Rach Gia Airport

Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the pristine nature and island charm of southern Vietnam. Located in the very heart of Kien Giang province, this small yet welcoming airport serves as a starting point for those wishing to explore the authentic life of the Mekong Delta, far from the bustling metropolises. The atmosphere here is devoid of the hustle typical of major international hubs: everything proceeds at a measured, homely pace, and the terminal itself is surrounded by the greenery of rice fields, creating a holiday mood for travellers from the very first minutes after landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of Rach Gia Airport is its compactness and convenience. Thanks to the low passenger flow, all pre-flight procedures, from check-in to security screening, take mere minutes. There are no long queues here typical of major aviation hubs, allowing tourists to save time and avoid stress. The staff are generally friendly and ready to assist, which adds comfort to the journey.

Its strategic location makes the airport an ideal choice for travellers heading to the Nam Du archipelago or other nearby islands. From the terminal, you can reach the ferry pier in the city centre by taxi in just 20–25 minutes. This allows for easy combination of air travel with a sea voyage, creating unique routes across the south of the country without exhausting bus transfers from Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite its modest size, the airport ensures a reliable connection with the country's largest city — Ho Chi Minh City. Regular flights, operated by the national carrier on reliable ATR 72 turboprop aircraft, allow you to quickly and safely cover a distance that would take about 6–7 hours by land. This makes Rach Gia an important link in the region's transport system, especially for business people and tourists who value their time.

Below you will find contact information for Rach Gia Airport (VKG), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: The airport is managed by the state-owned Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV). Rach Gia Airport does not have a separate website, but general information is available on the ACV portal: vietnamairport.vn.
• Information Desk Phone: You can contact the airport at: +84 297 3864 326.
• Airport Address: 418 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Vinh Thanh, Rach Gia City, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam.
• Email: A separate public email for general enquiries is not provided. For urgent communication, it is recommended to use the telephone.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain its own social media pages. News and updates can be tracked on the official channels of the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. Airline staff will provide instructions and help complete the necessary documents.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information desk number: +84 297 3864 326.

Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is located just 10-11 kilometres from the centre of Rach Gia city, making the journey there quick and inexpensive. There are several convenient ways to get to the terminal, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the simplest and most comfortable way to get to the airport, especially if you are travelling with family or a large amount of luggage. A taxi ride from the city centre will take approximately 15–25 minutes. You can hail a car on the street or book via the Grab app, which is popular in Vietnam. The cost of the trip is usually low, around 150,000–200,000 VND. Some hotels also offer transfer services for their guests.

Motorbike Taxi (Xe Om). For solo travellers with light luggage, a motorbike taxi, or "Xe Om", is an excellent choice. This is not only the most budget-friendly option but also an opportunity to experience the local atmosphere of Vietnamese roads. The trip will cost significantly less than by car and will take approximately the same time. Motorbike taxi drivers are easy to find on most city streets.

Public Transport and Car Rental. Specialised public transport routes, such as buses, do not go directly to Rach Gia Airport, so tourists should rely on taxis. Car rental might be justified if you plan to explore the Mekong Delta independently, but for a simple trip to the airport, this option is not practical. If you do decide to arrive by private transport, parking for cars and motorbikes is available at the airport.

When planning a route through the region, it is also worth considering other air gateways. Depending on your final destination, Can Tho Airport (VCA) or the major international Phu Quoc Airport (PQC), located on the popular resort island, may be convenient for you.

Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is a small regional airport serving the city of Rach Gia and Kien Giang province in Vietnam. It consists of one passenger terminal, which is used for both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to its compact size, the airport is very easy to navigate, and it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The terminal building has a simple and logical layout. Immediately at the entrance are the check-in counters, followed by the security screening area. After passing control, passengers enter a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrival area is located in another part of the same building and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the city. Since there is only one terminal, no transfers or shuttles are required.

Check-in and screening procedures at Rach Gia Airport usually proceed quickly and without long queues, which is a great advantage for travellers. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1-1.5 hours before your domestic flight departure to check in luggage and pass all formalities without rushing.

Overall, navigation through the terminal is intuitive. There are signs in Vietnamese and English everywhere, and the small size of the building makes it easy to orient yourself. To move between departure and arrival zones, simply follow the signs within the same building. This makes Rach Gia Airport a convenient starting point for trips to Phu Quoc Island and other destinations in the region.

The history of Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is closely linked to the development of Rach Gia city and the entire Mekong Delta region. The air harbour is not a new construction — its roots go back to the French colonial period when a small airfield was built on this site for military and administrative needs. Later, during the Vietnam War, it was used as a military airbase, which predetermined its strategic location.

After 1975, the airfield was transferred to the management of civil aviation in Vietnam, and its long journey of transformation into a fully-fledged passenger airport began. Initially, it served only small aircraft on short routes. A key stage in its history occurred in the mid-2000s. Between 2005 and 2007, the airport underwent massive reconstruction: a new runway capable of accommodating larger turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 72, was built, and a modern passenger terminal was erected.

This modernisation was a real breakthrough. The airport was able to establish a stable air connection with the country's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, and the popular island of Phu Quoc (before the international airport opened there). Although Rach Gia Airport may not boast passenger traffic records on a national scale, its main achievement is ensuring transport accessibility for Kien Giang province and reducing travel time to key economic centres.

One interesting fact is that Rach Gia Airport has become an important gateway not only for business trips but also for tourists seeking to reach lesser-known but equally picturesque islands, such as the Nam Du archipelago. Today, the airport continues to play an important role in the regional transport network, contributing to the economic and tourism development of the southern part of the country.

Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is a small regional airport serving primarily domestic flights in Vietnam. Despite its modest size, it provides passengers with a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure.

Dining and Shopping: In the terminal, you will find several small cafes where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. The choice of food is generally limited to local cuisine and simple snacks. There are also souvenir kiosks where you can purchase memorable gifts before flying.

Waiting Lounges and Wi-Fi: A general waiting hall with sufficient seating is available for all passengers. There are no specialised VIP or business lounges at the airport. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi, although its speed may be unstable. Sockets are provided for charging electronic devices, though their number may be limited.

Financial and Other Services: ATMs may be installed in the airport building, but full bank branches and currency exchange points are absent. It is recommended to exchange money in advance in Rach Gia city. A medical point is available for first aid. Special play zones or mother and child rooms may be absent, so travellers with children should take this into account.

Special Needs and Accommodation: Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance during boarding and disembarking, including the provision of wheelchairs. It is extremely important to notify your airline of the need for such a service in advance, at least 48 hours before departure. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can be found in the city itself, which is a few kilometres from the airport.

Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is a small domestic airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and corresponds to its size. Do not expect a wide variety of large restaurants, as found in major international hubs. Catering is mainly represented by small cafes and kiosks located in the single terminal.

The main place to have a snack is in the public area before passing security control (landside). Typically, this is a small cafe offering basic Vietnamese dishes. Here you can order traditional Pho soup, a Banh Mi sandwich, or a simple dish with rice and meat. This is a great opportunity for a quick but filling lunch before departure. You can also drink the famous Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (cà phê sữa đá).

After passing control (airside), the choice is usually even more limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk with drinks, packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits), and sweets. The opening hours of establishments are directly linked to the flight schedule: they open shortly before the first departure and close after the last aircraft has departed.

Prices at the airport are higher than in the city but remain quite reasonable. Specialised dietary options, such as Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, are extremely difficult to find here. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. For a full meal, it is better to eat at the cafe before screening, and for a quick snack afterwards, stock up on snacks in advance.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Rach Gia city goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Rach Gia Airport (VKG) is a small regional hub serving mainly domestic flights, so navigation here is quite simple.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Vietnam, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to pass check-in and security without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website if available. Check-in counters usually close 40-50 minutes before departure.

Seat Selection: If you want to admire views of the coast and islands, choose a window seat. If comfort and legroom are important to you, an aisle seat is more suitable. Passengers wishing to leave the aircraft first upon arrival should choose seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons. All liquids must be packed in a transparent bag. Ensure that power banks and other batteries are in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.

Connecting Passengers: Rach Gia Airport is rarely a transit hub for international flights. Most often, connections to flights to Rach Gia occur in major airports such as Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. If you have such a connection, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Always allow sufficient time for the transfer.

Customs Control: Since the airport serves domestic flights, customs control is only undergone here in exceptional cases. If you arrive in Vietnam from another country, you will pass customs at the first airport of arrival (for example, in Ho Chi Minh City), and the flight to Rach Gia will count as domestic.

Saving Time and Money:

• Purchase tickets in advance, especially during the high tourist season.
• Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security.
• Book a taxi or transfer to the city in advance to avoid inflated prices.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (water, meals). Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited, but there is a cafe where you can have a snack and wait for your flight in comfort.