Lien Khuong Airport

Lien Khuong Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a picturesque aerial gateway to the romantic "City of Eternal Spring". The terminal's unique architecture, inspired by the shape of the wild sunflower (the Dã Quỳ flower), immediately sets travellers in a poetic mood characteristic of the highland resort of Dalat. Located in a scenic valley amidst pine forests, the airport offers guests breathtaking views upon landing and a high level of comfort that meets international standards.

Airport Features and Highlights

Lien Khuong Airport is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful and distinctive in Vietnam. Its terminal is a true architectural landmark: the roof of the building is stylised to resemble the petals of the yellow wild sunflower, which is the unofficial symbol of Lam Dong province.

• Convenient Navigation and Comfort: The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for travellers, including spacious waiting halls, a VIP lounge, and a clear signage system, making your stay here pleasant and hassle-free.
• Local Flair: Inside the airport, there are shops where you can purchase famous local specialities—Dalat coffee, artichoke tea, dried fruits, and silk products, allowing you to buy excellent souvenirs right before departure.
• Transport Accessibility: The road to the city centre runs along a scenic highway. You can get to your hotel by taxi or via the official shuttle bus that runs between the airport and the centre of Dalat.
• Dining: Cafés and restaurants operate on the premises, offering both traditional Vietnamese cuisine (such as hot Pho soup) and familiar snacks.

• Official Website: vietnamairport.vn/lien-khuong-airport
• Information Desk Phone: +84 263 3843 373
• Address: QL20, Lien Nghia Town, Duc Trong District, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam (QL20, Liên Nghĩa, Đức Trọng, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam)
• Email: vanthu-dli@vietnamairport.vn
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official pages on popular social networks. Major news and updates are published on the general website of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).
• Lost & Found: For items lost within the terminal building, please contact +84 263 3646 727. If your luggage was lost during the flight, you must contact your airline's representative office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance with general enquiries, it is recommended to use the main airport information desk phone number.

There are several ways to get to Lien Khuong Airport from the centre of Dalat, which is approximately 30 kilometres away. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The journey typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

Airport Shuttle Bus — this is the most economical option. The fare is approximately 40,000 – 50,000 Vietnamese Dong. Buses operate according to the flight schedule and usually depart from the Ngọc Phát Hotel, located near Dalat Central Market. Travel time is roughly 45-60 minutes. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those wishing to save money.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services — the most convenient and fastest method. A taxi ride to the airport will cost approximately 250,000 – 350,000 Dong and take about 30-40 minutes. It is recommended to use reputable companies (such as Mai Linh or Lado Taxi) and ensure the driver turns on the meter, or agree on a fixed price in advance. You can also use ride-hailing apps popular in Vietnam, such as Grab, where the fare will be known beforehand.

Private Transfer and Car Rental. For families with children or large groups, booking a private transfer is an excellent solution. This can be organised through your hotel or online services, guaranteeing comfort and a fixed cost. If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can rent a car at one of the rental points in Dalat. Please note that an International Driving Permit may be required for this.

Airport Parking. For those travelling to the airport by private or rented vehicle, parking facilities are available at Lien Khuong Airport. You can leave your car here for both short and long periods, which is convenient if you plan to return to Dalat after a short absence.

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) features a modern and well-thought-out structure that makes it very convenient for passengers. All airport operations are concentrated in one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This eliminates the need for long transfers or searching for the right building—all processes from check-in to boarding take place in one location.

The terminal has a memorable design inspired by the shape of the wild sunflower—the symbol of the Lang Biang Plateau where Dalat is situated. The building's layout is logical and intuitive. Generally, it has two main levels:

• Ground Floor — this is the Arrivals area. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters for international flights, as well as the exit to the city where taxis and transfers await passengers.
• First Floor — the Departures area. This level houses airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, passport control, and the main departure lounge with boarding gates.

Because the airport is relatively small and modern, completing all procedures usually does not take much time. However, it is recommended to arrive in advance: approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 2.5-3 hours for international ones. During peak hours or the tourist season, queues can be longer, so it is better to have some spare time.

Navigating the terminal is straightforward. There are clear signs in Vietnamese and English everywhere. The compact size of the building allows for quick movement between the check-in area, security control, and gates. All key points are within a few minutes' walk, making the experience at Lien Khuong Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of Lien Khuong Airport is inextricably linked with the history of Dalat itself. Its story began back in the colonial era: the first airfield on this site was built by the French administration in 1933. Initially, it served military and civil needs, providing transport links for French officials and settlers who chose the cool highlands as a resort.

During the war in Vietnam, the airfield played a significant role as an airbase used first by the French, and later by South Vietnamese and American forces. After the war ended, it functioned for a long time as a small regional airport, serving primarily domestic flights without undergoing significant changes.

A key stage in the airport's development was a massive reconstruction that began in 2004 and was completed in 2009. As part of this ambitious project, a completely new, modern passenger terminal was built, and the runway was significantly extended and upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft. Thanks to this modernisation, in 2009 Lien Khuong Airport officially received international status. This was a major achievement that opened the region to foreign tourists and gave a powerful boost to tourism development.

Interesting fact: the architectural design of the new terminal is inspired by the image of the wild sunflower (in Vietnamese "dã quỳ")—a bright yellow flower that is one of the symbols of Lam Dong province and Dalat itself. Today, Lien Khuong is a modern and comfortable airport serving as the main aerial gateway to the picturesque Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is a modern and convenient terminal that offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait before their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-organised and designed for the needs of travellers arriving in Dalat or departing from it.

Dining and Shopping: The terminal houses several cafés and restaurants where you can have a quick snack or a full meal. Here you will find establishments offering famous Vietnamese coffee, fresh pastries, and local dishes. Souvenir shops are also available, where you can buy gifts, local tea, coffee, and handicrafts—an excellent option if you forgot to purchase something in the city.

Comfort and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Special counters and power outlets are provided in the waiting halls for charging electronic devices. For passengers who prefer enhanced comfort, there is a Business Lounge where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere and enjoy snacks and beverages.

Financial Services: Upon arrival or before departure, you can use the services of currency exchange counters and ATMs located in the public area of the terminal. This is convenient for those who need local currency immediately after landing.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: The airport is equipped for the comfortable movement of passengers with reduced mobility—there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. A medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid.

Accommodation and Business Services: There are no hotels directly on the airport premises, but many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away. There are no specialised conference halls in the terminal, but basic conditions for work can be found in the Business Lounge.

Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) in Dalat, being a regional transport hub, offers passengers a basic but sufficient selection of establishments for a snack or a full lunch. One should not expect a huge variety of restaurants here as in major international hubs, but you certainly won't go hungry.

The main emphasis in the menus of local establishments is on Vietnamese cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your favourite dishes before departure. In cafés and small food courts, you will easily find traditional `Pho` soup, hearty `Banh Mi` sandwiches, and fresh spring rolls. Be sure to try the famous Vietnamese coffee—the Dalat region is renowned for its coffee plantations, and a cup of the aromatic drink will be a perfect conclusion to your journey.

Most dining outlets are located in the general departure hall, both before and after security control. These are mainly small cafés and food kiosks. For a quick snack, a `Banh Mi` or pastries with coffee are ideal. If you have time for a full meal, order a hot bowl of soup or another traditional dish. Prices here, as in any airport, are slightly higher than in the city but remain quite reasonable.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian dishes is not difficult—Vietnamese cuisine is rich in vegetable soups, rice with vegetables, and fresh salads. It may be more challenging to find gluten-free or Halal options, as there are no specialised establishments here. The opening hours of cafés and restaurants are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open throughout the day but may close late in the evening after the last planes depart.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Dalat goes smoothly, follow our advice. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) is a modern and relatively small terminal, so navigating it usually does not cause difficulties, but knowing some nuances will help save time and stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport: For domestic flights within Vietnam, it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allow 2.5-3 hours. Although the airport is not as busy as the capital's hubs, queues for check-in and security can form during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and Security: The check-in and security screening process here is standard. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready. To speed up screening, remove all metal items from your pockets in advance, and take laptops and liquids out of your hand luggage. Airport staff are usually friendly and ready to help if you have any questions.

Seat Selection on the Plane: Do you want to enjoy stunning views of coffee plantations and the hills of the Central Highlands during take-off or landing? Choose a window seat. The landscapes around Dalat are truly impressive, especially in clear weather.

Hand Luggage: It is prohibited to carry liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Particular attention should be paid to local exotics: for example, durian is strictly prohibited in the cabin by most airlines due to its strong odour. Pack it in airtight containers and check it into your luggage (having checked your carrier's rules beforehand).

Connecting Passengers: Lien Khuong is rarely used as a transit hub for international flights. If you have a self-transfer from a domestic flight to an international one (or vice versa), you will most likely need to collect your luggage and check in again. Ensure you have enough time between flights—at least 3-4 hours.

Customs Control: When departing on an international flight or arriving from abroad, be prepared for standard customs procedures. Large amounts of cash (usually over 5,000 USD) and items of cultural or historical value must be declared. There is no customs control for domestic flights.

Saving Time and Money: Complete online check-in to avoid standing in line at the counter. It is better to book a transfer from the airport to the city in advance or use the official shuttle—this is often cheaper than negotiating with private taxi drivers on the spot. Prices for food and drinks inside the terminal are higher than in the city, so you can bring a light snack with you.

In Case of Flight Delay: First of all, contact your airline representative for the latest information. The airport has several cafés and waiting areas where you can spend time comfortably. Download films or books to your devices in advance, as Wi-Fi may be unstable during high loads.