Plan your journey through Long Thanh International Airport with our guide! Learn about flights, transfers, cultural etiquette, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your adventure today!
Long Thanh International Airport near Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Internet)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, and official sources like vietnam.travel, vinpearl.com, culturetrip.com, and travel.state.gov. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Long Thanh International Airport is under construction and expected to open in phases starting late 2025, with full operations by 2026. Currently, Tan Son Nhat International Airport serves Ho Chi Minh City flights. This guide details future operations, transfers, and travel tips for a smooth journey. For current flights, refer to Tan Son Nhat.
Photograph the historical spirit of Vietnam’s landmarks (Source: Internet)Long Thanh International Airport, located 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City in Dong Nai Province, will be Vietnam’s largest gateway, handling up to 100 million passengers annually with four runways and modern facilities vinpearl.com. Designed to alleviate Tan Son Nhat’s congestion, it will connect international travelers to Vietnam’s cultural treasures like Ho Chi Minh City’s Cu Chi Tunnels, Vung Tau’s beaches, and Mekong Delta cruises. Understanding Long Thanh’s operations ensures smooth arrivals for travelers from all countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or exploring independently. This guide provides practical airport insights, cultural etiquette, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international visitors.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, Long Thanh will streamline entry with e-visa processing and seamless transfers. This guide blends airport details, visa tips, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free adventure.
Long Thanh International Airport will operate 24/7 with international and domestic flights. A Vietnam visa is required for most nationalities (e-visa $25; visa exemption for 25 countries up to 45 days). Passports must be valid for 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Cu Chi Tunnels cost 200,000 VND; 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, handled by hotels. Verify visa requirements and airport updates via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Location and Access: 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City, connected by a 38 km highway (opening 2025) and high-speed rail (2026); transfer time 45–60 minutes to city center vinpearl.com.
Facilities: Four terminals, four runways (3,800m each), 100 gates, hotels, shopping malls, and green spaces; capacity for 25 million international passengers annually vietnam.travel.
Flights: Hub for international airlines (e.g., Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific) and domestic connections to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc vietnam.travel.
Sustainability: Solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and electric vehicle charging stations for eco-friendly operations vinpearl.com.
Public Transport: High-speed train ($5 or 125,000 VND, 30 minutes to Ho Chi Minh City); airport shuttle bus ($2 or 50,000 VND, 60 minutes) vietnam.travel.
Private Transfers: Taxi ($20–$30 or 500,000–750,000 VND, 45 minutes); Grab ride-hailing ($15 or 375,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Tip: Pre-book transfers via hotel or Vietnam Tours for convenience; allow 2 hours for immigration and customs travel.state.gov.
Photograph the historical spirit of Vietnam’s landmarks (Source: Internet)Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth airport arrival and travel experience during Vietnam Tours. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod to immigration officers or locals; use both hands for transactions at airport counters or markets culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees, especially for temple visits after arrival (e.g., Cu Chi Tunnels); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vietnam.travel.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor at immigration; 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 airport 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 Vung Tau beaches; complete TM.30 registration for long stays (handled by hotels) travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to officers 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 airports 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 Long Thanh and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow airport rules (no photography in immigration areas); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for airport transfers or cities like Ho Chi Minh City; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for electric taxis or bicycles after arrival for sustainable travel vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your airport-prepared journey after arriving at Long Thanh, based on the latest data from vietnam.travel, vinpearl.com, culturetrip.com, and travel.state.gov. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Cu Chi Tunnels or Vung Tau beaches independently after arrival at Long Thanh; suitable for travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Airport Tips: Use shuttle bus ($2 or 50,000 VND) or Grab ($15 or 375,000 VND) to city center; carry passport photocopy for checks; register TM.30 at hotel travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; Cu Chi Tunnels open 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (200,000 VND); Vung Tau beaches accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: 200,000 VND; transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm exemption eligibility; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless after Long Thanh.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Cu Chi Tunnels after arrival at Long Thanh; includes English-speaking guide, transport from airport, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Airport Tips: Meet at airport arrivals; ensure valid exemption or e-visa; guides assist with TM.30 travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 9:00 AM from Long Thanh; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Long Thanh International Airport arrivals.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vans minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest noted: “Legend’s tour ensured smooth airport transfer and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Vung Tau beaches and a local market after arrival at Long Thanh; includes English-speaking guide, transport from airport, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Airport Tips: Use exemption or e-visa for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 8:30 AM from Long Thanh; returns by 5:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Long Thanh International Airport arrivals.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and local transport reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, and Mekong Delta after arrival at Long Thanh; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Airport Tips: Use multiple-entry e-visa for multi-city travel; carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm TM.30 registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Long Thanh; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Long Thanh International Airport arrivals.
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 noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Start your visa-prepared journey with Vietnam’s serene glow (Source: Internet)Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for travelers with visa exemptions or e-visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural 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.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm 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 airport arrivals 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 land borders. Morning arrivals (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Seize the cultural essence of Vietnam’s artistry (Source: Internet)Verify Visa Needs: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs vietnam-visa.com.
Airport Tips: Arrive 3 hours early for international flights; use shuttle bus ($2 or 50,000 VND) or Grab ($15 or 375,000 VND) to city center; carry passport photocopy for checks; register TM.30 at hotel travel.state.gov.
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 electric taxis or bicycles after arrival for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for e-visas 7–14 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check airport updates at vinpearl.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, proof of onward travel (e.g., return flight ticket for exemption), wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Capture the authentic charm of Vietnam’s cultural scene (Source: Internet)Visa and Travel Costs
Exemption Costs: No cost for 60-day exemption; extension: 1,900 THB thaievisa.go.th.
E-Visa Costs: Single entry: $40 (1,400 THB); multiple entry: $80 (2,800 THB); expedited: $20–$50 (700–1,750 THB) thaievisa.go.th.
Embassy Visa Costs: $40–$200 (1,400–7,000 THB), depending on visa type thaiembassy.org.
Airport Transfers: Shuttle bus: $2 (50,000 VND); Grab: $15 (375,000 VND); taxi: $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND).
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: 30–500 THB; transport (motorbike taxi: $1–$3 or 30–100 THB; bicycle: $3–$5 or 100–150 THB/day).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (850–1,400 THB, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (1,000–1,750 THB, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,800–7,000 THB, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (150 THB).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $3–$5 (100–150 THB).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (350–1,050 THB). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., pad thai, som tam): $0.30–$1 (10–30 THB).
Souvenirs (e.g., silk, crafts): $0.30–$10 (10–350 THB).
Donations: $0.30–$1 (10–30 THB). 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; $0.30–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use exemption to save on costs.
Visa Tips: Check eligibility for visa exemptions (25 countries) or apply for e-visas at evisa.gov.vn; use embassy visas for non-exempt nationalities or specific needs vietnam-visa.com.
Airport Tips: Arrive 3 hours early for international flights; use shuttle bus ($2 or 50,000 VND) or Grab ($15 or 375,000 VND) to city center; carry passport photocopy for checks; register TM.30 at hotel travel.state.gov.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect airport 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: Airport open 24/7; cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use electric taxis or bicycles; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for airport transfers or cities like Ho Chi Minh City.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot season (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 150 THB); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 191, Tourist Police: 1155).
When does Long Thanh open? Phases start late 2025, full operations by 2026 vinpearl.com.
How do I transfer from Long Thanh to Ho Chi Minh City? Shuttle bus ($2 or 50,000 VND, 60 minutes); Grab ($15 or 375,000 VND); highway/taxi ($20–$30 or 500,000–750,000 VND) vietnam.travel.
What visa do I need for Long Thanh? Exemptions for 25 countries (60 days); e-visa for others ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) evisa.gov.vn.
Is Long Thanh eco-friendly? Yes, with solar panels and electric charging vinpearl.com.
What are the penalties for overstaying? Fines of 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available at Long Thanh? No, use exemptions or e-visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your airport-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.
Mastering Long Thanh International Airport with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and airport-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly journey through Vietnam. With tour costs from $15–$250, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Cu Chi Tunnels and Vung Tau beaches, this trip offers adventure and sustainability for international travelers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, leverage visa exemptions or apply for e-visas early via evisa.gov.vn, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Long Thanh opens in phases from late 2025; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
Legendtravelgroup.com
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