THE GATEWAY TO NATURAL WONDERS IN VIETNAM - DONG HOI AIRPORT
Introduction
Located in the central region of Vietnam, Dong Hoi Airport (IATA code: VDH) is a small yet busy hub within walking distance to unpredictable weather. At only 6 km from Dong Hoi city - the capital of Quang Binh province and gateway to some of Vietnam's most incredible natural attractions including Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, now a UNESCO site as well as sun-bathed beaches beside the East Sea.
Airlines and Destinations
At present, the Dong Hoi Airport is a domestic airport with great flight outreach limited to Vietnam's two major cities of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. The furthest away you can fly in one go from Dong Hoi is a 462 km (287 miles) flight, which takes somewhere between 50 minutes and an hour depending on who or what you believe.
Passengers and Flights
Dong Hoi Airport had served 500,000 passengers in the previous year (its full design capacity is already being reached). The airport probably carried more than 700,000 passengers in 2018, and a capacity increase to serve up to ten million people annually is slated for the fourth quarter of that year.
How to Get Here
Road
Dong Hoi Airport is roughly 500 km south-east of Hanoi. From the city center, taxis cost ~ 120,000 VND to reach the airport for visitors. The cost of a taxi can also be shared with other passengers.
Parking
It has a total area of 173 hectares, which allows plenty of parking spaces for the passengers. Assigned zones for parking are available in the terminal building to ensure that they can be used on a short-term or long-term basis by travelers, depending on their need.
Transportation Price
A typical taxi fare from Dong Hoi Airport to the city center is between 120,000-200,000 VND per ride. Passengers can also try to join a taxi with other travelers for more savings. However, there are some well-established taxi companies which provide services for the airport, such as Sun Taxi Quang Binh, with a rate of 9,500 VND per kilometer from the first one.
Terminal Layout
The Dong Hoi Airport has only one terminal that processes both domestic and international passengers. The terminal hosts normal facilities of check-in counters, security screening, and arrival/departure lounges.
Navigate the Airport
The Dong Hoi terminal is quite small and easy to navigate. This includes clear signboards, accompanied by airport staff trained to help you with any difficulties.
Getting Between Terminals
As Dong Hoi Airport has only one terminal, passengers do not have to move between terminals.
Services and Amenities
The airport also provides passengers with different types of services and facilities, including currency exchange, ATMs, and some basic food & beverage options. The terminal is well-equipped with information desks and free Wi-Fi available for passengers too.
Restaurants and Shops
Although there are not many places where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy in Dong Hoi Airport, some local restaurants and small retail stores offer a wide variety of options within the terminal building. Dong Hoi is one of the nearby cities where you can roam around for meals and other shopping requirements.
Security and Customs
For domestic flights, such as those within Vietnam operated from Dong Hoi Airport, the security and customs procedures are standard. Please make sure to be at the airport in time for all necessary procedures, which should occur before your departure.
Accessibility
The airport has ramps, elevators, and reserved passages for disabled passengers. Travelers with special needs are advised to notify their airline well in advance and ensure a hassle-free travel.
Travel Tips
You should show your boarding pass and then complete other security procedures at least 60 minutes before the expected departure. Travelers should likewise be ready to show a photo ID and/or any required travel papers. Also, it's better if you can explore more about the layout and services of Dong Hoi Airport in order to save time when flying into this particular destination.