Da Nang International Airport – Gateway to Central Vietnam
Da Nang International Airport (IATA: DAD) is one of the three busiest airports in Vietnam, serving as a key transportation hub for central Vietnam. Located just 4 kilometers from downtown Da Nang, it is the main air gateway for tourists visiting Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.
Geographical Location
- Situated in Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
- Only a 10–15 minute drive from the city center and 45 minutes to Hoi An by car.
- Well-connected to both northern and southern Vietnam, making it a convenient stopover or destination.
Brief History
- Originally built as a military airbase by the French in the 1940s, then expanded during the Vietnam War.
- Converted into a commercial airport after 1975.
- Modern passenger terminals opened in the 2010s, greatly increasing capacity and comfort for travelers.
- Now a growing international airport welcoming millions of passengers annually.
Terminals and Capacity
- Domestic Terminal (T1): Handles flights from cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Da Lat.
- International Terminal (T2): Modern and spacious, serving flights from Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and more.
Total capacity: Around 10–12 million passengers per year, with further expansion planned.
Domestic and International Routes
Domestic Flights - Frequent connections to:
- Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- Nha Trang
- Hue
- Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot, Da Lat
International Flights - Direct flights to and from:
- Seoul, Busan (South Korea)
- Tokyo, Osaka (Japan)
- Singapore
- Taipei, Kaohsiung (Taiwan)
- Hong Kong
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
- Manila (Philippines)
- China (various cities)
Tourist Guide for Arrival
What to Do When You Arrive:Visa and Immigration
- Visa exemptions for some countries.
- Visa on arrival (with prior approval letter).
- E-visas available for many nationalities.
Baggage and Customs
- Baggage claim is straightforward.
- Customs is generally quick but do check what items require declaration.
Transportation Options
- Grab app: Ride-hailing app widely used in Vietnam.
- Taxi: Reliable and metered (Vinasun, Mai Linh).
- Private Car: Many hotels offer airport transfers.
- Public buses: Available, but inconvenient when carrying luggage. Routes are also inconvenient.
Facilities & Services
- Free Wi-Fi, duty-free shops, cafes, souvenir stores, currency exchange, SIM card booths, and travel counters.
Tips for Tourists
- Download Grab before arriving for easy transportation.
- Have some Vietnamese Dong (VND) ready for small expenses.
- If you're heading to Hoi An, pre-booking a private transfer is the most convenient option.
- Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport.
- Check your terminal ahead of time (T1 for domestic, T2 for international) to avoid confusion.
Conclusion
Da Nang International Airport is more than just a point of arrival—it's the perfect starting place for exploring the cultural richness and natural beauty of central Vietnam. With its strategic location, modern facilities, and growing network of domestic and international flights, the airport makes traveling to destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue both convenient and comfortable.
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