Long Thanh International Airport (Under Construction)

Long Thanh International Airport is under construction in Dong Nai province, Vietnam, approximately 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City. Once operational, it is expected to become the country's largest airport, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international traffic. Phase 1, targeted for completion by 2026, will include a single terminal and runway capable of handling 25 million passengers annually. The airport sits on a 5,000-hectare site in Long Thanh District, surrounded by agricultural land and developing industrial zones. While the project has faced delays, it represents a strategic shift to relieve overcrowding at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. For now, the site is a vast construction zone, but within a few years it will transform into a modern gateway for southern Vietnam.

Getting There

Long Thanh International Airport is located in Long Thanh District, Dong Nai province, about 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City's center. Access during construction is limited to local roads, but future plans include a dedicated expressway and a metro line connecting to HCMC's system. By car, the journey from District 1 takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour under normal traffic conditions via National Highway 51 or the new Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab will be the primary options for travelers once the airport opens. Buses are also planned, with routes linking the airport to HCMC's Mien Dong Bus Station and Bien Hoa City. For those coming from Vung Tau or the coastal areas, National Highway 51 provides a direct route, taking about 90 minutes from Vung Tau. Parking facilities will include multi-story garages and open lots near the terminal, with capacity for thousands of vehicles. Currently, no public transport serves the construction site, so travelers should book private transfers or drive themselves if visiting for project-related purposes.

Inside the Terminal

When Phase 1 opens, the terminal will be a single, four-level structure covering 370,000 square meters. Design emphasizes efficiency and natural light, with a large central atrium serving as the main check-in area. Passengers will find clear signage in Vietnamese and English, with separate zones for domestic and international departures. Security checkpoints are located on the second floor, designed to handle high volumes with minimal wait times. The terminal includes confirmed facilities such as toilets, family restrooms, and nursing rooms. Duty-free shops and food courts are expected to occupy the third floor, offering local Vietnamese cuisine and international options. Gates are arranged in two concourses extending from the main building, with air bridges for all stands. The departure hall features high ceilings and large windows, giving an open feel. Arrivals are on the ground floor, with baggage claim areas equipped with modern carousels. For connecting flights, clear corridors avoid the need to re-enter security. While the airport aims for a smooth experience, initial operations may face teething issues as systems are tested — passengers should allow extra time during the first months after opening.

Long Thanh International Airport (LTH/VVLT) and Dong Nai

Dong Nai province, adjacent to Ho Chi Minh City, offers travelers a mix of natural attractions and cultural sites. The most significant is Cat Tien National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve about 60 kilometers north of Long Thanh. This massive lowland rainforest is home to rare wildlife such as the Javan rhinoceros (though now possibly extinct in Vietnam), Asian elephants, and various primate species. Visitors can trek, take night safaris, or visit the park's rescue center for endangered animals. Another notable destination is Buu Long Lake, a scenic reservoir near Bien Hoa city, ideal for boating and picnics. The area around the lake includes the Buu Long Pagoda, a Buddhist temple with striking architecture. For history enthusiasts, the War Remnants Museum in Bien Hoa provides insights into the Vietnam War, but most travelers head to the larger one in HCMC. Dong Nai's industrial parks, including Biên Hòa 1 and 2, drive the province's economy, but they also host factory outlets selling textiles and ceramics at discounted prices. The local cuisine features specialties like bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich) with regional twists, and seafood from nearby coastal areas. The airport's location makes it a convenient entry point for exploring not just Dong Nai but also the Mekong Delta to the south and the Central Highlands to the north. As the airport grows, Dong Nai is likely to develop more tourist infrastructure, including hotels and tour services, catering to layover passengers and those seeking an alternative to HCMC's crowded districts.

Practical Information

Long Thanh International Airport is not yet operational. Phase 1 is scheduled to open in 2026, with full completion of all phases expected by 2040. Once open, the airport will operate 24 hours a day, though airline schedules will dictate actual flight times. The official website (www.longthanhairport.vn) provides updates on construction progress. Contact details for the operator, Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), are available on their site. For travelers needing assistance before the opening, the nearest operating airport is Tan Son Nhat (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City.

One concrete piece of advice: If you plan to visit southern Vietnam after 2026, consider flying into Long Thanh instead of Tan Son Nhat to avoid the crowds and congestion — especially if your destination is in Dong Nai, Vung Tau, or the eastern provinces. Check the airport's flight schedules closer to your travel date, as airlines may offer attractive introductory fares.