Table of Contents
- Review of using Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Airport T3
- Check-in · Security check, actual process
- Airport facilities · Amenities, is it possible to travel with children?
- Transfer route for Phu Quoc domestic flights and T3 shuttle usage
- Flight delays, the reality of Vietnam flights
- Summary and recommendations, this is how to use it
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Review of using Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Airport T3
On the last day in Ho Chi Minh, I checked out from JW Marriott Hotel in District 1 and took a Vietnam Airlines domestic flight to Phu Quoc.
I used the Grab app to move directly to the new Terminal 3 (T3) at Tan Son Nhat Airport. It is important to select this point precisely. If you choose the wrong terminal, you will have to go to the existing domestic or international terminal, and in this case, you will waste time as you will have to take the free shuttle bus again.
To proceed efficiently with the travel schedule, it's necessary to pay attention to these small details and plan strategically until the last moment.
T3 is the largest domestic terminal in Vietnam, boasting a capacity of 20 million passengers annually. Upon entering, you will strongly feel the impression of a "newly built airport."
Currently, Terminal 3 functions as a dedicated space for domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. If you are planning to transfer from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc, it's advisable to establish your route based on T3.
Preparation for Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Travel
Check-in · Security check, actual process
Upon entering the new T3 terminal, the first thing you will notice is the long check-in counter line. The counters of Vietnam Airlines and VietJet are lined up, but with many staff and a simple route, the check-in process proceeded very quickly. During this trip, I checked in all three pieces of luggage, but there were no particular difficulties during the process.
After check-in, you have to go through the security checkpoint. One thing I always feel during this process is that it's necessary to frequently remove shoes during security checks at Vietnamese airports. Along with separating laptops and electronic devices, removing shoes is inconvenient, but fortunately, the lines for entry and exit checks at T3 are short, significantly reducing overall wait times.
Overall, the check-in and security procedures are quickly managed, but thorough checks on details are essential. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.
Airport facilities · Amenities, is it possible to travel with children?
After passing the security check, you can use the internal facilities of the T3 terminal. As a newly built terminal, it gives a very clean and bright impression overall. Also, due to the simple routes, even first-time visitors can easily find their way.
One of the most memorable aspects is the cozy play area where you can go with children. Having a space for kids to move around when waiting for a long time is very positive.
There are various food and beverage facilities available.
Burger King, Vietnamese restaurants, cafes, donut and bakery shops, and simple snack stands are present, making it convenient to have a meal at the airport without needing to eat in the city beforehand.
There are spaces to comfortably enjoy meals, which become a good option for travelers.
One of the biggest advantages is that most stores allow card payments. By preparing an international card, you can use it without problems at the restaurants or cafes within the terminal, providing great convenience to travelers.
Transfer route for Phu Quoc domestic flights and T3 shuttle usage
This trip was scheduled from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc using a domestic flight. Since I departed from downtown Ho Chi Minh, there was no need to transfer from international to domestic, but I organized transfer tips based on T3 for travelers planning to move from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc.
I hope this information helps you plan a more convenient trip.
Currently, international flights mainly use Terminal 2 (T2), while domestic flights are operated from Terminal 3 (T3). If you arrive in Ho Chi Minh on an international flight and then transfer to a domestic flight to Phu Quoc with Vietnam Airlines or VietJet, after picking up your luggage, you need to go outside the airport and use the free shuttle bus connecting T2 and T3.
Also, if two boarding passes were issued during check-in, there is a possibility that the luggage will be connected, so it is essential to confirm this during the check-in process. Keeping this in mind will make your travel smoother.
The shuttle bus runs approximately every 20 minutes, and the travel time takes around 5-7 minutes. You can refer to the airport's internal signage for the boarding location and post number. Additionally, it operates until a certain hour at night, so even if you arrive late, you can conveniently transfer.
In the early days after the new terminal's opening, the terminal used by airlines may change frequently. Therefore, it is important to check the 'departure terminal' information through your boarding pass or app before departing. If you go to the wrong terminal, you will have to take the shuttle again, and especially if the transfer time is tight, it can cause significant inconvenience. To manage your time efficiently, prior verification is essential.
On the way back from Phu Quoc, I experienced a transfer in Ho Chi Minh to Busan. The process of moving to T2 after arriving at T3 in the early morning was long and difficult. Including the exit inspection, it took about 2 hours, and personally, I do not recommend transferring in Ho Chi Minh. I hope you refer to the previous post for detailed transfer procedures.
Flight delays, the reality of Vietnam flights
The domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc had mostly Korean passengers due to the Chuseok holiday period. Even though it was a domestic flight, the departure was delayed by about 20 minutes during the boarding wait.
The frequent delays at the airport in Vietnam lead to the saying that "delays happen as often as eating rice." This delay was not surprising, but it seemed that it did not significantly affect the travel schedule. However, I felt it would be better to avoid tight schedules that require transfers.
I was reminded again that having some leeway in your travel plans is safer.
After boarding the plane, a simple beverage service was provided, and due to the short flight time, in-flight services were minimal.
Overall, the terminal and processing procedures were modern, but I felt that improvements are needed regarding adherence to flight times. Perhaps that’s why the quick completion of Long Thanh Airport in Ho Chi Minh is naturally thought to be necessary to disperse the overall hub functions.
Summary and recommendations, this is how to use it
From a personal experience perspective, Terminal 3 at Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Airport is a very convenient option, especially when using domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines and VietJet to Phu Quoc. This place offers travelers a pleasant environment.
The new terminal boasts a clean atmosphere and has spaces for children to play. Various restaurants and cafes available for card payments add to the convenience. The check-in counters are ample, and the processes are quick, indicating that the overall facilities and convenience are quite excellent.
As international and domestic terminals are separated, you need to use the free shuttle. Therefore, for travelers with tight transfer times, planning the schedule with ample allowance is important. Also, considering the frequent delays on domestic flights, it's advisable to schedule local itineraries a little more freely.
When traveling from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc, it is important to understand the structure of Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat Airport and the shuttle service, as well as the boarding routes of Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. Such preparation will determine the success of your trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What are the features of Ho Chi Minh Tan Son Nhat Airport T3 terminal?
T3 is Vietnam's largest dedicated domestic terminal, offering a pleasant and quick check-in experience.
Terminal T3 is a dedicated domestic facility that accommodates 20 million passengers annually, providing a bright and clean environment as it is newly built. Domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines and VietJet operate here, and thanks to the long check-in counters and many friendly staff, quick processing is possible. Even first-time visitors can easily navigate the simple routes.
Q. What should I pay attention to when transferring to domestic flights at Ho Chi Minh Airport?
You must verify the terminal accurately and allow enough time for transfer.
Ho Chi Minh Airport primarily uses Terminal T2 for international flights, while Terminal T3 is used for domestic flights. If you transfer from an international to a domestic flight, you will need to retrieve your luggage and take a free shuttle bus to the terminal, so you must check the departure terminal information on your boarding pass. Especially if the transfer time is short, you may find inconvenience due to shuttle use and security checks, so it is advisable to allow a minimum of 2 hours.
Q. Are the amenities at Ho Chi Minh T3 terminal suitable for traveling with children?
Yes, it is clean and has various food and beverage outlets as well as a play area for children, making it suitable for family travel.
Terminal T3 has various food and beverage facilities including Burger King, Vietnamese restaurants, cafes, and bakeries, so it is convenient to enjoy a meal. Most stores accept international card payments, making it convenient for travelers. Additionally, there is a cozy play area where children can engage in physical activity, making family travel more comfortable.
Q. What is the boarding process after using Vietnam Airlines and VietJet domestic flights at Ho Chi Minh Airport T3?
Check-in and security checks are carried out quickly, but thorough security requires arriving at least 2 hours in advance.
The check-in counters have many staff, allowing for quick processing, and there are no major difficulties with luggage check-in. However, it can be inconvenient to have to remove shoes as well as separate laptops and electronic devices during security checks. While the short waiting lines reduce overall waiting time, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior for safety.
Q. What is the reality of flight delays on domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh to Phu Quoc?
It’s common for Vietnam domestic flights to experience about 20 minutes of departure delays sporadically.
While waiting to board the domestic flight to Phu Quoc, there was a delay of about 20 minutes, which is common for Vietnamese flights. Such delays are not a major issue, but it is advisable to avoid tight schedules that require transfers. Ensure to allow sufficient leeway in your travel plans.