Vietnam » Getting to Ho Chi Minh

As the Ho Chi Minh transportation system is improving day by day, you can easily get into the city by air, by bus, by taxi, by motorbike, by bus, on foot and by train.

To enhance the Ho Chi Minh transportation the Vietnamese Government has started establishing a new international airport near Long Thanh Township to accommodate rapidly growing air passengers.

By Air

Tan Son Nhat is the main airport of Vietnam. It has two different terminals, the new international terminal and the old terminal. The new international terminal is reserved for the international flights, and takes all international flights from September 2nd 2007, while old terminal is used for domestic traffic.

By Train

The train station is located on the Cach Mang Thang Tam Northwest of the city center.  The official train ticket office is located in the backpackers district 275C Pham Ngu Lao.

By Bus

A number of private tour company buses are available to drop the passengers off on Pham Ngu Lao located at the west of De Tham, which is the backpacker area.

By Taxi

Taxis are the most suitable way of moving around as they are not very costly. The taxis charge only 15,000 dong for the first km, and 11000 dong per additional km.  In the beginning of 2008, there was a sudden increase in prices, due to high fuel prices. Taxis rates are not fixed by the city government, rather different companies have their own fare rates which keep on changing from time to time.

Major companies include: Vinasun (white), Mai Linh (various shades of white (standard), green (mini w/ cheaper rate), brown, and silver, Vinataxi (yellow), Petrolimex (white with blue and orange) and Savico (blue).

By Motorbike

Motorbikes are not only safe but they are also readily available at cheap prices. All the bike riders are strongly enforced to wear helmets while riding.

On Foot

Initially it is difficult for the people to walk on the roads because they are scared of the mad traffic. But once you get used to the traffic, the walking trips of the city becomes pleasant.

The best trick to cross the road is to stay away and walk slowly and confidently.