We sent our in-house influencer, Deep Bhatia, to Vietnam on a travel research mission. This blog is based on his firsthand experience and brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

Originally built to handle 10 million passengers per year, Noi Bai International Airport currently handles a whopping 30 million! Despite the overcrowding, its design emphasizes functionality first. It provides essential amenities and comforts, even if it isn’t as extravagant as its counterparts in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok.

After my decent flight with Vietnam Airlines, I strolled off the plane via the air bridge and headed to the terminal's arrival gate. I spotted some familiar faces parked close by: VietJet Air, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and the regional Bamboo Airways.

Hanoi’s airport is a big deal for travellers hopping to other spots in Vietnam and nearby countries across Southeast Asia and East Asia. But with this level of connectivity comes a serious catch—congestion. The airport can be quite a squeeze during peak hours.

Here’s my experience arriving at Noi Bai International Airport covering immigration, baggage claim, customs, SIM cards, cash withdrawals, and the commute to my hotel in Hanoi:

• Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you need to apply or renew, reach out to your local passport office well in advance.

• Visa (if required): Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Vietnam. Some nationalities qualify for an e-visa, which can be obtained online. As of now, Vietnam offers visa exemptions to citizens from 25 countries.

Moreover, Vietnam has expanded its e-visa program to citizens from all countries and territories. This e-visa allows stays of up to 90 days and supports multiple entries.

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• Travel Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers medical expenses abroad. Providers like Allianz, XCover, and Acko offer various plans for international coverage.

• Hotel and Car Reservation Info: Save your accommodation confirmation from platforms like Booking.com or Agoda to your phone. If you need transportation, Hertz or Avis are available, and it’s best to save those confirmations as well.

First Impressions of Hanoi International Airport

As you step into Noi Bai International Airport, you may not immediately be struck by sleek, ultra-modern designs like at airports in Singapore or Seoul, but the space is functional and generally well-maintained. While it isn’t Vietnam’s flashiest airport, it still offers an efficient gateway for millions of travellers every year.

• Crowds: One noticeable downside is the overcrowding issue. The airport is running at thrice the capacity it was originally designed for. This is one area where the airport shows its age and growing pains — it simply wasn't built for the current volume.

• Signage and Layout: Upon arrival, signage is bilingual (Vietnamese and English). While the layout isn’t overly complicated, some sections do require longer walks, especially for international arrivals. Thankfully, the airport's design, although not luxurious, is generally straightforward.

• Limited amenities: While Hanoi airport does provide some food and shopping options, it's not known for being a shopping or dining haven like Singapore Changi or Tokyo Haneda. Choices are more functional than exciting, and international travellers might find fewer familiar brands or dining options.

• Lighting and Cleanliness: The airport is well-lit, with large windows offering a pleasant amount of natural light during the day. Floors are clean and seating areas are in abundance. In terms of basic maintenance, restrooms are kept in decent condition, though they may not be immaculate.

• Staff Assistance: Airport staff are generally helpful and approachable, and while not everyone is fluent in English, they can usually assist with basic inquiries or direct you to where you need to go.

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Facilities: Limited, But Satisfactory

• Wi-Fi: You can connect to “NoiBaiFreeWiFi,” but don’t expect lightning speed. You can log in with your phone number, but whether you actually remain connected is a toss-up depending upon the traffic at the airport.

• Restrooms: You can find plenty in the airport and they’re usually clean. You can also find baby-care spots and accessible restrooms although they might not be as easy to find.

• Food, Shopping, and Entertainment: When hunger strikes, you’ll notice the food scene is a bit of a mixed bag. Options are limited, and you might find yourself paying airport prices for mediocre food. As for shopping, you’ll find a few decent duty-free shops, but don’t expect a wild selection.

• Information desks: They’re easy to find and usually staffed by folks who can help you navigate the chaos. Just keep in mind that during busy times, these desks can get swarmed, so getting your question answered swiftly might not be possible.

Passport Control: Crowded, But Straightforward

At Noi Bai International Airport, passport control is generally a well-organized and efficient process, although I’ve read reviews that suggest experiences can vary.

Upon arrival, passengers will find separate lines for Vietnamese citizens and foreign passport holders. While the wait can be lengthy during peak hours, the numerous open counters usually help to keep things moving smoothly. Immigration officers will check your passport and any required visas, followed by a few questions about your travel plans—keep your documents readily accessible​.

The airport is equipped with few (albeit sufficient) amenities, including duty-free shops and eateries, making the post-immigration wait more pleasant. But I saw a few frustrated travellers face language barriers with staff. That said, it’s more than likely that these experiences tend to be the exception rather than the norm​.

Baggage Claim & Customs: Spacious and Efficient

Now that I had officially entered Vietnam, I followed the signs to baggage claim. The area was spacious enough to accommodate the swarm of travelers, but it did get crowded—especially since flights from regions like Europe and North America had just arrived.

If you forgot to pay attention to the captain as he mentioned your luggage belt number, look up at the screens above each carousel and locate the one that displays your flight number.

• Timing: Typically, bags arrive within 15-25 minutes, but this can vary. Occasionally, delays do occur especially if the flight was particularly full or if there were issues with unloading.

• Tip: Keep your baggage claim tag handy for verification. It’s common for bags to be misidentified, so being prepared can save you time.

After collecting your baggage, it’s time to head toward customs. Here, you’ll encounter two lanes: the green lane for “Nothing to Declare” and the red lane if you’ve got stuff to declare (like fancy electronics, jewellery, or too much money in cash). If you’re unsure, feel free to ask the customs staff—most of them are quite helpful.

SIM Card Kiosks: Abundant, But Expensive

Once you clear customs, you’ll find various kiosks offering plans from providers like Viettel, MobiFone, and Vinaphone. Prices here are often higher than what you'd find in the city — around 300,000 VND for a basic plan, while city shops might offer similar deals starting at 150,000 VND.

Keep your passport ready as you’ll need it for registration. The vendors can be a bit aggressive in their sales tactics, so it’s smart to know what you need before you go in—data limits, local calls, and validity. They’ll usually help you get the SIM set up and activated on the spot, so you can hit the ground running, or at least check your maps without a hassle.

Another option is to opt for an e-SIM that you can set up before your trip and activate it upon arrival in Vietnam—as soon as your plane lands. This is more convenient for travellers who are keen to get to their hotel as soon as possible after landing.

ATM / Currency Exchange: Notoriously Pricy

Accessing cash is straightforward but comes with some caveats. ATMs from local banks like BIDV and Vietinbank are readily available in the arrivals hall, allowing you to withdraw Vietnamese Dong (VND). 

I used an ATM and followed the usual process: inserted my card, chose English as the language, entered my PIN, and selected the amount to withdraw. However, airport exchange rates in Vietnam can burn a hole in your pocket, so it’s wise to limit your withdrawal to a moderate amount. Currency exchange counters also operate here, but they usually offer less favorable rates compared to what you can find in the city​.

Once you're in Hanoi, you'll discover more options for cash withdrawals and currency exchange. City ATMs generally provide better rates, while banks and dedicated exchange bureaus—like those on Ha Trung Street—are known for their competitive pricing and reliable service. Just remember to bring your ID if you're visiting a bank​.

To make your cash experience smoother, notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent any issues with your card. 

Pro Tip: Always opt to be charged in VND to avoid unnecessary conversion fees. Being vigilant about checking the authenticity of your Vietnamese banknotes is also essential to avoid scams.

Taxi to the Hotel: Chaotic, But Offers Several Options

The Sun was out and about by the time I exit the airport and made my way to the taxi stand.

While there are official taxi services, such as Mai Linh, G7, and Noi Bai Taxi, they don't always stand out in the crowded pickup area, and this leads to confusion among arriving passengers. The scene was overwhelming, with many touts and drivers aggressively offering rides, which added to the stress after a long flight​.

• Metered taxis from trusted companies like Mai Linh and G7 will cost around 300,000 VND (approximately $12) to the Old Quarter, taking about 45 minutes depending on traffic.

• Grab, a popular ridesharing service, is also an option, with similar pricing starting around 278,000 VND. Using Grab requires an internet connection, which can be accessed through free airport Wi-Fi, although it may not always extend to the pickup point​.

• Alternatively, there are public transport options like the Airport Bus—specifically, Bus 86, which connects the airport to the city center for about 30,000 VND. This option is budget-friendly, though it might take longer due to multiple stops​.

Pro Tip: Despite the availability of taxis, I recommend using ride-hailing services like Grab, which tend to offer more transparency in pricing and a better overall experience. Grab allows you to see the fare upfront and minimized your chances of being overcharged—and it can be a safer option since drivers are rated by users​. 

Overall Impressions: Congested, But Generally Functional

It’s clear that while the airport is functional and serves as a key entry point into Hanoi, it’s not without its challenges. The rapid growth in passenger traffic has put a strain on the facilities, and overcrowding is a common complaint among travellers. Many report feeling overwhelmed by the chaos, particularly at peak hours.

Despite these drawbacks, navigating the airport doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Ensure that you have your documentation ready, be mindful of transportation options, and familiarize yourself with the airport layout so you can ease your arrival. 

Ultimately, while the hustle and bustle of Noi Bai may pose challenges, the vibrant energy and rich cultural experiences awaiting you in Hanoi more than make up for the initial chaos. 

Your adventure in Vietnam is just beginning!