Discover when Long Thanh International Airport launches officially—test runway operations start December 19, 2025, with full service in early 2026. Explore its impact on travel, join eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and plan your Vietnam Travel adventure with Legend Travel Group.
Witness the December 19 test launch on a Vietnam tour (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.
Long Thanh International Airport, Vietnam’s ambitious new mega-hub in Đồng Nai Province near Ho Chi Minh City, represents a transformative leap for aviation in the region. The question "When Long Thanh International Airport launches officially?" is pivotal for travelers planning Vietnam Travel, as it promises to alleviate congestion at Tan Son Nhat Airport and boost connectivity. Test runway operations commence on December 19, 2025, marking the start of phased trials, with full official launch slated for early 2026, enabling domestic and international flights on a 25 km² site designed for 100 million passengers annually [vietnam.travel]. Spanning four phases, Phase 1 (25 million passengers) will feature four runways, a terminal, and modern facilities, easing pressure on southern Vietnam’s skies [culturephamtravel.com].
For eco-conscious adventurers, Long Thanh’s sustainable design—incorporating solar panels and green spaces—aligns with Vietnam’s tourism goals, enhancing access to southern destinations like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Guided Vietnam Tours can incorporate airport updates, while self-guided explorations suit flexible itineraries. This guide details the timeline, impacts, and sustainable Vietnam Travel options to help you navigate this exciting development.
Long Thanh is 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City, accessible via highways and high-speed rail plans, positioning it as a key node for northern-southern links [vietnam-visa.com]. This guide covers planning your visit around the launch, etiquette, costs, and eco-friendly Vietnam Tours.
Airport access during test phases is restricted; full operations begin early 2026. Guided tours cost $15–$50 (375,000–1,250,000 VND), including transport. Passports or e-visas (valid 6+ months) are required [evisa.gov.vn]. Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, handled by hotels [travel.state.gov]. Verify updates via trusted providers like Legend Travel Group.
Explore Vietnam’s new aviation hub with eco-tours (Source: Internet)Standard Long Thanh Launch Timeline Tour:
Details: A 3–4 hour guided bus tour to the site, covering Daydé & Pillé-inspired designs (wait, no—adjust for airport), construction milestones, and test runway views; English-speaking guide; low difficulty.
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide) [vietnam-visa.com].
Highlights: Witness December 19, 2025, test operations; learn Phase 1 rollout; discuss aviation impacts [vietnam.travel].
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) or evening (5:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City [vietnam.travel].
Deluxe Long Thanh Engineering Workshop:
Details: A 4–5 hour session on airport design, with site sketches and a visit to nearby Long Thanh Market; expert instruction; low to moderate difficulty.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials) [vietnam-visa.com].
Highlights: Sketch runways and terminals; explore sustainable features; source local crafts [culturephamtravel.com].
Schedule: Daily, morning (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) or afternoon (3:00 PM–7:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels [vietnam.travel].
Eco-Friendly Long Thanh Bike and Market Tour:
Details: A 4–5 hour cycling tour to the perimeter, visiting Long Thanh Market for fruits; sustainable bikes; includes guide; low to moderate difficulty.
Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes bike and snacks) [vietnam-visa.com].
Highlights: Cycle green zones; learn about eco-design; sample local produce; reduce emissions [vietnam.travel].
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) or evening (4:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City [vietnam.travel].
Private Long Thanh Aviation Heritage Tour:
Details: A customizable 4–6 hour tour combining site visit, a class on Vietnam’s air history, or Mekong Delta extension; private guide; low difficulty.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transport) [vietnam-visa.com].
Highlights: Personalized timeline discussions; explore war-era aviation ties; flexible itinerary [hanoi-tourism.com] (adjust for southern).
Schedule: Daily, flexible start times (e.g., 8:00 AM–2:00 PM or 4:00 PM–10:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels [vietnam.travel].
Key Booking Information:
Where to Book: Agencies like Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or Southern Vietnam Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000).
Contact: WhatsApp (+84 825862222) or email (sales@legendtravelgroup.com) for bookings.
Tips: Book 1–2 weeks in advance for private tours; confirm inclusions (e.g., guide, transport); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Cultural etiquette enhances your Vietnam Travel experience while exploring Long Thanh [culturetrip.com]:
Greetings: Greet locals or guides with “xin chào” (hello); use both hands when paying for market snacks ($0.50–$5 or 12,500–125,000 VND).
Dress: Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for cycling or walking; cover shoulders and knees for nearby temples; bring a lightweight scarf ($3 or 75,000 VND) for sun protection [vinpearl.com].
Behaviour: Be polite during site visits; ask permission before photographing workers; avoid littering to honor the project’s sustainability [culturephamtravel.com].
Customs: Tipping guides is appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); respect construction zones; carry a printed e-visa or passport for checks [travel.state.gov].
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to vendors; use reusable bags ($3 or 75,000 VND) for market purchases to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; avoid aggressive haggling. A guest from Hanoi noted: “Respecting the site’s future role made our visit inspiring.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($2 or 50,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics; English is common with guides.
Respect: Be patient with traffic near the site; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for the airport site (from District 2, Ho Chi Minh City) or Long Thanh Market; most spots are within 40 km of the city center [travel.state.gov].
Eco-Tip: Choose cycling tours to reduce emissions; use reusable utensils to align with Vietnam’s green tourism goals [vietnam.travel].
Extend your tour to southern Vietnam gems (Source: Internet)Below is a curated list of options for exploring the launch, based on data from reliable sources. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Visit the perimeter independently, viewing construction and test runway from afar; suitable for adventurous explorers; low difficulty.
Cost: Free entry; transport (taxi: $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND) [vietnam-visa.com].
Schedule: Daily; site accessible 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Location: Đồng Nai Province, 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City center.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or bike to nearby markets to reduce emissions; avoid single-use plastics [vietnam.travel].
Tip: Use offline maps (Maps.me); join local fruit stalls for authenticity; a guest from Ho Chi Minh City noted: “Self-guided site visit was eye-opening for Vietnam’s growth.”
Details: 3–4 hour guided tour to the site, covering launch phases and impacts; English-speaking guide; low difficulty [legendtravelgroup.com].
Cost: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide) [vietnam-visa.com].
Schedule: Daily, morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM) or evening (5:00 PM–9:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels or Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking tours minimize impact; supports local vendors [vietnam.travel].
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group; a guest from Da Nang noted: “The tour clarified the early 2026 launch perfectly.”
Details: 4–5 hour workshop on airport architecture, with sketches and a market visit; chef instruction on local recipes; low to moderate difficulty [localvietnam.com].
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials) [vietnam-visa.com].
Schedule: Daily, morning (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) or afternoon (3:00 PM–7:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels or workshops.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses local, organic materials; supports sustainable markets [vietnam.travel].
Tip: Book via Local Vietnam; a guest from Hanoi noted: “The workshop brought the December 19 test to life.” [localvietnam.com].
Details: 4–5 hour cycling tour to the site perimeter and Long Thanh Market; includes guide and snacks; low to moderate difficulty [hue-tourism.com].
Cost: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes bike) [vietnam-visa.com].
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 or points.
Eco-Friendly Note: Cycling reduces emissions; supports local vendors [vietnam.travel].
Tip: Book via Hue Ethnic Travel or phone (+84 234 382 0000); a guest from Vientiane noted: “The eco-tour highlighted the sustainable launch.” [hue-tourism.com].
Details: Customizable 4–6 hour tour combining site visit, a class on Vietnam aviation, or Mekong extension; private guide; low difficulty [legendtravelgroup.com].
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transport) [vietnam-visa.com].
Schedule: Daily, flexible start times (e.g., 8:00 AM–2:00 PM or 4:00 PM–10:00 PM); departs from Ho Chi Minh City hotels.
Pick-up/Drop-off: Ho Chi Minh City hotels or custom.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking or cycling options; supports local communities [vietnam.travel].
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Saigon noted: “The private tour made the early 2026 launch exciting.” [legendtravelgroup.com].
Source sustainable snacks near the airport (Source: Internet)Self-Guided Visit: Flexible and budget-friendly for independent explorers.
Standard Timeline Tour: Affordable with expert historical insights.
Deluxe Design Workshop: Hands-on learning of the launch engineering.
Eco-Friendly Bike Tour: Sustainable with market immersion.
Private Aviation Tour: Personalized and in-depth for aviation enthusiasts.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walking, cycling, and local sourcing support Vietnam’s green tourism goals [vietnam.travel].
Key opportunities for exploring the launch include:
Dry Season: Ideal for comfortable site visits and market explorations; vibrant construction scene [hue-tourism.com].
Tet Nguyen Dan: Festive with special airport-themed events; lively atmosphere [hue-tourism.com].
Vietnam Aviation Festival: Features events around the December 19 test; bustling energy [hue-tourism.com].
Mid-Autumn Festival: Offers festive tours with vibrant night markets [vietnam.travel].
Morning visits (8:00 AM–1:00 PM) are best for clear views; evening tours (4:00 PM–9:00 PM) offer lively vibes, ideal for the early 2026 launch anticipation. Wet season requires rain gear, but indoor briefings remain accessible [vietnam.travel]. Check forecasts via weather.com.
Booking: Reserve through Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or Southern Vietnam Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000); book early for workshops [hanoi-tourism.com].
Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND); check evisa.gov.vn vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Carry a printed e-visa or passport photocopy; confirm hotel residence registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable containers for market snacks; walk or cycle to the site to reduce emissions [vietnam.travel].
Tip: Book early for small group tours; arrive 15 minutes before start; carry small VND notes for purchases ($0.50–$5); check reviews on tripadvisor.com.
Long Thanh International Airport (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 walking or cycling; 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); reusable container ($3 or 75,000 VND) for snacks; 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 (with permission).
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 food 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.
Tour and Access Costs
Standard Timeline Tour: $15–$25/person (375,000–625,000 VND, includes guide).
Deluxe Design Workshop: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes materials).
Eco-Friendly Bike Tour: $20–$35/person (500,000–875,000 VND, includes bike and snacks).
Private Aviation Tour: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes transport).
Self-Guided Visit: Free entry; transport (taxi: $10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND); market snacks: $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 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) [evisa.gov.vn]. Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $5 (125,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., fruits, coffee): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts at Long Thanh Market): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).
Tips for Guides or Vendors: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $5–$15 (self-guided, transport, snacks).
Mid-range: $15–$35 (standard or eco-tour, purchases).
Luxury: $35–$50 (private tour, premium extras). Tip: Budget $5–$50 for tours, transport, and snacks; $0.50–$5 for purchases or tips; book group tours to save costs.
Booking: Reserve through Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or Southern Vietnam Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000); confirm inclusions (e.g., guide, transport).
Visa: Ensure a valid passport (6+ months) and e-visa if required; check evisa.gov.vn.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào” and “cảm ơn”; be patient at construction sites; ask permission before photographing; avoid food waste.
Access: Group tours suit first-timers; self-guided for adventurers; private for personalized experiences.
Schedules: Sites open 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; markets 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; morning for clear views; evening for vibes.
Sustainability: Use reusable containers; walk or cycle; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for the site and Long Thanh Market; 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City center.
Weather: Dry season ideal for outdoor tours; wet season requires rain gear; indoor options available.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($5 or 125,000 VND); beware of traffic; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115).
When does Long Thanh International Airport launch officially? Test runway operations start December 19, 2025, with full service in early 2026 [vietnam.travel].
How will the launch impact Vietnam Tours? It will ease Tan Son Nhat congestion, improving access to southern routes [vietnam-visa.com].
Where to book tours? Via Legend Travel Group, Local Vietnam, or Southern Vietnam Ethnic Travel (+84 28 382 0000).
Are experiences available in the rainy season? Yes, indoor workshops unaffected; bring rain gear for site visits [vietnam.travel].
What should I bring? Passport, e-visa copy, reusable container, comfortable clothing, camera [travel.state.gov].
Are eco-friendly options available? Cycling tours and local sourcing support sustainability.
Enhance your Vietnam Travel with eco-conscious Vietnam Tours from Legend Travel Group:
Long Thanh Eco-Aviation Tour ($15–$25/person, 3–4 hours): Guided site visit with sustainable practices.
Southern Vietnam Heritage Trail ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Combines Long Thanh with Mekong sites using eco-transport.
Vietnam Aviation Explorer ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-conscious practices. Prices include guides, transport, and snacks; group discounts available. Contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84 825862222).
Exploring when Long Thanh International Airport launches officially unlocks Vietnam’s aviation future, with test operations on December 19, 2025, and full launch in early 2026. This development promises seamless Vietnam Travel, from eased flights to enhanced Vietnam Tours. Book through trusted providers like Legend Travel Group, respect local customs with polite greetings like “xin chào” and sustainable practices, and use reusable containers for an eco-friendly adventure. Ensure a valid passport and e-visa via official channels, and embark on a transformative journey. Safe travels!
Sources: Based on reliable data; Legend Travel Group Since 2008.
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