Comprehensive guide to infrastructure and flight routes at Tho Xuan Airport 2025

1. General Introduction to Tho Xuan Airport

1.1 Location of Tho Xuan Airport

Tho Xuan Airport, with international code THD, is located in Sao Vang commune, Thanh Hoa province. From Thanh Hoa city center, the journey to the airport is approximately 45 km to the west. Visitors can easily travel to the airport via National Highway 47 within 1 to 1.5 hours using vehicles such as cars, motorbikes, and buses.

Thanks to this strategic location, Tho Xuan Airport not only serves travel needs within the province but also helps connect to neighboring provinces in the North Central region. Visitors can conveniently access attractive tourist destinations such as Sam Son or historical sites thanks to the synchronously planned and invested transportation system.

1.2 Role of Tho Xuan Airport

As the main civil airport of Thanh Hoa province, Tho Xuan Airport also serves military missions under a modern dual-use model. The airport's key role is as a gateway for trade, contributing significantly to the economic and social development of the entire province.

Tho Xuan Airport serves hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. (Source: Collected)

Notably, Tho Xuan Airport is also oriented to develop into an international airport. It is expected that in the following years, the airport will be upgraded to increase its capacity to 2.5-3 million passengers/year. This development not only promotes tourism but also creates momentum for import-export activities and goods trade, thereby elevating the local economy and increasing investment attractiveness into Thanh Hoa province.

2. Flight schedules and main routes at Tho Xuan Airport

2.1 Domestic routes

From Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hoa), tourists can easily travel to many major cities across the country through a diverse domestic flight network, operated by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Vietravel Airlines.

The typical routes currently include:

Thanh Hoa - Ho Chi Minh City: This is the busiest route, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, and a frequency of 2-3 flights per day, meeting the travel and business needs between the two major economic centers.

Thanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot: The travel time is about 4 hours and 40 minutes, including transit time at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), with 1 flight per day, convenient for journeys to explore the Central Highlands.

Thanh Hoa - Da Lat: The journey takes about 5 hours and 45 minutes - 7 hours and 25 minutes (including transit time in Ho Chi Minh City), with 1-3 flights per day, making it an ideal choice for tourists who want to enjoy the cool air and romantic scenery of the plateau.

Thanh Hoa - Nha Trang: The average flight time is 5 hours and 30 minutes, with 1 flight/day, making the journey to the central coastal city easier.

Thanh Hoa - Da Nang: Takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes - 7 hours and 35 minutes, including transit at Tan Son Nhat Airport, with 1-2 flights per day, serving the needs of tourism, business, or connections to central provinces.

Thanh Hoa - Quy Nhon: This is a potential route exploited by many airlines seasonally, offering an additional option for tourists who love exploring blue seas and Binh Dinh cuisine.

Vietnam Airlines operates flights to and from Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

With an ever-expanding flight network, Tho Xuan airport is becoming an important connecting hub for the North Central region, making journeys from Thanh Hoa to all parts of the country quicker, more convenient, and offering more diverse options than ever before.

2.2 Operating Airlines

Currently, Tho Xuan airport is served by many major domestic airlines, contributing to expanding connectivity between the North Central region and major economic and tourist centers nationwide.

Vietnam Airlines is the main airline, stably operating the Thanh Hoa - Ho Chi Minh City route with 14 flights/week, and also operating Thanh Hoa - Nha Trang and Thanh Hoa - Da Lat routes. With consistent service quality, a modern fleet, and a high on-time performance rate, Vietnam Airlines is the top choice for customers prioritizing comfort and safety.

Vietjet Air is the airline with the highest flight frequency at Tho Xuan airport, especially on the Thanh Hoa - Ho Chi Minh City route with approximately 28 flights/week. Additionally, Vietjet Air is continuously expanding its network, operating more Thanh Hoa - Da Lat, Thanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot, and Thanh Hoa - Can Tho routes, offering flexible options for tourists, business travelers, or those visiting family.

 

Vietjet Air operates flights at Tho Xuan Airport. (Source: Collected)

2.3 Basic Flight Schedule and Reference Ticket Prices

Flight schedules at Tho Xuan Airport are flexibly adjusted according to each season, with the number of flights increasing significantly during summer, Tet, and holidays. During peak periods, the total number of takeoffs can reach over 20 flights per day, meeting the increased travel demand.

Regarding ticket prices, the Thanh Hoa - Ho Chi Minh City route is the most popular with prices ranging from approximately 2,200,000 - 3,000,000 VND per way (excluding taxes and fees). Meanwhile, annual promotions offer passengers the opportunity to book preferential tickets for only 899,000 VND per way.

New routes such as Thanh Hoa - Can Tho, Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot currently have reference prices from 1,200,000 to 1,900,000 VND for each way. Ticket prices vary depending on the airline, booking time, and the flexible conditions of the itinerary.

3. How to Travel from Tho Xuan Airport to Thanh Hoa City Center and Sam Son

From Tho Xuan Airport, visitors can easily choose from various flexible transportation options to suit their needs and budget. Here are the popular methods to conveniently get to Thanh Hoa city center or the Sam Son beach resort.

3.1 Public Bus

Immediately after leaving the airport terminal, visitors can walk to the airport gate and catch bus route number 19 – a fixed route operating between Tho Xuan Airport and Thanh Hoa city center. The bus operates regularly, synchronized with the flight schedules throughout the day, making it convenient for passengers.

Ticket price: approximately 25,000 VND/person/trip

Travel time: average 60 – 90 minutes, depending on traffic flow

This is an economical option, suitable for solo travelers or those not carrying much luggage.

3.2 Taxi or Ride-hailing Service

At the Tho Xuan Airport gate area, traditional taxi companies such as Mai Linh, Lam Son, Van An… are always available. Additionally, visitors can book rides through ride-hailing applications like Grab or Xanh SM to have more control over their chosen time and vehicle type.

 

Taxi system serving Tho Xuan Airport. (Source: Collected)

Taxi fare to Thanh Hoa city center: approx. 450,000 VND/trip

Taxi fare to Sam Son tourist area: from 600,000 – 700,000 VND/trip

Motorbike taxi or 2-wheeled ride-hailing service: approx. 300,000 VND/ride, suitable for solo travelers with light luggage

This option offers flexibility, speed, and privacy, especially suitable for small groups or those needing urgent travel.

3.3 Airport Shuttle and Premium Limousine Services

For a more comfortable journey, tourists can contact transportation providers offering airport shuttle services in advance. The vehicle will pick guests up from their location and take them to the city center or directly to the Sam Son tourist area without needing transfers.

Airport shuttle fare: approx. 50,000 VND/person/trip

Premium limousine service: price from 120,000 – 200,000 VND/person/trip, suitable for business travelers, groups, or tourist groups requiring convenience

The advantages of this type of service are a travel time of only about 60 minutes, spacious seats, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi, ensuring comfort throughout the journey.

4. Tips for Booking Tickets and Notes for Traveling from Tho Xuan Airport

To have a smooth and economical journey when departing from Tho Xuan Airport, tourists should prepare thoroughly from booking tickets to transportation and check-in procedures. Here are some useful tips to make your flight more convenient and comfortable:

It is advisable to book tickets early on the official websites of airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air to easily grab promotional prices and choose your preferred seats.

Regularly follow promotions or flash sales for new routes such as Da Lat, Buon Ma Thuot, Can Tho, with prices starting from only 899,000 – 1,200,000 VND/one-way, helping to save significant costs.

It is recommended to complete booking tickets and airport transportation 1-2 months in advance if traveling during peak season (Tet, summer) to secure your preferred flight times.

 

View inside Tho Xuan airport after renovation. (Source: Collected)

During peak hours, arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights to complete check-in, security checks, and board on time.

Checking in online before arriving at the airport helps save waiting time at the counter and speeds up the process.

Prepare luggage according to each airline's regulations, pack securely, and avoid carrying restricted items to reduce risks when passing through security.

If traveling with children or the elderly, prioritize early check-in and choose seats near the aisle for easy movement and assistance when needed.

5. Combine with tourism in Thanh Hoa

5.1 Sam Son Beach tourism

About 60 km from Tho Xuan airport, Sam Son beach is the most prominent destination in the North, attracting tourists with its fine white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves. This is an ideal place to enjoy a complete vacation with family and friends after your flight.

 

Sun World Sam Son is a must-visit destination when coming to Sam Son. (Source: Collected)

Visitors can choose to stay at resorts, high-class hotels, beachfront villas, or mid-range accommodation options to suit all needs. Especially, Sun World Sam Son is a must-visit, the largest entertainment and resort complex in Thanh Hoa. This is the highlight that helps Sam Son become a tourist destination in the North. With a coastal park, central square, and vibrant walking street, it offers a series of world-class, modern, and colorful beach experiences for all visitors.

5.2 Explore the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage

Located about 30 km from Tho Xuan Airport, the Ho Dynasty Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized in 2011. It holds outstanding value in terms of architecture, construction techniques, and the history of Vietnam during the Ho Dynasty. The structure is built entirely of blue stone, with blocks weighing tens of tons fitted together precisely, demonstrating the superior technical skills of the Vietnamese in the 14th century.

Today, visitors can stroll through the majestic South Gate, explore the moat, ancient palaces, archaeological exhibits, and learn more about the special historical period of the ancient Dai Ngu kingdom. This is a must-visit site for anyone interested in Vietnamese history, culture, and ancient architecture.

5.3 Experience the Cam Luong Holy Fish Stream

About 70 km from Tho Xuan Airport, the Cam Luong Holy Fish Stream is located at the foot of Truong Sinh Mountain. This is one of Thanh Hoa's unique tourist attractions. It is nổi bật with its crystal-clear stream year-round, where thousands of natural fish swim right at visitors' feet, creating a magical scene amidst pristine nature.

 

Prominent fish school at Cam Luong sacred fish stream. (Source: Collected)

According to local legend, the fish school here are "sacred fish" revered by the locals; no one catches them, they only come to admire and pray for luck. Besides the fish stream, visitors can explore Truong Sinh mountain, enjoy rustic local cuisine, and experience the fresh air of the Thanh region's midland mountains.

Tho Xuan Airport is increasingly asserting its position as the main aviation gateway for the North Central region with its developing flight network and improving services. With comprehensive and detailed information about infrastructure, flight routes, and practical experience, we hope you can plan a smooth journey and fully enjoy the diversity and attractiveness of Thanh Hoa tourism.