For the discerning Indian traveler, Ha Long International Airport (Van Don – VDO) is no longer just an alternative – it is the definitive “luxury shortcut” to the UNESCO World Heritage site. At Vietnamstory, we recommend VDO to our guests who value their time and comfort, allowing them to bypass the 3-hour road transit from Hanoi and step directly into the serenity of the bay. In 2026, VDO stands as a testament to modern Vietnamese engineering. Developed by the Sun Group, it is the nation’s first privately-owned international airport, specifically designed to harmonize with the natural beauty of the Northeast.
An Airport with an Identity: Asia’s Premier “Green” Gateway
Van Don International Airport is so much more than just a simple transit hub, it is a destination in itself. Its beautiful design and excellent service have led to it being awarded “Asia’s Best Regional Airport” multiple times. This is not a crowded, chaotic airport; it is a boutique, high-efficiency experience from start to finish.
The airport was developed on a massive 373-hectare site with a huge investment of billions of dollars, ensuring that every detail is world-class.
VDO is a LEED-certified “Green Terminal.” You will immediately notice its stunning roof, which is inspired by the beautiful, traditional sails of the junk boats that glide through Hạ Long Bay. Inside, you will find serene koi ponds and lush indoor gardens that not only look beautiful but also help to regulate the humidity and temperature naturally.
The airport is perfectly situated in the Van Don District, approximately 50km from Ha Long City and 20km from the city of Cam Pha.
READ MORE: Choosing the Best Airport Near HaLong Bay for Indian Travelers
Unbeatable Proximity & Logistics: From the Runway to the Marina in Minutes
The airport’s most significant advantage is its strategic location on the modern expressway, which ensures that you are stepping onto the deck of your luxury cruise in record time. This is the fastest way to begin your Ha Long Bay adventure.
- VDO to Tuan Chau Marina: The journey to the main cruise port is about 60 km and takes only ~55 minutes via the expressway.
- VDO to Ha Long International Port (Sun Group Port): The journey to the newer port is even shorter, about 50 km and taking only ~45 minutes.
- VDO to Cat Ba Island: If you are heading to Cat Ba, the journey will take about 2.5 hours, as it requires a bus or taxi to the Tuan Chau port, followed by a ferry or speedboat.
The 2026 Flight Network: Creating the “India-Hạ Long” Through-Link
While we are all eagerly awaiting direct flights from India to VDO, which are expected by late 2026, we at Vietnam Story currently specialize in creating seamless and easy through-ticketing connections for you. Here is the smart strategy for getting here from India.
The best way to travel is to first fly from a major Indian city like Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) to one of our major hubs, such as Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) or Da Nang (DAD). From there, you can take a quick and comfortable 75-90 minute domestic flight directly to VDO. There are daily flights to VDO via Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho.
The airport also services regular seasonal charter flights from other major Asian cities like Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), and Bangkok (BKK).
Your Transport Matrix: From Free Shuttles to Private VIP Service
Quang Ninh Province offers some of the most generous and convenient arrival incentives in all of Vietnam, making your final journey from the airport incredibly easy. You have a fantastic range of options to suit every budget.
| Option | Route | Cost (2026) | Best for |
| Free Shuttle Bus 14A | VDO ↔ Lan Be Park (Hòn Gai area) | FREE | Budget travelers. This shuttle departs approximately every 90 minutes. |
| Free Shuttle Bus 14B | VDO ↔ Sun World (Bai Chay area) | FREE | Families who are staying at one of the beautiful Sun World resorts. |
| Taxi (Grab/Vinasun) | VDO to Tuan Chau Port | ~850,000 VND | Direct, on-demand transfers for those who haven’t pre-booked. |
| VinFast Car Rental | Self-drive from VDO | Varies | Modern, independent travelers who want to explore the beautiful coast at their own pace. |
| Vietnam Story VIP Transfer | A personal “Meet & Greet” service with a Luxury Van. | Custom Price | This is our top recommendation for large Indian families, especially those with heavy luggage. |
Pro tip: To claim your seat on the Free Shuttle, you must show your boarding pass to the counter at the arrivals hall and book your seat at least 60 minutes before the bus departs.
The Vietnamstory Signature: Our Special Service for Indian Travelers
We bridge the gap between Vietnamese logistics and the specific cultural and comfort preferences of our Indian guests. We focus on the small details that make your arrival a truly premium experience.
- Vegetarian and Jain comfort: The Business Lounge at VDO is the only one in the region where we can pre-book a special “Indian Platter” for you, featuring fresh vegetarian options and authentic tea while you wait.
- Sun World synergy: As a proud partner of the Sun Group, our guests arriving at VDO in 2026 often qualify for complimentary vouchers or special discounted entry to the Sun World Hạ Long theme park. We handle all the redemption for you.
- Our luggage support: For our multi-generational Indian families who we know often travel with 10 or more suitcases, our private meet-and-greet service includes a dedicated porter who will manage all of your bags, from the baggage carousel directly to the check-in counter at your cruise port.
- Prayer rooms: We have personally mapped out the quiet zones and the designated prayer rooms within the terminal for the convenience of our guests.
A Strategic Comparison: VDO vs. The Other Airports
To help you make the best decision, here is a simple comparison of the three northern airports.
| Airport | Best for | The main drawback |
| VDO (Van Don) | Luxury cruises, accessing the heart of H Long Bay, and the fastest possible transit time. | Fewer direct international flight options at present. |
| HPH (Cat Bi) | Cruises to Lan Ha Bay, visiting Cat Ba Island, and exploring the local seafood scene in Hai Phong. | The terminal is older and can often be more crowded. |
| HAN (Noi Bai) | Tours of Hanoi city, the best for global arrivals from India, and for connecting to a trip to Sapa. | The long 2.5 – 3 hour drive to the bay. |
READ MORE: Your Essential Guide to International Airports in Vietnam for Indian Traveller
The “North Loop” Integration: VDO as Your Starting Point
Van Don Airport is the perfect and most strategic starting point for a wider and more efficient tour of Northern Vietnam. Here’s how you can use VDO to explore more.
- The journey to Sapa: In 2026, we now utilize the upgraded expressway bypass. A private car can take you from VDO directly to Sapa in just 5.5 hours, allowing you to completely avoid the traffic and congestion of Hanoi city.
- A visit to the Sacred Yen Tu Mountain: This sacred Buddhist site is only a beautiful 90-minute drive from VDO. Many of our guests choose to have a wonderful and peaceful one-night stay at the magnificent Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery hotel before heading to the airport for their departure.
Conclusion
The greatest luxury that Ha Long International Airport (Van Don) offers you is the luxury of time. By choosing this modern and efficient gateway, you are trading a long and tiring 3-hour road journey for an extra two hours of precious holiday time. That is two more hours to relax on the sundeck of your cruise, two more hours to kayak in a serene lagoon, or two more hours of peaceful rest before your adventure begins. In the world of luxury travel, time is the ultimate commodity, and Van Don Airport delivers it beautifully.
Your travel story deserves a beautiful and impressive beginning. Allow Vietnamstory to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India where every detail, from your airport arrival to your cruise departure, is a thoughtfully curated part of your incredible narrative. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your elegant and unforgettable Ha Long Bay story together.
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