Huế Phu Bai Layover Guide (HUI)

What are you looking for in HUI?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Huế Phu Bai Airport (HUI) is a regional airport located in Thừa Thiên Huế Province, Vietnam. It’s situated about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Huế. The airport began operations in 1940. Huế is a historic city known for its imperial past, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage. It’s considered one of Vietnam’s most charming destinations, attracting visitors with its scenic surroundings and rich traditions.

Can you leave Huế Phu Bai Airport (HUI) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Huế Phu Bai Airport (HUI) during a layover if your connection is under 24 hours and you stay within the transit zone. If you exit the airport, collect luggage, or stay longer, you’ll need a visa—e‑Visa costs US $25 and valid at Phu Bai. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Imperial Citadel Explore centuries-old palaces, gates, shrines and ornate courtyards within the Hue Imperial Citadel, former Nguyen dynasty seat. Marvel at historic architecture and learn about Vietnam’s royal heritage. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi, 20 minutes)
• Thien Mu Pagoda Visit the iconic seven-story pagoda perched on the Perfume River banks. Enjoy panoramic river views and peaceful gardens while discovering centuries of Buddhist tradition and local folklore. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, 15 minutes)
• Tomb of Minh Mang Wander through tranquil gardens, lotus ponds, and Neo-Classical mausoleum structures at the Tomb of Minh Mang, showcasing elegant stonework and imperial funerary architecture amid serene countryside settings. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, 25 minutes)
• Tomb of Khai Dinh Admire the elaborate fusion of Eastern and Western design elements at Khai Dinh’s tomb. Its intricate ceramic mosaics and grand staircase reflect a unique blend of French influences and Vietnamese artistry. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, 25 minutes)
• Perfume River Boat Cruise Relax on a scenic boat cruise along the Perfume River at sunset, passing lush riverbanks, historic landmarks like Thien Mu Pagoda, while sipping tea and enjoying traditional music performances. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi to pier, 15 minutes)
• Dong Ba Market Dive into Hue’s vibrant culinary scene and local culture at Dong Ba Market. Sample regional specialties, fresh fruit, and handicrafts while mingling with friendly vendors in bustling covered stalls. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, 15 minutes)
• Thanh Toan Covered Bridge Cycle or taxi to view the historic wooden Thanh Toan Covered Bridge spanning a tranquil canal. Admire traditional architecture, serene rice paddies, and observe rural Vietnamese village life up close. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi, 30 minutes)
• Hue Royal Antiquities Museum Explore a rich collection of imperial artifacts, robes, ceramics, and jewelry at the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. Gain insights into Nguyen dynasty ceremonies, art, and court life. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi, 20 minutes)

Things to Do in Huế Phu Bai Airport (HUI)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Phu Bai Airport features SH Premium Lounge and Song Huong Business Lounge in the domestic terminal near gates 6–8. Open daily from 06:00 to 22:00, both offer complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, flight-information screens, comfortable seating, refreshments, coffee, tea, snacks, newspapers, and TV channels. Access via pay-in, Priority Pass, DragonPass cards. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within a 10 km radius of Phu Bai Airport, hotels like La Vela Hue, Silk Path Grand Hue, Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa, and Indochine Palace offer comfortable accommodations. Amenities include airport shuttles, outdoor pools, free Wi-Fi, breakfast buffets, air conditioning, fitness centers, on-site restaurants, and attentive service for all travelers. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Phu Bai Airport lacks dedicated sleeping pods or sleep-in lounges. However, travelers can rest free of charge on standard seating throughout the departure lounge. A quiet corner near gates offers benches for short naps. No 24-hour operations means overnight stays require nearby hotels. Bring eye masks and earplugs for comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Phu Bai Airport provides complimentary, secure Wi-Fi across all passenger areas. Users connect instantly to “ACV-Free-WiFi” network, accepting terms via a splash page. Speeds suit basic browsing, email, messaging, and light streaming but may be limited during peak hours. No password is required; service lasts for the entire terminal visit.

SIM/eSIM Card: At Phu Bai Airport, official kiosks for Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone are located in the arrivals hall. Present your passport to purchase a prepaid SIM or eSIM, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 VND. Packages include data, calls. eSIM profiles can be activated via QR code instantly upon arrival. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxi counters inside Phu Bai Airport offer Mai Linh and Vinasun taxis with flat-rate fares to Hue city center (approximately 200,000 VND). Taxis operate 24/7; use prepaid tickets from the booth to avoid overcharging. Alternatively, Grab and ride-hail services pick up outside the terminal. Payments accepted in cash or app.

Train: Phu Bai Airport has no direct passenger train service. Hue Railway Station, on the Reunification Express line, lies about 12 km north in Hue city. Trains regularly connect Hue with Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City daily. Conveniently, reach the station via taxi or shuttle. more info.

Bus: Air-conditioned Public Bus No.2 and No.11 operate between Phu Bai Airport and Hue city. Bus No.2 runs 04:45–21:45 daily, every 30–60 minutes; affordable ticket fares VND5,000–7,000. Bus No.11 runs 09:15–19:00 daily; fares VND7,000–20,000. Buses depart outside the terminal and stop at Southern and Northern Bus Stations. more info.

Shuttle: Shared shuttle vans operate between Phu Bai Airport and Hue city center. Van services, run by private operators such as KKday, depart hourly from the airport gate between 05:00 and 21:00 daily. Tickets cost around $5–$7. Book online in advance to secure your seat; boarding occurs directly outside the terminal.

Car rentals: Car rental desks for Avis, Budget, and agencies sit within Phu Bai Airport’s arrivals hall. Options range from economy cars to SUVs, often equipped with GPS. Rentals require a passport and international driving permit. Rates start at approximately $25 per day. Vehicles can be picked up and returned at terminal. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Phu Bai Airport offers both short- and long-term parking directly in front of the terminal. Car parking rates are approximately 3,000 VND per hour or 25,000 VND per day; motorcycle parking costs less. Payment is made at automated exit booths. The lot is monitored by CCTV and patrolled regularly for enhanced security.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Phu Bai Airport does not provide self-service luggage storage or lockers. Lost-and-found handles mislaid items only. Travelers seeking temporary storage must arrange packages through hotel luggage services or concierge. A small baggage room in the VIP area may offer limited courtesy assistance upon request, but overnight storage is not guaranteed. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Huế Phu Bai Airport (HUI) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks