Noi Bai International Airport Guide for First-Time Travelers to Vietnam (HAN)

2026-02-20

For most travelers, Noi Bai International Airport is not just an airport. It is the first breath of Vietnam.

You step off the plane and feel the humidity shift. The language changes. The signage is bilingual but unfamiliar. You hear Vietnamese tones for the first time. You’re tired, maybe slightly disoriented - and now you have to navigate immigration, baggage claim, SIM cards, taxis, and traffic.

If this is your first time in Vietnam, this guide will make that first 90 minutes calm instead of chaotic.

We’ll cover:

• Exactly what happens at Noi Bai International Airport arrivals
• How to plan for Noi Bai International Airport departures
• A simplified Noi Bai International Airport map
• Real transport costs and taxi logic
• And when staying in hotels near Noi Bai International Airport actually makes sense

Airport Overview: Where You’ve Just Landed

Official name: Noi Bai International Airport
IATA code: HAN
ICAO code: VVNB
Distance to Hanoi Old Quarter: ~27–30 km
Average travel time: 45–60 minutes (longer in rush hour)

Noi Bai is the largest airport in northern Vietnam. It handles millions of passengers each year - far more than it was originally designed for - which explains why it can feel crowded during peak arrival waves.

The airport has two terminals:

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

They are about 850 meters apart and connected by a free shuttle bus running roughly every 10–15 minutes.

This is the only map fact you really need to memorize.

Noi Bai International Airport Map: Think Simple, Not Complicated

Forget memorizing floor diagrams.

Think of the Noi Bai International Airport map like this:

• International arrival? → T2
• Flying to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City? → T1
• Connecting? → Shuttle

Inside both terminals, the logic is linear:

• Arrivals → Immigration → Baggage → Customs → Exit
• Departures → Check-in → Security → Immigration → Gate

It’s not glamorous. It’s functional.

Noi Bai International Airport Arrivals: Your First 90 Minutes in Vietnam

This is where emotions matter.

You’re tired. Maybe jet-lagged. Maybe excited. Maybe anxious about visas or taxis.

Here’s what actually happens.

Step 1: The Walk to Immigration

You exit the plane and follow signs for “Arrivals / Immigration.” The hallway can feel long, especially after a 10-hour flight.

Breathe. There is only one direction.

Step 2: Immigration at Noi Bai International Airport

At passport control, there are usually separate lanes:

• Vietnamese passports
• Foreign passports

Queues fluctuate depending on how many wide-body flights landed together. Sometimes it’s 15 minutes. Sometimes it’s 45.

Have ready:

• Passport
• Visa (if required)
• Arrival card (if issued on flight)

The process is usually efficient and quiet. Officers scan, stamp, return your passport.

That stamp is your official entry into Vietnam.

Step 3: Baggage Claim

After immigration, follow overhead screens to your carousel number.

Bags usually appear within 15–25 minutes. If they don’t, don’t panic immediately. Multiple flights can share belt space.

Keep your baggage tag until fully outside.

Step 4: Customs

You’ll see two channels:

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

Most travelers use green and walk straight through.

SIM Cards, ATMs & First Money Decisions

Right after customs, you enter the decision zone.

You’ll see:

• SIM card counters
• ATMs
• Currency exchange booths
• Taxi agents calling out offers

This is where first-timers often overspend.

SIM Cards

Airport SIMs are convenient but often cost more than city shops. Expect higher pricing for immediate activation.

If you:

• Already have eSIM → skip this
• Need Grab immediately → buy minimal data
• Want best value → buy in city later

Recommended eSIM Options for Vietnam (Best for Landing at HAN)

If you want the internet immediately after landing (especially for Grab pickup), eSIM is the smoothest solution. We already have a full article on the best eSIM in Vietnam for different travel plans, check it out here.

1. Airalo (Reliable & Easy)

• Uses Viettel network (strong coverage nationwide)
• Plans from 1GB to unlimited (varies by duration)
• Works instantly upon activation
• Good for short stays (7–15 days)

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

2. Holafly (Unlimited Data Plans)

• Unlimited data options
• Slightly higher price
• No physical SIM swap needed

Best for: Heavy Google Maps / Instagram / remote workers.

3. Nomad eSIM

• Flexible packages
• Often slightly cheaper than Holafly
• Good speeds in Hanoi & major cities

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers.

4. Viettel eSIM (Direct Network)

• Buy directly from Viettel website
• Strongest rural + mountain coverage
• Slightly more setup steps

Best for: Travelers going to Sapa, Ha Giang, or remote areas.

ATMs & Currency Exchange

ATMs are available in arrivals. They are safe to use.

Exchange counters exist but rates may not be optimal. Withdraw a moderate amount - enough for transport and small expenses - and exchange more later in Hanoi if needed.

When ATM asks currency conversion → choose VND, not your home currency.

Where to Exchange Currency in Hanoi (Smart Strategy)

Option 1: ATM at Noi Bai International Airport (Safest & Easiest)

Inside Terminal 2 arrivals hall, you’ll find ATMs from:

• BIDV
• VietinBank
• Agribank

Smart move:
Withdraw a moderate amount (e.g., 2–4 million VND) for taxi + first meals.

• Reliable
• Fair exchange rate
• May have withdrawal fee depending on your bank

Option 2: Airport Exchange Counters

Exchange counters are available right after customs.

Rates are usually less favorable than in the city.
Good only if:

• You need small cash immediately
• Your card isn’t working

Option 3: Best Currency Exchange in Hanoi (City Center)

If you're staying in Old Quarter:

Ha Trung Street (Gold & Jewelry Shops)

• Location: Hoan Kiem District
• Very competitive exchange rates
• Trusted by locals
• Bring passport (sometimes required)

This area is widely known among expats for good USD → VND rates.

Option 4: Banks in Hanoi

Reliable banks:

• Vietcombank
• BIDV
• VietinBank

They are safe and transparent but slower process than exchange shops

Currency exchange Insider Advice (Important)

• Always choose “Charge in VND” at ATM to avoid bad dynamic conversion rates.
• Don’t exchange large sums at the airport.
• Keep small bills (50k, 100k VND) for taxis and street food.
• Grab drivers often prefer cash unless you’ve linked a card.

Personal recommendations:

For most travelers landing at Noi Bai International Airport:

1. Use eSIM before landing
2. Withdraw ~2–3 million VND at airport ATM
3. Use Grab to reach Old Quarter
4. Exchange additional cash later on Ha Trung Street if needed

Getting From Noi Bai to Hanoi

This decision shapes your first impression of Vietnam.

Taxi

Typical range: 300,000–400,000 VND
Plus toll: ~15,000 VND

Simple. Direct. No app needed.

Best for:

• Families
• Heavy luggage
• Late-night arrivals

Grab / Ride-Hailing

Typical range: 250,000–300,000 VND

Pros:

• Upfront pricing
• Digital record

Cons:

• Needs mobile data
• Pickup zones can be crowded

Bus 86 (Budget Option)

Fare: ~30,000–45,000 VND

Runs between airport and city center.

It’s slower but reliable and luggage-friendly.

Noi Bai International Airport Departures: Leaving Vietnam Smoothly

Departures feel calmer when planned correctly.

International Departures

Arrive 3 hours before flight.

You will pass through:

• Check-in counters
• Security screening
• Immigration exit control
• Departure gates

During holidays or Tet, allow extra buffer time.

Noi Bai International Airport T2 check-in area

Domestic Departures

Arrive 2 hours before flight.

Check-in closes about 45 minutes before departure.

Terminal 1 is typically faster and less complex than Terminal 2.

Hotels Near Noi Bai International Airport: Should You Stay Close?

Searching for hotels near Noi Bai International Airport usually means one of three situations:

• You land after midnight
• You depart before 8AM
• You have a short layover

Here are commonly chosen airport-area properties (verify availability before publishing exact pricing):

1. VATC Sleep Pod (Inside Airport)

Located inside the airport.
Best for:

• Short naps
• Transit layovers
• Early departures

Not luxury - but extremely convenient.

2. Paragon Noi Bai Hotel & Pool

Near airport perimeter.
Best for:

• Overnight stay
• Quick morning departure
• Moderate comfort

3. Dragon Airport Hotel

Budget-friendly option.
Good for:

• One-night transit
• Simple room, no frills

4. Family Transit Hotel

Popular among short-stay travelers.
Often offers:

• Airport transfer
• 24-hour reception

When NOT to Stay Near the Airport

If you arrive during the day and plan to explore Hanoi, staying near the airport can feel isolating.

Better areas:

• Old Quarter
• Hoan Kiem Lake area
• Ba Dinh

The airport area is practical. The city center is atmospheric.

Emotional Reality: What First-Timers Feel at Noi Bai

Let’s be honest.

Noi Bai is not Singapore Changi. It’s not Seoul Incheon.

It is functional. Busy. Efficient enough. Slightly chaotic at peak times.

But it works.

And once you’re in your taxi heading toward Hanoi, the energy shifts. The city starts unfolding. Motorbikes multiply. Street lights blur. The adventure begins.

The airport is just the threshold.

Final Advice for Using Noi Bai International Airport Confidently

Remember three things:

• T1 = Domestic, T2 = International
• Arrivals take 60–90 minutes total
• Choose transport based on energy, not just price

Plan lightly. Stay flexible. Don’t overthink the first hour.

Vietnam takes care of the rest.

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