Van Don International Airport, Gateway to Quang Ninh

Van Don International Airport (VDO) serves Quang Ninh province in north-eastern Vietnam, the region famous for Ha Long Bay. It opened in December 2018 and was developed as a privately built airport by Sun Group. For visitors bound for the bay and its islands, it is a much closer arrival point than the airports around Hanoi or Hai Phong.

Where Van Don Airport Is and Distance to Ha Long

The airport sits in Van Don, on the coast of Quang Ninh. It is about 20 km from Cam Pha and roughly 50 km from Ha Long, with Bai Chay's hotel and beach area a little further on. Expressways link the airport with Ha Long and continue towards Hai Phong and Mong Cai.

Terminal and Facilities at Van Don International Airport

The single three-storey terminal covers close to 27,000 square metres and has jet bridges for boarding. Passengers can use WiFi, charging points, ATMs, baggage wrapping, souvenir shops and a business lounge. A long runway lets the airport handle large jet aircraft.

Airlines and Routes at Van Don Airport

Flights are mostly domestic, and the core route links Van Don with Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese carriers such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have served the airport, while international services are largely seasonal or charter. The line-up changes through the year, so check which airlines are flying on your dates.

Getting from Van Don Airport to Ha Long and Cam Pha

• Airport bus: routes run between the terminal and Ha Long; booking a seat ahead of time is advised.
• Taxi: several local taxi firms wait at the terminal, and the trip to central Ha Long typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
• Hotel or cruise transfer: many Ha Long hotels and bay cruise operators offer pick-ups.

Attractions Near Van Don

Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts are the obvious draw, and cruises depart from the Ha Long area. Closer to the airport, Bai Tu Long Bay offers a quieter seascape, and boats from Van Don reach island getaways such as Quan Lan and Co To.

Tips for Travelling via Van Don

If your cruise leaves early, consider arriving the day before. Weather in the Gulf of Tonkin can change quickly in the stormy season, so allow flexibility for boat trips. Flight options into Van Don are fewer than at Hanoi, so set a Price Alert on Traveloka to follow fares.

Planning a Ha Long Bay escape? Book your Van Don flight on Traveloka.