Da Nang International Airport Vietnam: A First-Timer Guide to Landing Calmly (DAD)

2026-02-21

For most travelers heading to Central Vietnam, Da Nang International Airport Vietnam is not just an airport - it’s the threshold to beaches, lantern-lit streets, and slower coastal mornings.

You step off the plane and something feels different from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The air is humid but lighter. The airport is smaller. The pace is calmer. You’re not entering a mega-city rush - you’re arriving at a gateway.

If this is your first time landing here, this guide will make your first hour structured instead of uncertain.

We’ll cover:

• Exactly what happens at arrivals
• How to get from Da Nang international airport to Hoi An
• When hotels near Da Nang international airport actually make sense
• And whether the Da Nang international airport priority pass lounge is worth your time

Overview: Where You’ve Just Landed

Official name: Da Nang International Airport
IATA code: DAD
ICAO code: VVDN
Distance to city center: ~5 km
Distance to Hoi An: ~29–30 km

Da Nang International Airport Vietnam is the third busiest airport in the country, after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike those two, however, it rarely feels overwhelming.

It has two terminals:

• Terminal 1 (T1) – Domestic flights
• Terminal 2 (T2) – International flights

The terminals are within walking distance of each other via a covered walkway. You don’t need to memorize floor plans. Just remember:

T1 = Domestic. T2 = International.

That’s the only layout fact most travelers need.

The Airport Map: Think in Three Moves

Forget complex diagrams. Think of the airport in three moves:

• Immigration
• Baggage
• Exit & transport decision

The airport is linear and clearly signed in both Vietnamese and English.

International arrivals happen in Terminal 2. Domestic arrivals happen in Terminal 1. Both are modern and easy to navigate.

One important detail: there is no ATM inside the immigration zone, so if you need visa payment funds, prepare USD or VND beforehand.

Da Nang International Airport Vietnam Arrivals: Your First 45–75 Minutes

Compared to Hanoi, arrivals here are usually faster and less chaotic.

Step 1: Immigration

You disembark and follow signs for “Arrivals / Immigration.” The walk is straightforward. There are separate lanes for Vietnamese and foreign passports.

Prepare:

• Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• eVisa (printed or digital)
• Arrival card if required

Processing times fluctuate depending on flight waves, but overall, immigration here is known to be efficient.

Step 2: Baggage Claim

After immigration, you move into baggage claim. There are multiple carousels depending on your flight.

Keep your baggage tag until you are fully outside the airport - it may be checked.

Step 3: Customs

You’ll see:

• Green channel: Nothing to declare
• Red channel: Goods to declare

Most tourists walk through the green channel without issue.

The Decision Zone: SIM Cards, ATMs & First Money Moves

After customs, you enter the “decision zone.”

You’ll see:

• SIM card kiosks
• ATMs
• Currency exchange counters
• Taxi offers

This is where first-timers often overspend.

If you land at Da Nang International Airport Vietnam:

• Have eSIM ready before landing.
• Withdraw moderate cash at airport ATM.
• Go straight to Hoi An if that’s your base.
• Stay near airport only if your timing demands it.
• Exchange larger sums in the city center for better rates.

SIM Strategy

You have three realistic options:

• Already have eSIM? Skip the counters.
• Need Grab immediately? Buy minimal data.
• Staying longer? Buy SIM in the city for better value.

Major providers include Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone. Passport is required for SIM registration. We also have a full breakdown on the best eSIM and their rates here.

Here are reliable options for tourists:

1. Airalo (Reliable & Simple Setup)

• Uses Viettel network (strong nationwide coverage)
• Flexible short-term plans (7–15 days)
• Instant activation via app
• Good for light-to-moderate usage

Best for: First-time travelers who want zero friction.

2. Holafly (Unlimited Data Option)

• Unlimited data plans available
• Slightly more expensive
• No hotspot in some plans (check details)
• Easy QR activation

Best for: Heavy Google Maps, Instagram, or remote work needs.

3. Nomad eSIM

• Often slightly cheaper than Holafly
• Good coverage in cities like Da Nang & Hoi An
• Data-only packages

Best for: Budget-conscious short stays.

4. Viettel eSIM (Direct Network Purchase)

• Buy directly from Viettel’s official website
• Strongest rural coverage (useful if heading to Hue, Phong Nha, or mountainous areas)
• Requires slightly more setup steps

Best for: Travelers going beyond Da Nang and Hoi An.

ATM & Currency Strategy

ATMs are available in both terminals. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Typical withdrawal limits range between 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND per transaction.

Exchange counters are convenient but often offer slightly weaker rates than city locations.

Smart move:
Withdraw enough for transport and first expenses. Exchange more later in town.

Airport exchange counters are convenient - but not optimal for large amounts.

If you’re staying in Da Nang city, here are smarter options:

1. Banks in Da Nang (Safe & Reliable)

These banks operate branches in central Da Nang:

• Vietcombank
• BIDV
• VietinBank
• ACB

The rates are transparent, extremely safe but slower than exchange shops.
Best areas: Hai Chau District (city center).

2. Gold & Jewelry Shops (Better Rates, Local Style)

In Da Nang, like Hanoi, some gold shops offer competitive USD → VND exchange rates.

Look in:

• Nguyen Van Linh Street
• Hung Vuong Street
• Near Han Market area

Always:

• Count money carefully
• Bring passport if exchanging larger sums

3. ATMs in Da Nang City Center

ATMs are everywhere in central Da Nang and near My Khe Beach.

Most machines dispense:

• 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND per withdrawal
• Fee: ~30,000–50,000 VND depending on bank

If the ATM offers “conversion to your home currency,” always choose: Charge in VND

This avoids poor dynamic conversion rates.

Da Nang International Airport to Hoi An: The Transfer Decision Tree

Most international tourists are not staying in Da Nang. They’re going straight to Hoi An.

Distance: ~29–30 km
Travel time: 45–60 minutes

Here’s how to choose.

Option 1 – Private Car (Most Comfortable)

Typical fixed range: 250,000–350,000 VND

Best for:

• Families
• Groups
• Late-night arrivals
• Heavy luggage

Hotels in Hoi An can arrange this in advance.

Option 2 – Metered Taxi

Estimated cost: 450,000 VND or higher

Simple but more expensive. No app needed.

Option 3 – Grab

Usually cheaper than taxis. Requires mobile data.

Good for:

• Tech-comfortable travelers
• Solo or couple travelers

Option 4 – Shuttle Services

Affordable shared vans operate between Da Nang and Hoi An. They run on schedules and are budget-friendly.

Best for:

• Solo travelers
• Light luggage
• Daytime arrivals

Quick Comparison

Situation	Best Choice
Late night	Private car
Family + luggage	Private car / taxi
Budget solo	Shuttle
Comfortable with apps	Grab

Getting to the City Center

The airport is only about 5 km from downtown Da Nang.

Travel time: 10–15 minutes
Taxi range: 70,000–120,000 VND

This is one of the fastest airport-to-city transfers in Vietnam.

If you’re staying near My Khe Beach, allow 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate well in Da Nang and are reliable for short distances.

Hotels Near Da Nang International Airport: Should You Stay Close?

Searching for hotels near Da Nang international airport usually means one of three things:

• You land after 10–11PM
• You depart before 8AM
• You have a short layover

When It Makes Sense

• Late-night arrivals.
• Very early departures.
• Transit stops.

When It Doesn’t

• Daytime arrival with sightseeing plans.
• Beach vacation stays.
• Hoi An-based itineraries.

Da Nang city center and beach areas are so close that most travelers don’t need airport-area accommodation.

Here are reliable types of stays:

Beachfront & Resort Style (My Khe Area)

1. TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach

• Direct beach access
• Rooftop pool
• Walking distance to My Khe Beach

2. Four Points by Sheraton Da Nang

• International standard
• Sea-view rooms
• Popular with business + leisure travelers

3. Sala Danang Beach Hotel

• Modern design
• Good breakfast reputation
• Mid-range pricing

Best for: Beach-focused stays.

City Center (Hai Chau District)

4. Vanda Hotel

• Near Dragon Bridge
• Rooftop bar
• Central location

5. Novotel Danang Premier Han River

• Riverside location
• International standard
• Good for business + comfort stays

Best for:
Walking access to Han River, restaurants, cafes.

Budget & Boutique Options

6. Sanouva Danang Hotel

• Affordable
• Clean and centrally located

7. Hadana Boutique Hotel

• Good value
• Quiet area near beach

Best for: Short stays and value-conscious travelers.

Da Nang International Airport Priority Pass Lounge: Is It Worth It?

If you hold Priority Pass, you may access the CIP Orchid Lounge at the international terminal (confirm current eligibility before travel).

The Da Nang international airport priority pass lounge experience includes:

• Seating area
• Light buffet
• Beverages
• Wi-Fi
• Quiet environment

When It’s Worth It

• 3+ hour layover
• Delayed international departure
• Early arrival before check-in

When It’s Not

• Short domestic flight
• Tight boarding window
• Minimal waiting time

For long waits, it can be a calm reset before your flight.

Departures: Leaving Smoothly

International Departures

Arrive 3 hours before flight time.

Process:

• Check-in → Security → Immigration → Gate

Terminal 2 handles international flights.

Domestic Departures

Arrive 2 hours before flight time.

Check-in counters close:

• 40 minutes before takeoff (domestic)
• 50 minutes before takeoff (international)

Keep your luggage stubs when flying domestic - they may be checked at exit.

Emotional Reality: Why Da Nang Feels Different

Da Nang International Airport Vietnam is not intimidating.

It’s compact. It’s walkable. It rarely feels overcrowded.

You are not entering a megacity. You are entering Central Vietnam - beaches, heritage towns, mountain views.

The airport is efficient enough. Functional. Calm.

And within an hour, you’ll likely be watching palm trees blur past your window on the way to Hoi An.

Final Advice for Using Da Nang International Airport Vietnam Confidently

Remember three things:

• T1 = Domestic, T2 = International
• Decide your Da Nang international airport to Hoi An transfer before exiting
• Only book hotels near Da Nang international airport if timing demands it

If you have lounge access, the Da Nang international airport priority pass lounge can make long waits comfortable - but most travelers won’t need it.

Plan lightly. Move calmly. This airport is a gateway, not an obstacle.

Your Central Vietnam journey starts smoothly here.

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