Bangkok to Hanoi: Travel Tips For A Smooth Journey
Bangkok to Hanoi – Tips for a Smooth Journey
Leaving for Suvarnabhumi Airport on Time
Affordable Flights & VIP Lounge Access
I personally chose The Coral Finest Business Class Lounge, located at C-Gate. The food selection was incredible, especially a unique fish-and-potato dumpling that melted like butter in my mouth. 🥟
However, I only had 30 minutes to rest, so I couldn’t capture much content.
🚨 Important: If your departure gate is near S-Gate, I don’t recommend this lounge. It’s far from S-Gate, requiring a long walk and an underground train ride to reach your flight.
Book Your Flight, Hotel & Lounge
Choosing the Right Airline
For affordability and convenience, VietJet Air is one of the best options. If you fly with them often, I highly recommend registering as a member on their website. Membership offers perks like easy self-check-in, which saves valuable time at the airport.
🚫 Security Tip: Never put important items like documents, money, or valuables in checked luggage. I met a traveler whose small bag was stolen from his unlocked suitcase at Noi Bai Airport—so always lock your bags and keep important items with you.
Best Mobile Internet Option: E-SIM vs. SIM Card
✅ Why E-SIM?
- Easy registration online
- No need to visit a SIM card store
- Immediate activation upon arrival
🚨 Downside: Your phone must support E-SIM technology. If not, you’ll need to purchase a traditional SIM card.
Vietnam E-Visa: How to Apply & Important Tips
If you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, you can apply for a 3-month e-Visa. However, you must apply before entering Vietnam, as applications cannot be submitted from within the country.
E-Visa Details:
- Processing Time: 5-15 days (usually around 1 week)
- Cost: $25 USD for a single entry
🚨 Be Careful with Your Entry & Exit Points!
When applying for an e-Visa, you must specify your entry and exit points.
For example:
- If you arrive in Hanoi, you should select Noi Bai Airport as your entry location.
- If you depart from Ho Chi Minh City after traveling around Vietnam, you must select Tan Son Nhat Airport as your departure location.
You CANNOT change your entry/exit points after approval. Make sure you choose them carefully before submitting your visa application.
Book Your Trip : Logistics and Tricks
Find Affordable Flights
Use Aviasales to find a cheap flight. They scan airlines and travel sites globally so you always get the lowest available price.
Book Your Accommodation
For hostels, use Hostelworld as they are the biggest platform with the best deals for backpackers and solo travelers.
- Booking.com – great for Europe
- Trip.com – reliable global deals
- Agoda – best prices across Asia
These consistently return the lowest rates for budget stays.
Need a Rental Car?
Use Discover Cars to compare global rental companies and find the best price wherever you’re traveling. Simple, transparent, and budget-friendly.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip?
Discover walking tours, day trips, skip-the-line tickets, and unique local experiences with Get Your Guide . Perfect for solo travelers who want safe, well-organized activities.
Group Trips for Solo Travelers?
Use TourHero to find group trips made for solo travelers (especially introverts). Join small groups, make friends effortlessly, and explore safely.
Need Ready-Made Travel Plans?
Try Holicay to get curated itineraries created by travel experts. Perfect for travelers who want stress-free planning with local tips & hidden gems.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my travel resource page – I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Transportation from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)
After landing in Hanoi, the airport experience can be overwhelming.
🚬 Be prepared for heavy smoke.
Many Vietnamese locals smoke, and as soon as you step outside the airport, the air is filled with cigarette smoke and pollution. If you’re sensitive, bring a mask with you.
❌ Avoid airport taxis.
- Many taxi drivers approach travelers, repeatedly asking, “Taxi?”
- Some will scam tourists by taking unnecessary detours to increase fares.
✅ Best Option: Use the Grab app.
- Grab is a safe and affordable rideshare option in Vietnam.
- When using Grab, the driver may ask for an additional 5,000-6,000 VND (~$0.25 USD) for airport entry/exit fees—this is completely normal.
🚌 Bus Travel:
- The city is far from the airport, so buses take longer.
-
If you have luggage, bus drivers will charge double the standard fare.
- Example: If the regular fare is 60,000 VND, they may ask for 120,000 VND.
✅ If you arrive at night, take Grab instead of the bus. ✅ During the day, you can take a bus from the second row on the left after exiting the terminal.
💰 Grab Cost Estimate:
- A Grab ride from Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi city center costs around 360,000 VND (~$14 USD).
Smooth & Stress-Free Travel
Traveling from Bangkok to Hanoi can be a smooth experience if you plan ahead. Here’s a quick recap:
✔️ Leave for Suvarnabhumi Airport at least 4 hours before your flight to avoid Bangkok’s heavy traffic. ✔️ Consider a VIP lounge if your departure gate is nearby—but choose wisely based on your flight location. ✔️ Fly with VietJet Air for budget-friendly travel and sign up for their membership program to access faster check-ins.
✔️ Keep valuables with you—never put important documents or money in checked baggage. ✔️ Use an E-SIM for internet if your phone supports it. ✔️ Apply for an e-Visa in advance and carefully select your entry and exit locations. ✔️ Avoid Hanoi airport taxi scams—use Grab or arrange an airport pickup from your hotel. ✔️ Be prepared for air pollution and cigarette smoke in Hanoi—pack a mask if needed.
By following these travel tips, you’ll have a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable journey to Vietnam.
Safe travels! 🇻🇳✈️
