Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Facilities and Services
(Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the main transportation access point to Ho Chi Minh City and the southern Vietnam region, and it serves millions of passengers each year, most of whom are tourists or business travellers. The terminal has two buildings, one for arrivals and one for departures.
Tan Son Nhat International has not undergone many changes since its Vietnam War days. Although the Departures Terminal now has air conditioning and computerised flight status screens, it is still lacking in many airport comforts that veteran travellers have come to expect.
However, there is a currency exchange booth, small post office, gift shop, limited duty-free shopping and a café/restaurant. Disabled visitors should come prepared to face many inconveniences.
Airport Information Desks
Tel: +84 8 844 8358
Tan Son Nhat International is a small terminal consisting of two separate buildings, one for arrivals and one for departures. The Arrivals Terminal has a tourist information desk, post office and currency exchange booth, but no air-conditioning - it's basically just a place to pick up your bags and exit the airport as soon as possible. The Departures Terminal is more modern and is air-conditioned. On the upper level you'll find a telephone, restaurant, gift shop and a duty-free shopping area. Information, security and medical staff at Tan Son Nhat International Airport are helpful, but are often lacking in English language skills. Some useful numbers include:
Airport Main Switchboard - +84 8 844 8358
Airport Lost and Found - +84 8 844 8358
Airport Police - +84 8 844 8358
Shopping Information - +84 8 844 8358
Paging - +84 8 844 8358
Parking Information - +84 8 844 8358
Shops, Duty-Free and Retail Outlets
The second floor of the Departures Terminal has a souvenir shop selling an intriguing mixture of items. There is also a duty-free area with the usual array of alcohol, perfume, chocolates, bags and other items.
Bars, Cafés and Restaurants
There is only one small restaurant at the airport, located on the upper floor of the Departures Terminal. Meals here are very basic, although you can get beer and coffee. If you need something hearty before your flight, eat before you arrive at the airport.
Currency Exchange, Communications and Banking Facilities
Situated outside the Arrivals Hall, Tan Son Nhat International Airport has a currency exchange booth that is officially supposed to be open whenever there is a flight arrival, although you may need to wait a while for the attendant to come. A small post office can handle postcards and letters, but struggles with larger items. An international telephone is located in the Departures Terminal.
Business and Conference Facilities
The airport has no business or conference facilities. However, Ho Chi Minh City is just 6 km / 4 miles away and has a number of excellent hotels that can arrange conference rooms of all sizes, the latest audiovisual equipment and quality catering services.
Disabled Facilities
Tan Son Nhat International is not noted for its disabled persons facilities, but the single level terminals make getting around the airport not too much of a challenge once you are inside. There are few of the modifications disabled people have come to expect at modern Western airports, so be prepared to have to use normal toilets and telephones. Wheelchairs and assistance should be arranged with your airline before you travel.
