Flying into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Essential Travel Guide

This is part of the Been There, Done That series, where our expert globetrotters travel the world to get the insights and information you need for a seamless travel experience.

Flying into Hanoi versus Ho Chi Minh City is a stark difference, perhaps still emulating the differences between North and South Vietnam.

Travelers can view the lush greenery of North Vietnam before landing at Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Contrary to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi has managed to preserve much of its old-world charm and traditional architecture, starkly contrasting it to the modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh.

The view from the airplane is breathtaking, showcasing a landscape filled with lush greenery. While the narrow streets of Hanoi are indeed bustling with cars and scooters, the journey into the city is a delightful change of pace from the often overwhelming traffic in Ho Chi Minh.

Hanoi's preserved old charm, combined with the verdant landscapes on the approach, make for a memorable and distinct arrival experience once you get through immigration and arrivals at Noi Bai International Airport.

Travelers to Vietnam must have their passport stamped by an immigration officer when entering and leaving the country. | Source: iVisa

Navigating Vietnam's Visa Requirements for Ho Chi Minh City

Like many other countries, Vietnam has specific entry requirements for foreign visitors. To ensure a smooth travel experience, I always check the following:

1. Visa requirements and application: I needed a visa to enter Vietnam. The process typically takes at least two weeks, so applying well before your travel dates is advisable.

Be sure to gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity, a completed visa application form, and proof of accommodation and transportation arrangements within Vietnam.

2. Booking flights and accommodation: Before applying for a visa, I had to have confirmed bookings for my flights in and out of Vietnam and accommodations for the duration of my stay. This information will be required as part of the visa application process.

3. Print and bring required documents: Once my visa application has been accepted, print out the approved visa and any other relevant documents, such as my passport, flight itinerary, and accommodation confirmation. These documents were checked at the airport before I could get my boarding pass.

Travelers can expect to wait in lengthy immigration queues when landing at Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Immigration: Expect to wait

Upon landing in Hanoi on an international flight, you can expect a similar immigration process to that of Ho Chi Minh City. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait to pass through immigration.

Using the restroom and taking care of any immediate needs before disembarking the plane is advisable, as the immigration process is time-consuming, typically taking over an hour. The flight attendants will likely remind you of this as you descend into the city; they did this on my flight into Vietnam.

I saw a few ATMs and SIM card providers before passing through immigration. However, there's no need to rush to buy a SIM card or withdraw cash before immigration, as these services are readily available within the airport after immigration and customs.

When I entered immigration upon landing in Vietnam, I encountered a long line, but all lines were open, and I only waited about 20 minutes before speaking with an immigration officer.

This is relatively short. From my conversations with Vietnamese pass holders, it typically takes an hour or longer on busy travel days.

During my turn, I presented my passport and physical boarding pass to the immigration officer. Interestingly, there was no request to see my visa papers, as they had likely been checked before I boarded the plane and were already in the system.

The officer took a few minutes to review my documents and passport before stamping it and officially granting me entry into the country.

After talking to other travelers and expats I met in Vietnam, I realized that the immigration experience is generally consistent across cities within the country.

Travelers wait for their luggage at the international baggage claim at Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Baggage Claim: Bags take a while to arrive

When arriving in Hanoi, the baggage claim process can differ depending on whether you land domestically or internationally.

Domestic Arrivals: Upon landing domestically, you will proceed directly to the baggage claim area after disembarking the plane. It's important to note that bags can take considerable time to appear on the baggage carousel. Mine took around 35 minutes to come out.

Use the restroom before heading to the claim area to maximize your waiting time. Once you enter the baggage claim area, you won't be able to reenter if you exit, so be sure to have all your belongings with you.

Travelers wait for their baggage at the domestic baggage claim at Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

International Arrivals:

If you are arriving internationally, your baggage may already have been unloaded by the time you finish the often lengthy immigration process.

If you don't see your bag on the carousel, don't panic. It might be placed on the floor near the baggage claim area, which is what happened to my bags when I first landed in Vietnam. Be sure to check around the claim area thoroughly before seeking assistance.

Travelers can access various services at the international arrivals hall at Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Arrival Terminals: Your one-stop shop for SIMs and ATMs

Once you have collected your luggage upon landing in Hanoi, you'll have the opportunity to explore the arrival terminals before heading into the city.

I used this time to stock up on Vietnamese Dong, the local currency. I also checked to ensure my local SIM card still worked in a different part of the country. It was fine, so I skipped stopping at one of the phone provider booths.

I also stopped to get a quick snack and some water. The journey into the city from the airport usually takes around 45 minutes, so being prepared can make your arrival experience smoother.

Travelers can access essential services and restaurants at the domestic arrivals hall of Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Domestic Terminal: After passing through the baggage claim, you'll enter the arrivals area, where you can find various services.

This includes purchasing a SIM card for your phone, grabbing a quick snack or beverage, or accessing an ATM or money changer. All of these facilities are conveniently located within the air-conditioned terminal.

International Terminal: Similar services are available in the international terminal. You can purchase a SIM card to stay connected, get a bite to eat, exchange your currency at the money changers, or withdraw cash from the ATMs.

If you are looking for a meal, the international terminal has better restaurants than the domestic terminal. All of these services are easily accessible before you leave the terminal.

Travelers making a domestic or international connection at Noi Bai International Airport must take a green shuttle bus to access the other terminal. | Source: iVisa

Making Domestic and International Connections

Suppose you're making an international connection in Hanoi or must go to the international terminal like I did. In that case, you'll find that the international and domestic terminals are about a mile apart.

This might not be immediately obvious, and finding the free green shuttle bus between the two terminals can be confusing.

After I exited the terminal, I headed to the far right of the arrivals area as directed by an airport staff member. It's a good idea to ask for help if you need clarification, as the staff are usually very helpful in pointing you in the right direction.

Make sure you get on the right bus. Several pick up from this area, but only the green airport bus will take you between the terminals.

There is a sign above where the bus should pick you up from. You will know you are on the right bus when you hear a message saying that the time to the next terminal is five minutes in English.

The ride between the two terminals is relatively short, but it's worth considering when planning your connection time. While the shuttle service is frequent, the distance between the terminals means the journey can take a little time.

Travelers wait in the pick-up area for the driver or Grab car to take them into Hanoi. | Source: iVisa

Transportation: Using Grab to Avoid Scams

When traveling into the city from the airport, the most recommended method is to download Grab, which is Southeast Asia's answer to Uber, and book your ride through the app.

This is especially important because taxi drivers at the airport, particularly those at the international terminal, can be pretty aggressive. It's best to steer clear of them to avoid potential scams or overcharging.

Be cautious; some taxi drivers may try to deceive you by displaying the Grab logo. However, they are not affiliated with Grab. Ensure you only get into a car you've booked through the Grab app after verifying the license plate matches your booking.

Several drivers hounded me when I landed, asking if I needed a Grab while flashing the logo. I waited inside the arrivals hall to avoid them and exited once my Grab had arrived.

The pickup area is conveniently located just outside the airport. You'll be picked up alongside other drivers.

The journey into Hanoi is often pleasant, offering views of the country's lush greenery before you enter the city's bustling streets.

A Vietnam Airlines plane pulls into the domestic terminal at Noi Bai International Airport. | Source: iVisa

Navigating through Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi can present its challenges, especially during busy periods. Despite the hustle and bustle, the airport's two terminals offer services catering to domestic and international travelers.

While the immigration process can be time-consuming, the airport's facilities aim to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Noi Bai International Airport is the gateway to Hanoi and Vietnam's unique charm and vibrant energy.