Explore what sets Long Thanh International Airport apart from Tan Son Nhat—Vietnam's new mega-hub vs. the current busiest gateway. Discover key differences in capacity, location, and sustainability for seamless Vietnam Travel. Book Vietnam Tours today!
Contrast Tan Son Nhat’s busy runways with Long Thanh’s future vision (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travelers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights and guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys. Bản quyền thuộc về Legend Travel Group Since 2008. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel.
Vietnam’s aviation landscape is transforming with Long Thanh International Airport poised to redefine air travel, contrasting sharply with the bustling Tan Son Nhat International Airport. As Vietnam’s busiest gateway, Tan Son Nhat handles over 40 million passengers annually but struggles with congestion and outdated infrastructure. Long Thanh, set to commence runway testing on December 19, 2025, and officially operational in early 2026, promises a game-changer with its capacity for 100 million passengers by 2030 and 130 million by 2050, easing the load on Tan Son Nhat. This comparison highlights key differences in design, location, sustainability, and impact on Vietnam Travel, ideal for planning seamless Vietnam Tours.
Hanoi’s Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat dominate today, but Long Thanh’s emergence will shift southern routes dramatically. For travelers, understanding these differences ensures smoother itineraries, from visa processes to eco-friendly transfers. This guide explores the contrasts, drawing from official announcements and expert analyses.
Airport transfers cost $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND) via taxi or shuttle. E-visas ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) are required for most visitors; apply online evisa.gov.vn. Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, handled by hotels travel.state.gov. Verify flight schedules and bookings via trusted Vietnam Tours providers like Legend Travel Group.
Witness Long Thanh’s mega-hub taking shape (Source: Internet)Standard Airport Comparison Tour:
Details: A 3–4 hour guided transfer and overview tour from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh site, discussing design differences; includes English-speaking guide; low difficulty.
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes transport and guide).
Highlights: Compare current congestion at Tan Son Nhat with Long Thanh’s future runways; learn about sustainable features like solar panels.
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) or afternoon (2:00 PM–6:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Deluxe Airport Infrastructure Workshop:
Details: A 4–5 hour session on aviation engineering, visiting Tan Son Nhat terminals and Long Thanh construction site; includes expert talk; low to moderate difficulty.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials and transport).
Highlights: Discuss cantilever designs vs. modern hubs; explore Long Thanh’s 4 runways vs. Tan Son Nhat’s 2.
Schedule: Daily, morning (9:00 AM–1:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City.
Eco-Friendly Airport Shuttle and Market Tour:
Details: A 4–5 hour electric vehicle tour from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh area, stopping at local markets; uses sustainable transport; includes guide; low to moderate difficulty.
Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes EV shuttle and snacks).
Highlights: Highlight Long Thanh’s green initiatives like rainwater harvesting vs. Tan Son Nhat’s urban challenges; sample local fruits.
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) or evening (4:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City.
Private Airport Legacy Tour:
Details: A customizable 4–6 hour private transfer exploring both airports’ histories, with optional site visit; includes private guide; low difficulty.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transport).
Highlights: Personalized insights on Long Thanh’s 25 million initial capacity vs. Tan Son Nhat’s saturation; flexible stops.
Schedule: Daily, flexible start times; departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Key Booking Information:
Where to Book: Trusted Vietnam Tours providers like Legend Travel Group.
Contact: WhatsApp (+84 825862222) or email (sales@legendtravelgroup.com) for bookings.
Tips: Book 1–2 weeks in advance; confirm inclusions (e.g., transport); check reviews for seamless Vietnam Travel.
Cultural etiquette enhances your Vietnam Travel experience while comparing airports culturetrip.com:
Greetings: Greet guides or vendors with “xin chào” (hello); use both hands when paying for snacks ($0.50–$5 or 12,500–125,000 VND).
Dress: Wear comfortable clothing for transfers; modest attire for nearby sites; bring a lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND) for sun protection.
Behaviour: Be polite in crowded terminals; ask permission before photographing security areas; avoid littering to support sustainability.
Customs: Tipping guides is appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect construction zones at Long Thanh; carry printed e-visa.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you); use reusable bottles ($4 or 100,000 VND) for hydration during Vietnam Tours; avoid aggressive haggling. A guest from Hanoi noted: “Respecting the sites made our airport comparison tour insightful.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) for basics; English common with guides.
Respect: Be patient with traffic near Tan Son Nhat; support local vendors fairly.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) from Tan Son Nhat (District 7) to Long Thanh (Dong Nai Province, 40 km away).
Eco-Tip: Opt for electric shuttles to reduce emissions; align with Vietnam’s green aviation goals.
Join eco-friendly Vietnam Tours to compare airports sustainably (Source: Internet)Below is a curated list of options for comparing the airports, based on official data and traveler feedback. Confirm details before booking.
Details: Independent transfer from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh site via Grab or taxi; observe differences in infrastructure; low difficulty.
Cost: Transfer $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); snacks $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND).
Schedule: Anytime; taxis 24/7.
Location: Tan Son Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) to Long Thanh (Dong Nai).
Eco-Friendly Note: Choose electric taxis to reduce emissions.
Tip: Use Google Maps; a guest from Ho Chi Minh City noted: “Self-guided transfer highlighted the scale difference.”
Details: 3–4 hour guided tour contrasting Tan Son Nhat’s terminals with Long Thanh’s future layout; includes transport; low difficulty.
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide).
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) or afternoon (2:00 PM–6:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses hybrid vehicles; supports local.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group; a guest from Da Nang noted: “The tour clarified Long Thanh’s advantages.”
Details: 4–5 hour session on airport evolution, visiting Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh site; includes diagrams; low to moderate difficulty.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials).
Schedule: Daily, morning (9:00 AM–1:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Focuses on sustainable designs like Long Thanh’s solar arrays.
Tip: Book via Local Vietnam; a guest from Hanoi noted: “The workshop deepened my understanding.”
Details: 4–5 hour EV shuttle tour from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh area, stopping at local markets; includes guide; low to moderate difficulty.
Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes EV and snacks).
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) or evening (4:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Electric vehicles reduce carbon footprint.
Tip: Book via Hanoi Ethnic Travel; a guest from Vientiane noted: “The EV tour was sustainable and fun.”
Details: Customizable 4–6 hour private tour exploring both airports’ histories, with optional site visit; includes private guide; low difficulty.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transport).
Schedule: Daily, flexible start times; departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Eco-Friendly Note: Custom routes minimize travel; supports communities.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group; a guest from Saigon noted: “The private tour was tailored perfectly.”
Self-Guided Transfer: Flexible for independent explorers.
Standard Comparison Tour: Affordable with guided insights.
Deluxe History Workshop: In-depth engineering focus.
Eco-Friendly Shuttle Tour: Sustainable with market immersion.
Private Legacy Tour: Personalized for history buffs.
Eco-Friendly Note: All options promote green Vietnam Travel practices.
Join eco-friendly Vietnam Tours to compare airports sustainably (Source: Internet)Key opportunities for comparing the airports include:
Dry Season: Ideal for comfortable transfers and site visits; clear views of construction.
Tet Nguyen Dan: Festive with increased traffic at Tan Son Nhat, highlighting congestion issues.
Vietnam Aviation Festival: Features events showcasing Long Thanh’s future role.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Vibrant night transfers with lantern-lit bridges.
Morning transfers (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) avoid peak traffic; evening ones (4:00 PM–9:00 PM) offer sunset views over the Red River. Wet season requires rain gear, but indoor terminals remain accessible. Check forecasts via weather.com.
Booking: Reserve through trusted Vietnam Tours providers like Legend Travel Group; book early for groups.
Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required; check evisa.gov.vn.
Documentation: Carry printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm hotel registration.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable bottles; opt for walking tours to reduce emissions.
Tip: Book early; arrive 15 minutes before; carry small VND notes for snacks; check reviews.
Ho Chi Minh City Saigon River (Source: Internet)Pack for a comfortable, sustainable Vietnam Travel experience:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed e-visa ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND if required), passport photocopy, tour bookings, wallet ($5–$8 or 125,000–200,000 VND).
Clothing: Comfortable attire for transfers; lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($10 or 250,000 VND) for wet season; comfortable shoes ($15 or 375,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($4 or 100,000 VND); small backpack ($5 or 125,000 VND); hand sanitizer ($2 or 50,000 VND); napkins ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND); local SIM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); camera ($50 or 1,250,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($3 or 75,000 VND) for market purchases; phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for snacks or tips; small first aid kit ($5 or 125,000 VND); umbrella ($5 or 125,000 VND) for rain; money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Dining and Tour Costs
Standard Comparison Tour: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide).
Deluxe History Workshop: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials).
Eco-Friendly Shuttle Tour: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes EV and snacks).
Private Legacy Tour: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transport).
Self-Guided Transfer: Transfer $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); snacks $0.50–$5 (12,500–125,000 VND).
E-Visa Costs (if required): Single entry: $25 (625,000 VND); multiple entry: $50 (1,250,000 VND); expedited: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (125,000 VND).
Local SIM: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Travel Insurance: $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Souvenirs at Markets: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Tips for Guides: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$15 (self-guided, snacks, transport).
Mid-range: $15–$35 (standard tour, purchases).
Luxury: $35–$50 (private tour, extras). Tip: Budget $5–$50 for tours and transport; book group Vietnam Toursto save.
Booking: Reserve through trusted Vietnam Tours like Legend Travel Group; confirm inclusions.
Visa: Ensure valid passport and e-visa; check evisa.gov.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” and “cảm ơn”; be patient in terminals; ask permission for photos.
Access: Group tours for first-timers; self-guided for independents; private for customized.
Schedules: Terminals open 24/7; tours daily; morning for less traffic.
Sustainability: Use reusable items; walk or cycle; support local vendors fairly.
Navigation: Offline maps for 40 km route; most within 2–3 km of centers.
Weather: Dry season ideal; wet requires rain gear; terminals air-conditioned.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND); beware pickpocketing; emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
What is the main difference in capacity? Tan Son Nhat: 40 million passengers/year; Long Thanh: 100 million by 2030.
Who designed Long Bien Bridge? Daydé & Pillé (French firm, 1899–1902).
How to book a tour? Via Legend Travel Group or Local Vietnam for Vietnam Tours.
Rainy season impact? Indoor terminals unaffected; bring rain gear for sites.
What to bring? Passport, e-visa, reusable bottle, comfortable shoes, camera.
Eco options? EV shuttles and walking tours support sustainability.
Cai Be Floating Market Tien Giang (Source: Internet)Enhance your Vietnam Travel with eco-conscious Vietnam Tours from Legend Travel Group:
Airport Comparison Eco-Tour ($15–$25/person, 3–4 hours): Guided with sustainable transport.
Hanoi-HCMC Aviation Trail ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Combines airports with cultural sites.
Southern Vietnam Explorer ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Multi-site adventure with green practices. Prices include guides and transport; group discounts available. Contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222).
Understanding the differences between Long Thanh International Airport and Tan Son Nhat reveals Vietnam’s aviation future: from Tan Son Nhat’s congested legacy to Long Thanh’s sustainable mega-hub. With testing on December 19, 2025, and operations in early 2026, it promises smoother Vietnam Travel. Book Vietnam Tours through Legend Travel Group for insightful experiences, respect local customs with “xin chào”, and embrace eco-practices for responsible journeys. Ensure e-visa via evisa.gov.vn, and embark on seamless adventures. Safe travels!
Sources:
Legendtravelgroup.com
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