Thanh Hoa Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam Travel Guide
This is the main airport for Thanh Hoa City and Province. It lies about 45 kilometers west of Thanh Hoa City center. Tho Xuan Airfield functions as a domestic facility.
Flight frequency on domestic routes may increase during peak domestic public holiday periods, like Tet (Lunar New Year) and Vietnamese summer holidays (June-August).
Tho Xuan Airport, a smaller domestic facility, offers basic but adequate services, including check-in, baggage claim, and small cafes.
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A ride to Thanh Hoa City center generally costs 250,000 - 400,000 VIETNAMESE dong (US$10-16).
An airport shuttle bus (Route 19) offers an budget-friendly choice at around 50,000 VND. Ride-sharing via Grab (car or motorbike) is also available.
Confirm the price with your taxi driver before starting the journey, especially for fixed-rate services, to avoid any misunderstandings.
When using Grab, always verify that the driver and vehicle details match the information displayed in the app before you board.
For maximum comfort, arrange a private car transfer with your hotel or a local tour operator in advance, especially for groups.
Thanh Hoa City is a major stop on Vietnam's main North-South railway line, also called the Reunification Express. Thanh Hoa Railway Station (Ga Thanh Hóa) is conveniently located near the city center.
Thanh Hoa City's central bus station, Bến xe Thanh Hóa, serves as a focal point for local and long-distance routes. An extensive bus network links Thanh Hoa with numerous cities and provincial capitals.
To legally drive an automobile or ride a motorbike in Vietnam, an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention is necessary, along with your valid home country's driving license. Self-driving a car is uncommon for international tourists due to dense and chaotic traffic.
Thanh Hoa City is not a direct international land border crossing point. The Na Meo border gate in Quan Son District, further west, serves as an international land border crossing with Laos. For sea/travel by river, Thanh Hoa City is not a main entry point for international travelers.
For international flights departing from Vietnam (from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, not Tho Xuan), any exit fees or taxes are typically included in your air ticket price. You do not pay a separate fee at the airport. No separate exit taxes apply for domestic air travel, train travel, or crossing borders by land from Thanh Hoa Province.
Tho Xuan Airport, a smaller domestic airport, offers limited facilities. You will find basic waiting areas, small food stalls for snacks and drinks, and restrooms. Do not expect extensive shopping or dining options.
Ensure all your onward journey connections are confirmed and accounted for prior to departure.
Have all necessary travel documents, including passport, visa, and tickets, easily accessible.
Allow sufficient time for transfers, check-in, and security procedures to avoid rushing.
Thanh Hoa City has an easy public transportation system, mainly relying on local buses. No metro or tram system operates in the city. The main public transportation within the city is a local bus network.
Buses generally run early morning (about 5:30 AM - 6:00 AM) until late evening (around 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM). Frequency varies by route and time of day (15-30 minutes on popular routes during peak hours).
Licensed taxis are white, green, or yellow, with company logos (Mai Linh, Vinasun) and a clear meter. Hail them on the street, find at stands, or call for pickup. Insist on the meter or agree on a fare beforehand for longer trips.
Grab is the dominant ride-sharing app, available for GrabCar and GrabBike. It gives transparent, upfront pricing. Link a credit/debit card for payment without cashs. Verification of driver and vehicle details is a must before getting on.
Licensed taxis are generally safe; always insist on the meter. Grab is considered safer due to tracking and transparent pricing. Traditional motorbike taxis (Xe Om) require fare negotiation beforehand and are generally less safe due to traffic exposure.
Public buses in Thanh Hoa City, like most public transport in Vietnam, generally lack specific accessibility features for travelers with mobility impairments. Steps are necessary for boarding, plus area for wheelchairs or devices for mobility is limited. Sidewalks leading to bus stops can also be uneven or obstructed.
