Tho Xuan Airport

Tho Xuan Airport, also known as Sao Vang Airport, sits roughly 45 kilometres west of Thanh Hoa city centre in the Tho Xuan District of north-central Vietnam. Opened in 2013, it functions as the region’s primary domestic air hub, connecting the province to Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang via daily flights operated by Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways. The compact terminal handles a modest passenger throughput — enough to keep operations brisk without the pressures of a larger gateway.

Getting There

From Thanh Hoa city centre, the drive to the airport takes about 45 minutes to an hour along National Highway 45, a well-maintained two-lane road that passes through agricultural land and small towns. The most practical option is a taxi or private car. Metered taxis from the city charge approximately 400,000 to 500,000 Vietnamese dong (17–22 US dollars) one way. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab also operate in Thanh Hoa, though availability near the airport can be spotty returning to the city. A handful of local shuttle services run between the airport and major hotels in Thanh Hoa; booking through your accommodation is recommended. For those driving themselves, the airport offers a spacious car park with wheelchair-accessible spaces. Buses from Thanh Hoa to the airport are limited — one public route makes the trip twice daily, but it is not reliable for flight connections. Most passengers opt for private transport.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-storey structure where arrival and departure functions share the same building. On departure, passengers enter a modest check-in hall with six counters, then pass through a single security lane. The waiting area offers basic seating, a small convenience store selling snacks and drinks, and a toilet block that includes a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a changing table — the latter a rarity in regional Vietnamese airports. The atmosphere is calm during most of the day, but it picks up noticeably around the busiest times: Monday through Thursday at 8 or 9 pm, when the evening flight to Ho Chi Minh City boards. Boarding is by bus from the terminal to the aircraft; the walk is short but unshaded, so a hat is useful in hot weather. On arrival, baggage claim has one carousel, and the process is quick. The airport’s wheelchair-accessible entrance and car park mean that mobility-impaired passengers can navigate the terminal without difficulty. There is no lounge or premium service on site. Food options are limited to packaged items from the convenience store; passengers expecting more should eat before arriving.

Tho Xuan Airport and Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa Province stretches from the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin inland to the mountainous borders of Laos. The area has a deep history — it was the heartland of the Dong Son culture, famous for its bronze drums, and later the birthplace of Emperor Le Loi, who drove out Ming forces in the 15th century. The Lam Kinh Citadel, a UNESCO-recognised site, lies about 50 kilometres from the airport and preserves the remnants of Le Loi’s ancestral temple complex. For beachgoers, Sam Son Beach is a popular seaside destination with long sandy stretches, seafood restaurants, and the towering Hon Trong Mai rock formations. The beach town gets busy during Vietnamese holidays, especially in summer. Further inland, Pu Luong Nature Reserve offers terraced rice fields, trekking through ethnic minority villages, and a chance to see the stilt houses of the Thai people. Cuc Phuong National Park, though technically just across the border in Ninh Binh, is a short drive from Thanh Hoa and is one of Vietnam’s oldest protected areas, famous for its primate rescue centre and ancient trees. In Thanh Hoa city itself, the Ham Rong Bridge and the nearby Ho Chi Minh museum commemorate the region’s role during the American War. The city is also a regional economic centre, with industrial zones attracting investment in manufacturing and processing. Agriculture remains important: the province is a major producer of rice, sugarcane, and seafood. The local cuisine reflects this abundance, with dishes such as nem chua (fermented pork rolls) and banh gai (black sticky rice cake) available in markets throughout the region. For travellers based in Hanoi, Tho Xuan Airport offers a convenient alternative to the congested Noi Bai airport — Hanoi is about three hours by road, but the airport’s location makes Thanh Hoa itself an easily accessible weekend getaway. The combination of history, nature, and coastline gives the province a distinct identity that rewards exploration beyond the terminal.

Practical Information

The airport is not open every day; it operates only on days with scheduled flights. Currently, flights arrive and depart daily, but schedules can change seasonally — always confirm with your airline. The busiest periods are Monday through Thursday evenings at 8 or 9 pm, when the last flight to Ho Chi Minh City departs. Contact the airport via phone at +84 825 968 866 or visit the website at http://www.vietnamairport.vn/thoxuanairport/ for the latest updates. The facility offers wheelchair-accessible facilities throughout. Toiletries and snacks are available at the small convenience store inside the terminal, but do not count on a full meal. ATMs are limited; bring cash for taxis and incidentals. One concrete piece of advice: book your taxi in advance when departing the airport — the ride-hailing signal can be weak, and cabs waiting outside sometimes overcharge travellers who arrive without a pre-arranged fare.