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.
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.
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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! 🇻🇳✈️
