable rail option vietnam.travel.
Eco-Tip: Choose shuttle buses or future trains to minimize carbon footprint; Legend Travel Group offers eco-friendly Vietnam Travel packages with 10% deposit for peace of mind.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth arrival and enhances your Vietnam Tours experience. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to drivers or locals; use both hands for transactions at airports or markets to show respect culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits after arrival (e.g., Giac Lam Pagoda); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vietnam.travel.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at entry checkpoints; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry passport securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our arrival and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ben Thanh Market; complete TM.30 registration for long stays (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to drivers or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen respectful travelers thrive at Vietnam’s entry points and cultural sites.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken at airports and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow entry rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for airport routes or cities like Ho Chi Minh City; carry a printed passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) or bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) after entry for sustainable travel vietnam.travel.
Experience Vietnam’s culture with distance-prepared tours (Source: Internet)Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your journey after arriving at Long Thanh, based on the latest data from vietnam.travel, vinpearl.com, and culturetrip.com. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Cu Chi Tunnels independently after a 40 km transfer from Long Thanh; suitable for prepared travelers; low difficulty.
Distance Tips: 45–90 minutes by taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND); use Grab app for reliable rides; carry proof of onward travel if needed vietnam.travel.
Schedule: Daily; Ben Thanh Market open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Notre-Dame Basilica open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Cu Chi Tunnels tours depart 7:00 AM.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Cu Chi Tunnels: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND); transport (taxi: $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND; bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Use Google Maps for real-time routes; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after Long Thanh.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Notre-Dame Basilica and Ben Thanh Market after airport transfer from Long Thanh; includes English-speaking guide, private transport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Distance Tips: 45-minute private transfer ($20 or 500,000 VND); guides handle navigation; visa exemption for Swiss tourists travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:00 AM from Long Thanh; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transfer and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Long Thanh International Airport.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Switzerland noted: “Legend’s tour ensured a smooth 40 km transfer and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City’s landmarks after Long Thanh transfer; includes English-speaking guide, transport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Distance Tips: 60-minute shuttle ($10 or 250,000 VND); visa exemption for tourism; carry passport photocopy vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Long Thanh; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $40–$60/person (1,000,000–1,500,000 VND, includes transfer and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Long Thanh International Airport.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and shuttle reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Switzerland noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching after crossing.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Mekong Delta after Long Thanh transfer; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Distance Tips: 45-minute private transfer to Ho Chi Minh City ($25 or 625,000 VND); visa exemption for multi-city travel; TM.30 registration handled by hotels travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Long Thanh; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $100–$250/person (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Long Thanh International Airport.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Switzerland noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visa exemptions.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend city visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Capture the authentic charm of Vietnam’s historical scene (Source: Internet)Key travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, festive with family traditions; mild and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Year-Round Opportunities: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for transfers and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences; expect rain at the airport. Morning transfers (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid traffic and heat. Verify forecasts via accuweather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Swiss citizens enjoy 60-day exemption; extend for 30 days (1,900 THB) or apply for e-visas at thaievisa.go.th for longer stays; use embassy visas for non-tourism purposes thaiembassy.org.
Transfer Tips: Book private taxis ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) via Grab for comfort; use shuttle buses ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for eco-friendly options; carry proof of onward travel or funds tourismthailand.org.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed e-visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately; provide proof of onward travel for exemptions travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm hotels register TM.30 for stays over 90 days; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital e-visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for motorbike taxis or bicycles after entry for sustainable travel.
Tip: Book transfers 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small THB notes for local purchases; check visa status at thaievisa.go.th. For embassy visas, contact the Thai embassy in Bern (+41 58 464 11 33).
Begin your transfer day with Vietnam’s tranquil ambiance (Source: Internet)Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for exemption), wallet ($5 or 150 THB), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($3 or 100 THB); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($5 or 150 THB) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 100 THB) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($5 or 150 THB); hat ($3 or 100 THB).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 120 THB); snacks ($0.30–$1 or 10–30 THB, e.g., pad thai); small backpack ($5 or 150 THB); sunscreen ($3 or 100 THB); insect repellent ($3 or 100 THB).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 300–450 THB); local SIM ($3–$5 or 100–150 THB); waterproof camera ($50 or 1,500 THB) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 100 THB) for purchases; phrase card ($2 or 60 THB) with Thai basics.
Extras: Small THB notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($5 or 150 THB); umbrella ($5 or 150 THB) for wet season; money belt ($5 or 150 THB) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Transfer and Travel Costs
Taxi/Private Car: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND) for 40 km vietnam.travel.
Shuttle Bus: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND) for 40 km vietnam.travel.
Public Bus: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND) for 40–60 km vietnam.travel.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use exemption to save on costs.
Transfer Tips: Book private taxis ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) via Grab for comfort; use shuttle buses ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND) for eco-friendly options; carry proof of onward travel or funds tourismthailand.org.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect entry and local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Entry points open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (some 24/7); cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use motorbike taxis or bicycles; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for airport routes or cities like Ho Chi Minh City.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via accuweather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
How far is Long Thanh Airport from Ho Chi Minh City? 40 km (25 miles) by road, 45–90 minutes by taxi or bus vietnam.travel.
What transport options are available? Taxi ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND), shuttle bus ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND), public bus ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), future high-speed train (30–45 minutes) vietnam.travel.
Is the transfer safe? Yes, with low risk; use reputable apps like Grab for taxis; avoid unregulated motorbikes travel.state.gov.
What time is best to transfer? Early morning (6:00–10:00 AM) to avoid traffic; dry season (Jan–Aug) for better road conditions accuweather.com.
How do I book transfers? Use Grab app or Legend Travel Group for reliable options; deposit 10% up to 30 days before for peace of mind legendtravelgroup.com.
Are eco-friendly transfers available? Yes, shuttle buses and future trains; book Vietnam Tours for sustainable options.
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (Source: Internet)Enhance your distance-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Understanding the distance from Long Thanh International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and transfer-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through Vietnam. With transfer costs from $2–$25, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Cu Chi Tunnels, this trip offers adventure and sustainability. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, book transfers early via Grab or Legend Travel Group (10% deposit up to 30 days before for peace of mind), and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
Legendtravelgroup.com
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