Flying Into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

When planning a trip to Vietnam you will need to decide whether to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Which you choose will depend on the flight connections from your country of origin and what you want to see when you reach Vietnam.

You will find that both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have a fusion of old and new, but you will soon discover that both have their own unique vibe. Ho Chi Minh City is fast paced with a youthful 21^st century energy, while Hanoi takes pride in its traditional past.

Here are helpful tips to make choosing to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam much easier.

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Where is Hanoi?

Hanoi or Ha Noi as it is also known is the capital of Vietnam and the second largest city after Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi is in the north of Vietnam and features a charming Old Quarter which dates to the 14th century.

Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport is the second busiest airport in Vietnam. The journey from Hanoi airport to the city centre takes between 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.

Getting from Noi Bai International Airport to Hanoi City Centre is easy, you can either pre book a private car or take a taxi from the taxi rank at the airport to your hotel.

Hanoi Vietnam Map

Where is Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it is known by locals, is the largest city in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is in the south of Vietnam and has a heady mix of gleaming skyscrapers, historic French colonial buildings, and remnants from the Vietnam War.  

Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Fortunately, the airport is a short eight kilometres (5 miles) from the city centre and takes around 15 to 20 minutes to drive depending on traffic.

To get from the Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city centre you can either take a pre booked private car or taxi from the taxi rank at the airport.

Ho Chi Minh City Map

Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

Whether you fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City will depend on the places you want to visit once you reach Vietnam.

Both cities have a host of noteworthy attractions that are just waiting to be discovered. Hanoi is also a steppingstone to the picturesque beauty of Ha Long Bay and mountain villages of Sapa. Ho Chi Minh City is within easy reach of the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.

Multi City Flight Options Vietnam

When planning your trip to Vietnam you may opt to fly into Ho Chi Minh City and leave from Hanoi. This allows you to visit a variety of places along the coast as you make your way north to Hanoi. This option can be reversed for a Hanoi entry and Ho Chi Minh City exit.

Flying in and out of Vietnam from different cities does cost more but it does give you more time in Vietnam and saves on return flights back to the original arrival destination.

Flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City

Another option is to enter and exit Vietnam from the same city. This is perfect for anyone on a tight timeframe wanting to get the most out of a focused region.

Both Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are excellent choices as each city has a large variety of attractions and tours that not only highlight the city but take you further afield to discover the lifestyle, food, and natural beauty of Vietnam.

A Ho Chi Minh Vietnam itinerary can include:

• Ho Chi Minh City Highlights Tours
• Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tours
• Vietnamese Cooking Classes
• Ho Chi Minh City Dinner Cruises
• Mekong Delta Tours
• Cu Chi Tunnel Tours
• Mui Ne Day Tour
• Cai Rang Floating Market Tour
• Long Tan and Nui Dat Tour

A Hanoi Vietnam itinerary can include:

• Hanoi Highlights Tours
• Hanoi Old Quarter Street Food Tour
• Hanoi Cooking Class Tours
• Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
• Ha Long Bay Tours
• Sapa Tours
• Ninh Binh Tours

Top 5 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

There are so many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and you can discover them on your own or by taking a tour. Just walking around the streets will fill your senses as you watch the hectic buzz of this vibrant city.

Breathe in the mouth-watering aromas and feast your eyes on the delicious dishes served at the local street stalls. Listen to the stories that have shaped a city that has triumphed over an often turbulent past.  

Here are five Ho Chi Minh City attractions that need to be on your list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall

Life in Ho Chi Minh City revolves around Nguyen Hue Street which is a vast walking street that stretches from City Hall down to the Saigon River.

Showpiece of the walking street is the City Hall (People’s Committee Building) a charming French colonial confection that overlooks an impressive statue of Ho Chi Minh, one of Vietnams most respected leaders.

Nguyen Hue Street is a popular meeting place for families and friends wanting to enjoy each other’s company in the cool of the evening. During the day you can visit the shops, restaurants, and cafes that line the sidewalks of this remarkable avenue.

On national holidays and sporting events crowds in the walking street swell as the people of Ho Chi Minh City come together to celebrate.

Ben Thanh Market

For a little local colour make sure to visit Ben Thanh Market. This bustling market is filled to the brim with a mixture of merchandise that includes souvenirs, luggage, textiles, clothing, Vietnamese coffee and much more.  

Ben Thanh Market is also the place to sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine in one of the food stalls scattered throughout the market.

Saigon Skydeck – Bitexco Financial Tower

One of the most striking modern buildings in Ho Chi Minh City would have to be the Bitexco Financial Tower. Here you will find the Saigon Skydeck which is famous for its sweeping 360˚ views of Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River.

This uniquely shaped skyscraper is the perfect place to watch Ho Chi Minh City come alive as the bright lights of the city illuminate the night sky.

War Remnants Museum

Saigon played a memorable part in the Vietnam War and a trip to the War Remnants Museum is the place to learn about the battles from a Vietnamese perspective.

The Museum houses a massive collection of weapons and there are information boards telling the story of the struggles that took place. Within the grounds you will find aircraft and tanks left over from this unhappy conflict.   

The Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace or Independence Palace as it is also known is the site of the Fall of Saigon which took place on the 30th of April 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War.

Noted for its grand 1960’s architecture, the palace is a time capsule complete with 1970’s furnishings and a war room in the underground bunker.

Best Day Tours From Ho Chi Minh City

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City make sure to save time for a day trip out of the city. There are day trips to choose from, but most popular Ho Chi Minh City day trips include the journey out to the Mekong Delta and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Top 5 things to do in Hanoi

A trip to Hanoi will have you enjoying the cultural side of Vietnam. Here life centres around Hanoi’s fabled Old Quarter, a place that will have you discovering the hidden gems of this fabulous city.

From the elegant French colonial buildings to the timeworn shophouses selling a myriad of colourful wares, you will find yourself falling under the spell of Hanoi.

The Old Quarter

The Hanoi Old Quarter is famous for the 36 Streets which are dedicated to an assortment of trades working in brass, embroidery, silver, and silk to name a few.

Today you can explore these streets and pick up a bargain while immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of the Old Quarter.

The area is also home to restaurants and cafes selling a range of Vietnamese and international delicacies.

Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake is the beating heart of the Old Quarter, a tranquil setting that brings enjoyment to the people of the city.

In the early morning you can see the mist drift across the lake and watch locals doing their morning round of Tai Chi.

Admire the beauty of the Turtle Tower that sits in the middle of the lake or visit the nearby Ngoc Son Temple.

Ngoc Son Temple

To get to the Ngoc Son Temple, cross over the red bridge which is one of Hanoi’s most photographed landmarks.

The Ngoc Son Temple or Jade Mountain Temple as it is known in English, sits on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake. This strikingly decorated temple is in a peaceful setting with views overlooking the lake.

The temple is dedicated to the memory of thirteenth century military leader Tran Hung Dao who saved Vietnam from the invading Mongols.

Hoa Lo Prison – Hanoi Hilton

The Hoa Lo Prison has a grim history and was originally built by French colonists to house Vietnamese political prisoners.

During the Vietnam War the prison was used for captured American military personnel and infamously renamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by its inmates.

Hoa Lo Prison has a fascinating display of memorabilia and should be on your list of places to visit in Hanoi.

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

No visit to Hanoi would be complete without seeing the water puppet show. The show is performed in waist deep water by a talented group of puppeteers and accompanying musicians.  

This cultural extravaganza will have you experiencing a gamut of emotions as you enjoy the traditional Vietnamese music and historical stories.

Best Day Tours From Hanoi

Hanoi is the gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnams most famous attractions. Here you can choose to take a day tour from Hanoi or stay longer with an overnight or two-day cruise.

If you have three days to spare take the five-hour journey to the mountain town of Sapa. From here you can admire the stunning mountain scenery and trek to the mountain villagers of the hill tribes.

Best Time To Visit Hanoi Or Ho Chi Minh City

Choosing the best time to visit Vietnam will depend on whether you want to visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

The weather differs from the north and south of Vietnam, and this may impact on what time of year you choose to visit. Here is an example of what to expect when you visit both regions of Vietnam.

Hanoi Weather

Unlike southern Vietnam Hanoi experiences something closer to four seasons. There is a wet and dry season but also a winter season which can be quite cold by Vietnamese standards.

The winter months of January can bring average temperatures of around 14° to 20°Celsius (57˚ to 68˚Fahrenheit).

The best time to visit Hanoi is between April and June when average temperatures range from around 28° to 33°Celsius (82˚ to 91˚Fahrenheit).

For those liking cooler weather the months of September and October are ideal as average temperatures vary from 28° to 25°Celsius (82˚ to 77˚Fahrenheit).

Ho Chi Minh City Weather

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate that is split into a dry season and rainy season. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season which takes place between December and April.

The dry season is hotter than the rainy season and you can expect hot balmy days with average temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius (91˚Fahrenheit).

The rainy season starts around May and lasts until November. Expect tropical showers in the afternoon with humid days reaching temperatures of around 28°Celsius (82˚Fahrenheit).

If you are coming to Ho Chi Minh City during rainy season, make sure to pack an umbrella and be aware that the rain can cause flooding to the city.

Last Words On Flying Into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

We hope this article has helped you choose between flying into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.

Both cities have their own unique attractions and special vibe. We are sure that no matter which city you choose you will come to love the friendly Vietnamese hospitality, fascinating culture, and delicious food in what could be your next new favourite destination.

Choosing Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City is just the start of your Vietnamese adventure, the city of Hoi An in central Vietnam beckons and is more than ready for you to visit.