A layover at Ho Chi Minh City Airport (Tan Son Nhat International) is more about passing the time comfortably than discovering a destination in itself. The airport is busy, compact, and very much a working airport, but it does offer enough food, basic shopping, lounges, and nearby city access to make a long wait more manageable. Whether you’re grabbing a Vietnamese coffee, booking a lounge, or heading into the city for a few hours, here are some realistic ways to spend your layover.
1. Sample the food
You’ll find a mix of Vietnamese staples and familiar fast food throughout the terminals. Small kiosks and cafés sell bánh mì sandwiches, pastries, sweets, and Vietnamese-style snacks, while sit-down restaurants serve casual Vietnamese meals alongside some Thai, Chinese, and Western options. Trung Nguyên Coffee, a well-known Vietnamese coffee brand, is a popular stop for strong local coffee. If you’re craving something familiar, international chains like KFC are also available. Overnight travellers should plan ahead, as most food outlets close late at night and there are no clearly confirmed 24-hour restaurants.
2. Visit a lounge
Economy Class flyers can take advantage of pay-to-enter lounges that serve unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and sometimes even showers – all in a peaceful environment. You can book in advance or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Shopping at Ho Chi Minh City Airport is practical rather than memorable, but it’s a decent place to pick up small Vietnamese-themed gifts before you leave. Expect duty-free stores, convenience shops, and souvenir outlets selling coffee, sweets, alcohol, cosmetics, and travel essentials.
Look for Vietnamese coffee products (often from brands like Trung Nguyên), packaged local snacks, and lotus-themed items, which are common, lightweight souvenirs. Some shops sell silk scarves, lacquerware-style keepsakes, and traditional conical hats, though quality and selection vary. Duty-free stores focus mainly on perfumes, cosmetics, liquor, and cigarettes rather than local crafts.
Overall, selection is limited compared to newer Asian hub airports, but it works well for last-minute gifts or edible souvenirs without leaving the terminal.
4. Go sightseeing
Tan Son Nhat Airport is located within the city, making short sightseeing trips possible if your layover is long enough. With 7+ hours, confident travellers can leave the airport to explore nearby districts and enjoy a local meal.
Public buses serve the airport and are inexpensive, but taxis are often easier for short visits, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language or routes. Use licensed taxi companies and allow extra buffer time for traffic, which can be unpredictable.
Popular nearby sights include the historic Saigon Central Post Office, City Hall, and the Opera House. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s wartime history. Longer excursions, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, require half- or full-day planning and are not recommended for short layovers.
However you spend your layover, leave plenty of time to return to the airport for your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
5. WiFi
Hop online thanks to free and unlimited WiFi.
6. Sleep
Sometimes, all you want to do on a layover is get some sleep. There’s a decent amount of seating here, especially in the Wellwishers Gallery on Floor 3. Designated sleep zones offer sleep chairs, recliners, and paid sleep pods. Travellers often recommend the International Terminal for more peace and quiet, even if it means sprawling out on the floor. Do dress in light layers and bring along earplugs – the temperature in the airport is often warm and stuffy, and the noise factor can wake you.
For sleepy travellers, seating is scattered throughout the terminals, with some quieter areas reported upstairs, including the Wellwishers Gallery. Comfort varies, and truly quiet rest areas are limited. Designated sleep zones offer sleep chairs, recliners, and paid sleep pods. Travellers often recommend the International Terminal for more peace and quiet, even if it means sprawling out on the floor. Dress in light layers and bring along earplugs – the temperature in the airport is often warm and stuffy, and the noise factor can wake you.
For proper rest, several small hotels are located within a short drive of the airport. Details are listed in our Ho Chi Minh City Airport Guide. [ read more ]
Updated 15 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. Visit our Ho Chi Minh City Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.