Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Smoking policy at Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Warnings & Caveats
Vietnam enforces a complete nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Do not vape anywhere in the airport or country. Smoking outside designated areas can result in fines under Vietnamese public health law.
SGN is one of the more smoker-friendly airports in Southeast Asia, with designated smoking rooms available airside in all three terminals after security. Landside, you are restricted to outdoor designated areas outside the terminal buildings. Vietnam has a complete vaping ban, so leave your e-cigarette in your checked bag.
Before Security
Landside smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal entrances. No indoor smoking rooms exist before security. The indepartures.com community rates the Terminal 1 landside outdoor spot a modest 5/10 - functional but basic, with no notable comforts.
After Security
This is where SGN genuinely delivers for smokers. Each terminal has at least one enclosed, ventilated smoking room past the security checkpoint:
Terminal 1 (Domestic): Smoking room near Gate 18 confirmed open as of November 2022. A second room near Gate 15 was photographed in 2019 and appeared well-signed. Look for the yellow "Phong Hut Thuoc / Smoking Room" ceiling signs.
Terminal 2 (International): Two smoking rooms reported - one near Gate 15 and one near Gate 17 (confirmed 2024). A newer, reportedly nicer option opened upstairs in the Saigon Cafe, accessible via the escalator between the two security exits (confirmed February 2025). The Gate 17 and Gate 15 rooms are described as stained but functional - worth knowing if security queues eat into your time.
Terminal 3 (Domestic): As of October 2025, two smoking rooms are confirmed - one on the top floor and one on the bottom floor near Gate 1.
Smoking Rooms Layout
The rooms in T1 and T2 are glass-walled enclosed cabins with seating, wood-effect flooring, ashtrays, and ventilation. The T2 Gate 18 room is notably more spacious and styled, featuring a camel logo on the wall, armchairs, and a large window. All rooms are clearly signed in both Vietnamese ("Phong Hut Thuoc") and English ("Smoking Room") with overhead directional signs in the concourse.
Vaping Rules
Vietnam enforces a nationwide vaping ban. E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are not permitted anywhere in the country, including inside the airport. Do not attempt to vape in the smoking rooms.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through T2 internationally, the Saigon Cafe upstairs option (February 2025 report) is the most comfortable airside choice. The Gate 15 and Gate 17 rooms are easy to find with the overhead signage. For domestic connections through T1 or T3, follow the ceiling signs toward the nearest gate cluster.
Bottom Line
SGN has more post-security smoking rooms than most airports in the region - just follow the "Phong Hut Thuoc" signs in whichever terminal you are in, and you will find a working room. Vaping is banned nationwide, full stop.
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