Long Thanh

Long Thanh is a district in Đồng Nai province, located about 40 km east of Ho Chi Minh City. It is best known as the site of Long Thanh International Airport, a massive new airport project that will serve as Vietnam's largest aviation hub upon completion. The district is undergoing rapid transformation driven by airport-related infrastructure and urban development.

Long Thanh has traditionally been an agricultural area with cashew, pepper, and rubber plantations, as well as fruit orchards. The construction of the new airport has brought significant investment, new roads, and residential development, reshaping the local economy and landscape.

The climate is tropical monsoon, with a dry season from November to April and a rainy season from May to October. Temperatures range from 25–35°C year-round.

By Plane

The current nearest airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 40 km west. Upon completion, Long Thanh International Airport will be located within the district itself. A taxi from Tan Son Nhat to Long Thanh costs 300,000–450,000 dong and takes 45–60 minutes.

By Car / Road

Long Thanh is accessible via the Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway, which connects directly to the district. Driving from Ho Chi Minh City takes 40–60 minutes. Buses run from Mien Dong bus station in Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh town, with fares around 40,000–60,000 dong.

Long Thanh's main town area is small and walkable. Taxis and Grab are available for trips to surrounding villages and the airport construction site. Motorbike rental (around 150,000 dong/day) is the most convenient way to explore the district's rural areas.

Long Thanh International Airport Viewpoint — Observation points near the construction site where visitors can watch the development of Southeast Asia's future largest airport.

Tam Anh Pagoda — A historic Buddhist temple in Long Thanh district with traditional architecture and a serene atmosphere.

Cashew and Pepper Plantations — The district's agricultural heritage is visible in the cashew and black pepper farms that still dot the countryside.

Long Thanh Market — The local market offers a glimpse of daily life and regional produce.

Cycle through the rural roads past cashew orchards and pepper gardens. Visit during Tết (Lunar New Year) when traditional festivals are held at local temples. Explore the area's many small fruit gardens where you can pick seasonal produce.

Gỏi cá — Local fish salad made with freshwater fish from the Đồng Nai River, mixed with herbs, peanuts, and tangy dressing.

Lẩu mắm — A pungent and flavourful fermented fish hotpot, a Southern Vietnamese specialty available at local eateries.

Cashew-based snacks — Roasted and flavoured cashew nuts sold everywhere, a perfect on-the-go snack.

Simple quán cơm bình dân restaurants serve rice plates with grilled meats and vegetables for 25,000–40,000 dong.

Vietnamese iced coffee is available at small cafés along the main road. Fresh coconut water is sold by street vendors. The area is also known for rượu thuốc (herbal rice wine), available at local markets.

• Budget: Small guesthouses (nhà nghỉ) near the market offer basic rooms from 150,000–200,000 dong.
• Mid-range: A few hotels catering to airport construction workers and engineers offer rooms from 350,000–500,000 dong.
• Upscale: Limited upscale options; most visitors stay in Ho Chi Minh City or Bien Hoa and visit Long Thanh as a day trip.

Long Thanh is a major cashew-producing area — fresh-roasted cashew nuts are the best buy. Local markets sell black pepper, dried fruits, and honey. The Long Thanh Market is the main shopping destination for daily necessities and local produce.

Bien Hoa (30 km, 30 min) — The capital of Đồng Nai province with pagodas, museums, and the ceramics village.

Ho Chi Minh City (40 km, 45 min) — Vietnam's largest city with endless attractions, dining, and entertainment.

Vũng Tàu (80 km, 1.5 hr) — Beach destination with seaside resorts, seafood, and the Christ the King statue.

Cat Tien National Park (130 km, 2.5 hr) — Premier nature reserve with jungle trekking and wildlife spotting.