Travelers Weigh Food Options at Vietnamese and Regional Airports

Vietnamese travelers are willing to pay high prices for food and drinks at airports, but many still feel stingy, believing the quality isn't "worth the money" compared to airports in the region.

Ms. Thu Nga from Ho Chi Minh City, who frequently travels to Thailand for work, says that if she needs to eat at an airport, she chooses to dine at Thai airports. She once bought a large Thai tea at Suvarnabhumi Airport's international terminal for about 160 baht (VND 130,000), whereas a small cup of iced milk coffee at Tan Son Nhat International Airport's international terminal cost around VND 170,000.

"Food prices at Suvarnabhumi Airport's international terminal are higher than outside, but not double or triple," Ms. Nga said.

A portion of mango sticky rice at the airport costs 190 baht (VND 155,000), about 50-60 baht more expensive than outside. A bowl of tom yum at the airport is around 280 baht (VND 227,000), while at mid-range restaurants near Icon Siam Bangkok, the same dish ranges from 180-250 baht (VND 126,000–175,000).

The price and quality of airport food are contentious topics for Vietnamese travelers. In July, a post by traveler Tra My from Ho Chi Minh City about a banh mi at Noi Bai International Airport priced at VND 208,000 sparked extensive debate with tens of thousands of interactions.

Many travelers agree that prices at both domestic and international terminals at Vietnam's two major airports, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, are 2-4 times higher than outside food prices, but the "deliciousness" is inferior. Compared to regional airports like those in Thailand or Singapore, food options are more diverse and prices are only slightly higher than the market.

Bánh mì phục vụ tại một cửa hàng ở ga quốc nội sân bat Tân Sơn Nhất. Ảnh: Food Date

In December 2024, Ms. Minh Ngoc visited The Hainan Story, a restaurant chain with several branches in Singapore, upon arriving at Changi Airport. She ordered a portion of Hainanese chicken porridge for approximately 12.8 Singapore dollars (261,000 VND), which was about 3 Singapore dollars higher than the price at the Hillion Mall branch, with similar quality."For 260,000 VND, I could get a bowl of pho at Tan Son Nhat or Noi Bai International Airport, which is 3-4 times higher than the usual price," said Ms. Minh Ngoc.

Ms. Ngoc stated that not only at international terminals, but also at domestic terminals, food "costs more compared to its quality." She once ordered a combo including a bowl of pho, a plate of broken rice (com tam), a drink, and dessert at Tan Son Nhat Airport's domestic terminal for around 380,000 VND.

The minimum price for food and beverages at the domestic terminal is 70,000 VND. Hot dishes like pho and broken rice cost over 100,000 VND. Popular items include broken rice, pho, banh mi, chicken rice, and burgers. Outside the airport, a portion of broken rice or pho typically ranges from 60,000-80,000 VND.

Some tourists, however, believe that the high cost of airport food is "obvious" due to expensive rent and complex transportation. One tourist explained that paying extra for airport food is reasonable because they are served directly within the security-checked area and don't have to go outside. They view the higher prices as a "fee paid for convenience and time-saving."

According to Dr. Justin Pang, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality Management at RMIT University Vietnam, food prices at airports are generally higher than outside due to their unique nature and geographical location. The number of restaurants and food stalls within airports is quite limited, while passenger demand is high because they need quick food options.

Airports are often located far from city centers or commercial areas, leading to higher transportation and ingredient supply costs, which in turn increases product selling prices. In Vietnam, airport food prices are generally higher than in the city, with a price difference ranging from 10-50%. Local residents, accustomed to normal prices, may feel "a pinch" if they buy food at the airport.

"Airport food is often served to tourists, who are willing to spend more and accept higher prices," Mr. Pang said. He also believes that locals know where the best food is, and thus are often more demanding about quality and taste compared to tourists who are unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine.

Bích Phương