Table of Contents
- Nightmare of Phu Quoc Travel Begins with Ho Chi Minh Transfer
- Delay from Phu Quoc Departure, Racing Against Time Upon Arrival in Ho Chi Minh
- Arrival at T3 → Moving to T2, Complex Transfer Procedure
- Missing Guide, Chaotic Departure Inspection
- Conclusion – Absolutely Avoid Transfers in Ho Chi Minh!
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nightmare of Phu Quoc Travel Begins with Ho Chi Minh Transfer
After finishing my trip to Phu Quoc, I took Vietnam Airlines to return to Busan. However, complaints started right from Phu Quoc Airport.
I arrived at the airport three hours before my flight, but the check-in counters were still closed. The information desk said counters 7, 8, and 9 would open, but counter 7 didn’t open at all. This situation was truly disappointing. I questioned how customer service could be so unfriendly.
The flight from Phu Quoc was scheduled to depart at 9:55 PM, but there was a 30-minute delay.
Eventually, the plane took off at 10:30 PM, but that was considered a minor delay then. However, the transfer in Ho Chi Minh was really a tough experience.
Delay from Phu Quoc Departure, Racing Against Time Upon Arrival in Ho Chi Minh
The flight departing from Phu Quoc arrived in Ho Chi Minh about 30 minutes late. The arrival time was 11:30 PM, and I had less than an hour left until the boarding for the flight to Busan, putting me in a rush.
Despite this, the Vietnam Airlines staff appeared very laid-back. There was absolutely no sense of urgency to assist the transferring passengers; it felt like the atmosphere was, “If there is a delay, just wait.”
Arrival at T3 → Moving to T2, Complex Transfer Procedure
Starting from July 2025, a new T3 terminal will open at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where all domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines will move. However, international departures will still be conducted at T2 terminal, so caution is required.
Upon exiting the plane, a Vietnam Airlines employee affixes a 'Transfer' sticker on you. Following their guidance, the complicated procedures begin at that moment.
Following the staff's guidance leads to the transfer-exclusive exit near the baggage claim area.
Here, your passport and boarding pass will be checked again. However, I started to wonder why I had to take off my shoes.
After taking the elevator downstairs, take the bus to T2
The bus does not drop passengers directly in front of T2. As a result, passengers must walk about 10 minutes, which can be really uncomfortable, especially if they have a lot of luggage.
On the Phu Quoc trip, there were many families with strollers, and it was sad to see them struggling until past midnight.
Missing Guide, Chaotic Departure Inspection
During the peak season of the Chuseok holiday, dozens of transferring passengers moved at the same time. However, the guide staff disappeared midway, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves in finding their way.
As soon as I arrived at T2 terminal, I had to stand in a long line to go through departure inspection. That day, there were many Chinese group travelers, making the departure inspection quite a struggle. It took more than an hour just to stand in line and pass through the inspection booth.
The fast-track is meaningless. Even if your boarding time is delayed due to flight delays, you still have to wait.
So it's best to keep a calm mind.
Note that the right line moves relatively faster during departure inspection.
Conclusion – Absolutely Avoid Transfers in Ho Chi Minh!
I strongly felt something during this trip. Especially during peak seasons, it’s better to avoid transferring in Ho Chi Minh. Moving from T3 (domestic) to T2 (international) takes a lot of time, and the guidance system is very poor.
Landing at T3 of Ho Chi Minh International Airport - Ticket check through transfer-exclusive passage - Bus to T2 International Departure - Departure Inspection
No matter the departure city, whether it’s Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Da Nang, if there are direct flights heading to Busan or Incheon, you must choose them.
If you want to save your energy and time and reduce mental stress, it’s best to avoid transfers in Ho Chi Minh.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why is the transfer between T3 terminal and T2 terminal at Ho Chi Minh Airport so complicated?
Ho Chi Minh Airport operates domestic flights from T3 and international flights from T2, making the transfer process between the two terminals very complex.
Starting from July 2025, the newly opened T3 terminal at Tan Son Nhat International Airport will be exclusively for domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines. However, international flights will still depart from T2 terminal, so transfers must occur from T3 to T2. This involves following staff guidance, passing through the transfer exit near the baggage claim, and going through complicated procedures like removing shoes and boarding a bus to T2, followed by a 10-minute walk, which incurs a lot of physical strain.
Q. Why is departure inspection difficult during transfers at Ho Chi Minh Airport?
The lengthy waiting times for departure inspection and large crowds, especially during peak seasons, make it common to wait for over an hour.
While going through departure inspection at T2 terminal, long lines form, and the presence of many visitors, including Chinese group travelers, results in very long waiting times. Even using fast-track becomes meaningless due to delays, and while the right line is relatively faster, the overall inspection time is lengthy, causing significant stress. Therefore, transferring passengers must be careful with time management and physical stamina.
Q. What issues were encountered during the transfers from Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh?
Departure delays from Phu Quoc, insufficient transfer time, relaxed staff attitude, and complex terminal movements along with the absence of the guide were significant problems.
The departure started with the check-in counter not being opened and a 30-minute flight delay, arriving in Ho Chi Minh late and with very little time left to board the flight to Busan. However, staff from Vietnam Airlines showed no urgency to expedite the transferring passengers. The absence of the guide led to a lack of assistance, and the complex procedures, such as re-confirming the passport and boarding pass at the transfer-exclusive exit and requiring to remove shoes, added to the inefficiency and fatigue experienced during the long transition between terminals.
Q. Why should one choose direct flights instead of transfers in Ho Chi Minh?
If you want to reduce time, physical strain, and mental stress, utilizing direct flights is far better than transferring in Ho Chi Minh.
If there are direct flights available from places like Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or Da Nang to Busan or Incheon, it is highly recommended to choose direct flights. The long distances between terminals, complex procedures, and delays during departure inspection can consume a significant amount of time, and with a poor guidance system, it becomes very troublesome and stressful. Therefore, for a comfortable trip, direct flight connections are the best option.
