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Global Market · Southern Asia
Vietnam – Bhutan Logistics
Bhutan market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Thimphu
- Region
- Southern Asia
- Population
- 0.8 million
- Area
- 38,394 km²
- Nominal GDP (2022)
- US$2.9 billion
- GDP per capita
- 3,638 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 160 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 2.3%/year
- Currency
- BTN (BTN), INR (INR)
- Languages
- Dzongkha
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 2,515 km
Economic size
In 2022, Bhutan’s nominal GDP reached US$2.9 billion, ranking No. 160 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$3,638. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 2.3% per year.
Growth potential
- Close to Vietnam (about 2,515 km), with short transit times.
- Landlocked, requiring multimodal solutions via neighboring countries.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Bhutan do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Bhutan
Ocean
8–16 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
1–3 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
2,515 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
Bhutan is landlocked. Ocean cargo typically arrives at a port in a neighboring country and continues by road or rail.
Neighboring countries that can serve as gateways:
International airports
Bhutan has 1 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Paro International Airport | PBH | Paro |
Services for the Vietnam – Bhutan lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Bhutan?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Bhutan take?
Bhutan is landlocked, so ocean cargo arrives at a neighboring country’s port and then moves inland. Total transit is usually around 8–16 days plus the road or rail leg.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Bhutan?
International air cargo to Bhutan mainly arrives via Paro International Airport (PBH).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Bhutan have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Bhutan.
Other markets in Southern Asia
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2022, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.