About flights from Haiphong (HPH)
Cat Bi International Airport doesn't get nearly enough credit. It's Haiphong's hub to the world, and honestly, it punches above its weight for a mid-size airport. You're not dealing with the chaos of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City — there's a calmer, more manageable energy here that I genuinely appreciated when I passed through. With 12 direct routes spanning Vietnam, China, and South Korea, it's not the biggest network, but it covers the routes that actually matter for this part of northern Vietnam. Think of it as your no-fuss alternative to flying through the capital every single time.
Quick stats for HPH
- Direct destinations: 12
- Countries served: 3
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,018 km
- Longest non-stop: Seoul (ICN) — 2,651 km (~3h 19m)
- Shortest non-stop: Nanning (NNG) — 248 km (~19 min)
- Reach score: 47/99
Why fly to Haiphong?
Here's what I love about flying from HPH — it saves northern Vietnam travelers a serious headache. Skip the Hanoi detour entirely and fly direct. Seven domestic routes keep you connected across the country, which is huge if you're island-hopping or heading south on a tighter schedule. The China connections are genuinely underrated. Four routes into mainland China, with the shortest being Nanning at just 248 km — that's practically a hop. Cross-border travel between Vietnam and southern China is way more common than tourists realize, and Cat Bi makes it surprisingly straightforward. Then there's the Seoul route. At 2,651 km, it's the longest flight out of here, and the Korea connection reflects just how strong Vietnamese-Korean ties have become — culturally, commercially, and travel-wise. That ICN route alone opens up onward connections across East Asia.
Longest non-stop flights from HPH
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Haiphong:
- Seoul, Republic of Korea (ICN) — 2,651 km, approximately 3h 19m
- Phu Quoc, Viet Nam (PQC) — 1,220 km, approximately 1h 31m
- Can Tho, Viet Nam (VCA) — 1,203 km, approximately 1h 30m
- Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam (SGN) — 1,113 km, approximately 1h 23m
- Dalat, Viet Nam (DLI) — 1,024 km, approximately 1h 17m
Short-haul flights from HPH
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Haiphong:
- Nanning, China (NNG) — 248 km, approximately 19 min
- Da Nang, Viet Nam (DAD) — 553 km, approximately 41 min
- Kunming, China (KMG) — 614 km, approximately 46 min
- Guangzhou, China (CAN) — 734 km, approximately 55 min
- Buon Ma Thout, Viet Nam (BMV) — 918 km, approximately 1h 9m
Top countries by direct connections from HPH
Cat Bi International Airport connects to 3 countries. Here are the most served:
- Viet Nam — 7 destinations (Buon Ma Thout, Can Tho, Da Nang, Dalat and 3 more)
- China — 4 destinations (Guangzhou, Kunming, Lijiang, Nanning)
- Republic of Korea — 1 destination (Seoul)
Tips for travelers at HPH
Cat Bi sits about 6 km from Haiphong's city center — close enough that a taxi ride won't drain your wallet or your patience. Grab a metered cab or negotiate a ride beforehand; ride-hailing apps like Grab work well here too. Arrive earlier than you think you need to. Smaller airports can surprise you with slower check-in processes, especially on busier travel days around Tet or summer school holidays. Those periods see real spikes in domestic demand on Vietnamese routes. One thing worth knowing — if you're connecting onward through Seoul or a Chinese hub, double-check visa requirements well in advance. Transit rules change, and getting caught out is not fun.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Haiphong
How do I get from Cat Bi International Airport to Haiphong city center?
You can take a taxi from the airport rank for around 200,000-300,000 VND ($8-12 USD), or use ride-sharing apps like Grab for a more predictable fare. The trip takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
What's the best time of year to fly from Haiphong?
October to April offers the most pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and less rain, making it ideal for travel. Avoid May to September when the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and humidity.
How many destinations can I reach non-stop from Cat Bi Airport?
Cat Bi International Airport offers 12 direct destinations, connecting you to major cities across Vietnam and Southeast Asia without needing to change planes.
What are the visa requirements for entering Vietnam through Haiphong?
Most visitors need a visa, which you can arrange online through Vietnam's e-visa system (around $25) or get on arrival, though some nationalities qualify for visa exemption for short stays. Check the Vietnamese immigration website for your specific nationality requirements.
Any practical tips for Cat Bi Airport?
The airport is relatively small and easy to get through, but ATMs and currency exchange are available in the terminal—it's wise to exchange some money or withdraw cash before leaving the airport since some local vendors prefer cash. Bring Vietnamese Dong for taxis and small purchases.
Is flying from Haiphong more budget-friendly than other Vietnamese airports?
Cat Bi can offer competitive fares, especially on regional routes, and you'll avoid the crowds and higher prices of Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport just 100km away. However, you'll have fewer flight options overall, so compare prices across airports for your specific route.
Plan your trip from Haiphong
Browse the complete list of 12 destinations below to find your next flight from Cat Bi International Airport. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.