Your Ultimate Guide to Arriving at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport (THD)

• Infographic: A Smooth Arrival at Thanh Hoa (Tho Xuan) Airport
• Infographic: A Seamless Arrival at Tho Xuan Airport

Welcome to Thanh Hoa! Imagine stepping off the plane, filled with excitement for the stunning landscapes and rich culture that await. But first, there’s the airport. The journey through immigration can often be a test of patience with long, slow-moving queues. This guide is your key to transforming that arrival process from a source of stress into a seamless, expedited start to your Vietnamese adventure.

What to Prepare Before Arriving at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport – Tho Xuan

A smooth arrival starts long before you board your flight. Proper preparation is key. Here is a comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything in order:

1. Passport:

This is non-negotiable. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Vietnam. It must also have at least one or two blank pages for the visa and entry stamps. Always carry a digital copy (on your phone or cloud storage) and a physical photocopy, separate from the original.

2. Visa or Pre-Approval Letter:

Vietnam has several visa options.

• E-visa: If you are from one of the eligible countries, the 90-day, multiple-entry e-visa is the most convenient option. You must apply for this online in advance and carry a printed copy of the e-visa grant letter.
• Visa Exemption: Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam without a visa for a specified period (typically 15-45 days). Check if your nationality qualifies for a visa waiver.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): This option requires you to obtain a “Visa Approval Letter” online from a registered agency before your trip. You cannot simply show up and ask for a visa. Without this letter, you will be denied boarding.

3. Accommodation and Trip Information:

Have the full name, address, and phone number of your first night’s accommodation readily accessible. Immigration officers may ask for this, and you’ll need it for your arrival declaration form. It’s also wise to have a general itinerary or proof of onward/return travel, though this is not always requested.

4. Customs Regulations:

Be aware of what you can and cannot bring into Vietnam.

• Currency: You must declare any foreign currency exceeding US$5,000 (or its equivalent) and any Vietnamese Dong exceeding 15,000,000 VND.
• Duty-Free Allowance: You can bring in up to 1.5 liters of spirits, 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars without paying duty.
• Prohibited Items: Do not bring weapons, explosives, narcotics, anti-government literature, or pornographic materials into the country. Doing so carries severe penalties.

5. For Visa-on-Arrival Holders (Specific Checklist):

• Printed Visa Approval Letter.
• Completed NA1 Form (Entry and Exit Form).
• Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm is standard, with a white background).
• Cash for the Stamping Fee: US25 for a single−entry visa or US50 for a multiple-entry visa. This fee must be paid in cash (USD or VND are best), as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities at the visa counter.

About Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport – Tho Xuan (IATA: THD, ICAO: VVTX)

Tho Xuan Airport is a mixed-use civil and military airport serving Thanh Hoa province. While not as large as the hubs in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a modern and growing gateway to North Central Vietnam.

1. Location:

The airport is located in Sao Vang town, Tho Xuan district, approximately 45 kilometers west of Thanh Hoa city center.

2. Terminals:

It features a single, modern passenger terminal building that handles all domestic and the few international flights. The terminal is clean and well-organized, with two main floors. The ground floor serves arrivals, check-in, and baggage claim, while the upper floor has departure gates, security, waiting lounges, and a few food and souvenir shops.

3. Transport to City Center:

The journey to Thanh Hoa city typically takes 50-60 minutes. You have several options:

• Taxi: The most convenient option. Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. Expect to pay around 400,000 – 500,000 VND. Always choose reputable brands like Mai Linh or Vinasun if available, or book a pre-arranged transfer.
• Bus: For budget travelers, Bus Route 19 is a cost-effective choice. It connects the airport to the city center and costs around 25,000 VND, but the journey will be longer.
• Private Car Service: For maximum comfort and peace of mind, you can pre-book a private car to meet you on arrival.

How to Navigate Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport for E-visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors

If you hold a valid e-visa or are from a visa-exempt country, your arrival process is relatively straightforward.

1. Deplane and Follow Signs: After leaving the aircraft, you’ll be guided into the terminal building. Follow the signs for “Arrivals” and “Immigration.”
2. Immigration Checkpoint: This is your first and most crucial stop. You will need to queue in the lane designated for “Foreigners.” When it’s your turn, present your passport (and your printed e-visa if applicable) to the immigration officer. They will check your documents, stamp your passport, and officially grant you entry.
3. Baggage Claim: After clearing immigration, proceed down to the baggage claim area. Look for the carousel corresponding to your flight number displayed on the overhead screens.
4. Customs Check: With your luggage, proceed towards the exit. You’ll pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can go through the “Green Channel.” If you are carrying items that must be declared, you must go through the “Red Channel.”
5. Exit the Airport: Congratulations, you’re officially in Vietnam! You will emerge in the arrivals hall, where you can find currency exchange counters, SIM card vendors, and the exit to ground transportation.

Note for E-visa Holders and Visa-Free Visitors to Navigate Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport

While the process is straightforward, the one variable that can cause significant delays is the immigration queue. Depending on the time of day and other flight arrivals, this seemingly simple step can turn into a long, tiring wait. This is where a little-known option for savvy travelers can make a world of difference. Depending on how many flights arrive at the same time, you could find yourself waiting for a significant period. This can be especially tiring after a long flight.

But you can skip this wait. By using our Expedited Entry at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport, you can bypass the standard queues entirely. When you arrive, our team will meet you and escort you through the priority lanes at the immigration checkpoint for fast checking, turning a potentially long wait into a mere formality.

How to Navigate Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport for Visa-on-Arrival Holders

For those using the Visa on Arrival (VOA) service, there is an extra step at the beginning of the process.

1. Deplane and Find the Landing Visa Counter: Before you get to the main immigration queues, you must look for the “Landing Visa” or “Visa on Arrival” counter. It is typically located just before the immigration checkpoint.
2. Submit Your Documents: At this counter, you will submit your passport, your pre-obtained Visa Approval Letter, your completed NA1 form with an attached photo, and the cash for the stamping fee.
3. Wait for Visa Processing: The officer will take your documents and process your visa. You will need to wait for your name to be called. This is the first point where significant delays can occur, especially if many travelers are applying at once.
4. Receive Your Visa: Once your name is called, you will receive your passport back with the full visa sticker inside.
5. Proceed to Immigration Checkpoint: Now with your visa in hand, you join the regular immigration queue to be formally stamped into the country.
6. Baggage Claim & Customs: The final steps are the same: collect your luggage and pass through customs.

Note for Visa-on-Arrival Holders to Navigate Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport

The VOA process has two potential bottlenecks: the Landing Visa counter and the Immigration checkpoint. If you want to avoid the queues and hassle during this procedure, our Expedited Entry Service at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport is the perfect solution. Our team will handle the entire process for you. We take your documents and deal with the Landing Visa counter on your behalf while you rest.

Furthermore, if you happen to arrive without a passport-sized photo, the correct cash amount, or a completed NA1 form, don’t panic. Our team can help get it all sorted on the spot, ensuring a minor oversight doesn’t turn into a major travel headache. After your visa is issued, we will then escort you through the priority immigration lane, bypassing the second queue and saving you even more time.

The Secret to Skipping Queues at Tho Xuan Airport

The single most effective way to guarantee a swift passage through the airport is by booking an Expedited Entry Service at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport. This premium service, often called a “fast-track” service, is designed to eliminate waiting time at the busiest points of the arrival process.

How Does the Expedited Entry Service at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport Work?

Our service is designed for simplicity and efficiency.

1. Booking: You book the service online before your flight.
2. The Meeting: Upon your arrival at Tho Xuan Airport, our representative will be waiting for you in the immigration hall, holding a sign with your name on it. This eliminates any confusion about where to go.
3. The Escort: Our staff will greet you, and then personally escort you to a dedicated priority lane at the immigration checkpoint.
4. For VOA Holders: If you’re a VOA holder, you’ll simply hand your paperwork (approval letter, NA1 form, photo, and cash) to our representative. They will handle the entire visa stamping process for you while you can sit and relax.
5. Swift Clearance: You’ll be through immigration in a fraction of the time it takes regular passengers, leaving you free to collect your bags and start your trip.

What are the Benefits of Using the Expedited Entry Service?

• Reclaim Your Time: Instead of spending 30-60+ minutes in a queue, you could be in a taxi on your way to the hotel. That’s more time to settle in, enjoy your first Vietnamese coffee, or start exploring sooner.
• Reduce Stress and Fatigue: After a long flight, the last thing you want is to stand in a slow-moving line. The service allows you to relax and decompress.
• Personalized Assistance: Having a local expert meet you provides peace of mind. They can answer immediate questions and guide you confidently through the airport.
• Problem Solving on the Spot: For VOA travelers, our service acts as a safety net, helping with missing photos, forms, or cash issues.
• Create a Great First Impression: Start your Vietnam vacation on a positive and efficient note, feeling like a VIP.

How to Book the Expedited Entry Service?

Booking is simple. You can arrange the Expedited Entry Service at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport directly through our website, vietnamimmigration.org. Simply provide your flight details and personal information, and we will handle the rest.

Is it Safe to Book the Expedited Entry Service Through Vietnamimmigration.org?

Absolutely. We understand that trust is paramount when dealing with travel services. Here are several reasons why you can book with complete confidence:

• Over 15 Years of Experience: Vietnamimmigration.org has been a trusted name in the field since 2008. Our long history is a testament to our reliability and professionalism. You can verify our domain’s history at whois.com.
• 100% Money-Back Guarantee: We stand by the quality of our service. In the unlikely event that we fail to deliver on our promise, we offer a full refund. You can review our policy here: Refund Policy.
• Secure Payments with Buyer Protection: We process payments through PayPal, one of the most secure payment gateways in the world. This gives you access to PayPal’s robust Buyer Protection Policy, adding another layer of security to your transaction.
• Verified Customer Reviews: Don’t just take our word for it. See what hundreds of satisfied customers have to say about our service on the independent review platform Sitejabber: Vietnamimmigration.org Reviews.

Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Thanh Hoa City’s Int’l Airport

• Have Documents in Hand: Don’t pack your passport, visa, or boarding pass in your checked luggage. Keep them in a secure travel wallet or pouch that is easily accessible.
• Download Offline Maps: Download a map of Thanh Hoa on your preferred navigation app before you travel. This will help you get your bearings without needing immediate Wi-Fi.
• Get a Local SIM Card: After clearing customs, consider buying a local SIM card from vendors in the arrivals hall. It’s an affordable way to stay connected.
• Be Patient and Polite: Airport staff are doing their jobs. A friendly demeanor can go a long way. Of course, with our expedited service, your patience won’t be tested for long!

Your arrival experience at Tho Xuan Airport doesn’t just start your trip—it sets the tone for your entire Vietnamese adventure. Ensure it begins perfectly. By combining this guide’s preparation tips with the efficiency of our Expedited Entry Service, you’re not just avoiding a queue; you’re choosing a premium, stress-free beginning to an unforgettable journey.