Bread 208,000 VND at Noi Bai, customers complain it is more expensive than at the international airport

(Dan Tri) - While waiting to board the plane, Ms. My decided to buy a 208,000 VND sandwich to fill her stomach. According to her, the sandwich was expensive but tasted very normal, if not not delicious.

I know it's expensive but I have no other choice.

Many passengers after each flight share the same frustration: Food at some Vietnamese airports is too expensive. From a cup of coffee, a bottle of mineral water to a bowl of pho, a sandwich or a meal of rice, all are "inflated" in price by 2-3, even 4-5 times compared to outside.

The familiar story continues to repeat itself at major airports such as Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, making many passengers feel annoyed.

Last week, because of a trip abroad, Ms. Tra My arrived at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) quite early before departure time. Because of the long wait, she felt quite hungry.

Looking around the area near the plane’s exit, My saw many shops selling famous Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh mi, and rice. The woman decided to buy a sandwich to fill her stomach.

The 208,000 VND sandwich that Ms. My bought at Noi Bai airport (Photo: Character provided).

The price of bread at the stores is quite diverse, from 7.9 to 8 USD and more than 8 USD. Ms. My bought a bread for 7.9 USD (about 208,000 VND).

According to Ms. My, this price is too expensive for a very ordinary sandwich. “Inside there is a little pork filling with some vegetables and pickles, the flavor is nothing special. I know that food at the airport is expensive, but because I waited too long for my flight, I had no other choice so I had to eat it,” said the female passenger.

This is not the first time Ms. My has experienced expensive food at the airport. Not long ago, while waiting for her plane at Tan Son Nhat Airport (HCMC), this woman paid 560,000 VND for a bowl of pho and a chicken rice dish that she commented was "super bad".

Often traveling abroad for work, traveling abroad and traveling by plane, Ms. My realized that selling a sandwich for 208,000 VND or a bowl of pho for 200,000-300,000 VND is too expensive. Food at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports, especially in the international terminal area, compared to airports in other countries in the region such as Korea, China, Singapore, Indonesia... are all more expensive.

Having had the opportunity to experience the food at the airports of these countries, Ms. My found the dishes quite delicious and reasonably priced. “I have eaten sandwiches for only 40,000-50,000 VND at the airports of other countries, while the prices of food at Vietnamese airports are much higher. Many workers have said they had to go hungry because they could not afford the price for a meal that seemed very ordinary,” Ms. My said.

The story about the 208,000 VND sandwich that Ms. My shared received tens of thousands of interactions and comments. Many people agreed that the prices of food and drinks at the two major airports, Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat, always surprised them. The prices of shops in the international terminal area are always higher than the domestic terminal and many times higher than the general market price.

“I once bought a bottle of water for 50,000 VND at the airport, the price is 10 times higher than outside,” Ms. Huyen (in Nam Dinh ) shared.

When comparing the food experience at Malaysian or Singaporean airports, Mr. Vu Tuan shared: “The price of food in the airport is not much different from the price outside. So going early to check in and slowly enjoying the food is also a pleasure for those who are afraid of missing their flights when flying in these countries.”

Knowing the prices of food and drinks at the airport, many travelers share that they always prepare food and drinks while waiting to check in, in case the plane announces a delay so they don't have to buy expensive food.

A bowl of pho and a chicken rice meal costing 560,000 VND that Ms. My and her relatives bought not long ago at Tan Son Nhat airport (Photo: Provided by the character).

Airport food carries a lot of costs

High airport rental prices, along with operating costs, security control, material transportation, etc. are often cited as reasons for the sky-high prices of food at the airport.

Not long ago, Dan Tri reporter also reported on the feelings of tourists when eating a bowl of pho for 200,000 VND at Noi Bai airport.

Mr. Hoang Tung - Chairman of F&B Investment - once shared that the controversy over food and drink prices at the airport is not only a story of Vietnam but also takes place in many countries around the world .

According to Mr. Tung, the prices of goods at the airport are often higher than outside because the products have to "bear" many types of costs. Sellers are forced to set prices to cover the costs while ensuring profit.

Airports are often located far from the central area, so the cost of transporting raw materials will be more expensive. Food and drinks sold at airports have higher food safety and hygiene standards, and documents proving their origin are very thorough. Bringing raw materials inside for processing must go through a strict control and screening process, especially at international terminals.

High prices for food at the airport have existed for many years, but according to Mr. Tung, food businesses have many ways to satisfy customers, helping to improve customer reviews instead of making them think only about price. Business owners have the right to choose products that ensure quality but the most reasonable price. Customers will be satisfied if the product quality and service are good.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/banh-mi-208000-dong-o-noi-bai-khach-than-dat-hon-o-san-bay-quoc-te-20250704183351621.htm