Getting to Hanoi for dental treatment is straightforward. Vietnam’s capital is well connected by international flights, the airport transfer is simple, and getting around the city once you arrive is easy and cheap. Here is everything you need to know.

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Hanoi’s international airport is a modern facility with two terminals. Terminal 2 handles international flights; Terminal 1 handles domestic flights. The airport was significantly upgraded in recent years and is clean, efficient, and well-signed in English.

What to do on arrival:

  1. Pass through immigration (have your passport and visa/e-visa ready)
  2. Collect luggage
  3. Get a local SIM card at the airport (Viettel, Mobifone, or Vinaphone counters in arrivals – $5-$10 for a tourist SIM with data)
  4. Withdraw Vietnamese Dong from an ATM in the arrivals hall
  5. Get your transport to central Hanoi

Airport to Central Hanoi

Download the Grab app before your trip. Once you have a local SIM card with data, book a GrabCar from the arrivals area. The app shows you the price upfront.

  • Cost: 250,000-400,000 VND ($10-$16)
  • Time: 40-60 minutes
  • Pros: Fixed price, no scams, door-to-door, comfortable
  • Cons: Need a local SIM for the app to work

Option 2: Airport Taxi

Official airport taxis are available at the taxi stand outside arrivals. Use only Mai Linh (green) or Noi Bai Taxi (white) brands.

  • Cost: 350,000-450,000 VND ($14-$18) metered
  • Time: 40-60 minutes
  • Pros: No app needed, available immediately
  • Cons: Slightly more expensive than Grab, risk of detoured routes

Option 3: 86 Express Bus

The cheapest option. A comfortable air-conditioned bus that runs between Noi Bai Airport and the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem area).

  • Cost: 45,000 VND ($2)
  • Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Pros: Extremely cheap, comfortable, runs frequently
  • Cons: Fixed route (not door-to-door), luggage space limited, crowded during peak hours

Option 4: Hotel Transfer

Many hotels offer airport pickup for $15-$25. Pre-arrange this when you book. A driver will meet you in arrivals with your name on a sign.

  • Cost: $15-$25
  • Pros: Zero stress, driver waiting for you, no app or cash needed on arrival
  • Cons: Most expensive option

International Flight Routes to Hanoi

Noi Bai Airport has direct connections from major cities across Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Direct flights from:

  • Southeast Asia: Singapore (3.5 hrs), Bangkok (2 hrs), Kuala Lumpur (4 hrs), Manila (3.5 hrs), Jakarta (5 hrs)
  • East Asia: Seoul (4.5 hrs), Tokyo (5.5 hrs), Hong Kong (2.5 hrs), Taipei (3.5 hrs), Beijing (4 hrs)
  • Australia: Sydney (9 hrs), Melbourne (9.5 hrs) – direct flights on Vietnam Airlines and others
  • Europe: London (11.5 hrs), Paris (11 hrs), Frankfurt (11 hrs) – direct or one-stop connections
  • Domestic: Ho Chi Minh City (2 hrs), Da Nang (1.5 hrs), Nha Trang (2 hrs)

Budget airlines: VietJet Air and Bamboo Airways offer competitive fares on regional and domestic routes. Book directly on their websites for the best prices.

Getting Around Hanoi

Grab (Primary Recommendation)

Grab is the easiest way to get around Hanoi. Book through the app, price is fixed before you confirm, and payment can be cash or card.

  • GrabCar: Air-conditioned sedan. $1-$5 for most city trips.
  • GrabBike: Motorbike taxi. $0.50-$2. Faster in traffic but less comfortable. Not recommended after dental surgery.

Walking

Central Hanoi, particularly the Old Quarter, is walkable. If you stay near your dental clinic, you can walk to appointments and nearby restaurants. The Old Quarter to Hoan Kiem Lake is a 5-10 minute walk.

Hanoi’s sidewalks are often occupied by parked motorbikes and street vendors, so you may end up walking on the road edge. This is normal.

Public Bus

Hanoi has an extensive bus network. Cheap ($0.30 per ride) but confusing for tourists. Not recommended unless you are comfortable with Vietnamese signage.

Metro

Hanoi’s metro system (Line 2A) runs from Cat Linh to Ha Dong. Useful if your destination is along this route, but limited coverage for most dental tourists.

Where to Stay

For Picasso Dental Old Quarter patients: Stay in the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District). Hotels on Hang Bong, Hang Be, or Ma May streets put you within walking distance.

For Picasso Dental Westlake patients: Stay in Tay Ho district near West Lake. Quieter, greener, with lakeside cafes and international restaurants.

For Westcoast International Dental and Australian Dental Clinic patients: Central Hanoi hotels in Hoan Kiem or Ba Dinh districts work well.

Budget accommodation: $15-$30/night for clean hostels and guesthouses in the Old Quarter.

Mid-range hotels: $30-$60/night for comfortable rooms with breakfast.

Premium hotels: $80-$200/night for boutique hotels and international brands.

Practical Tips

SIM card: Get a tourist SIM at the airport. Viettel has the best coverage. $5-$10 gets you 30 days of data and calls. Essential for Grab and Google Maps.

Cash: ATMs are everywhere in central Hanoi. Withdraw VND in amounts of 2-5 million. Your bank may charge fees – check before traveling. Most dental clinics accept bank transfer and major credit cards.

Power: Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F plugs (220V). Bring a universal adapter.

Language: English is widely spoken at tourist establishments and dental clinics. Basic Vietnamese phrases (xin chao = hello, cam on = thank you) are appreciated but not essential.

The Bottom Line

Getting to and around Hanoi is straightforward for dental tourists. Download Grab before your trip, get a SIM card at the airport, and book accommodation near your chosen clinic. The 40-60 minute airport transfer is the only logistical hurdle, and it is easily handled with Grab or a hotel pickup.

For clinic details, see our top 6 Hanoi dental clinics guide. For visa information, check our Vietnam visa guide.

Plan your Hanoi dental trip on SmileJet

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi?

The best options are Grab ($10-$15, 40-60 minutes), airport taxi ($15-$20), the 86 Express Bus ($2), or a pre-booked hotel transfer ($15-$25).

How far is Noi Bai Airport from central Hanoi?

Approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) north. Travel time is 40-60 minutes, up to 90 minutes during rush hour.

Which airlines fly direct to Hanoi?

Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air operate many routes. Direct international flights from Singapore, Bangkok, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne, London, and Paris are available.

Is Grab available in Hanoi?

Yes. Grab is the most reliable way to get around. A typical cross-town ride costs $1-$5 with fixed pricing through the app.

What is the best area to stay in Hanoi for dental tourism?

The Old Quarter for most dental tourists – central, walkable, and close to clinics. Tay Ho (West Lake) for a quieter environment near Picasso Dental Westlake.

Related reading:

Sources