How to get to Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

1. How to get to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

a. By plane – The most common way to get to Ho Chi Minh City

As the largest city and economic center of Vietnam, there are so many daily flights from other cities to Ho Chi Minh City. There are three domestic airlines operating flights from Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Buon Ma Thuot, … to Ho Chi Minh City: Jetstar Pacific, Vietjet Air or Vietnam Airlines and vice versa with 43 international airlines (5 seasonal airlines) operate. The airport has two national and international terminals. From the airport, tourists can take a taxi or motorbike to the city center, take about 10-15 minutes to move.

b. By train – from another big city in Vietnam

If you do not want to get to Ho Chi Minh City by airplane because of this cost, you can choose the train for its cheaper cost. However, the travel time will be much longer and you can not comfort like travel by airplane. But it is still a good option.

Stops on the Reunification Express Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi line include Phan Thiet, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hue, and Dong Hoi. The price depends on the type of train (express/slow) and the type of berth (soft-berth air-con with 4 beds/berth; hard-berth air-con with 6 beds/berth; soft seat air-con; hard seat air-con; hard seat fan) and bottom or top bunk. The sample of approximate times and costs are as follows:

• Nha Trang to Saigon: soft berth 498,000 VND, takes 7.5 hours
• Da Nang to Saigon: soft berth 823,000 VND, takes 17 hours
• Hanoi to Saigon: soft berth 1,355,000 VND, takes 35 hours

2. How to get around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

a. By xe om/grab bike

Ho Chi Minh is the bustling city and it is so crowded. Therefore, traffic jam always happens. The site to visit is quite far apart, so if you want to get around Ho Chi Minh City, the best option for you is to choose grab bike or xe om.

With xe om, they appear all around with the sign “XE OM’’ in front of the motorbike. All you must do is go there and tell them the place you want to go to. Remember that some people can not speak English so you must prepare a map and point a destination for them without saying. Xe om is much more expensive than grab a bike but it is very convenient to take.

With grab bike, you just install the app “grab” and write the destination you want to go and book. Everything will be easy and convenient. To take a grab, you must have the app on your phone and the internet. Sometime you must wait too long for the driver. Therefore, If you are urgent, the best way to get around is xe om.

b. By taxi

If you do not like the motorbike, you can easily hail a taxi on the street or request one from the comforts of your hotel. It is suitable for some far destination and the way away from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.

Some of the most popular taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Dau khi Taxi: (+84) 28.35.35.35.35
• Vinasun Taxi: (+84) 28.38.27.27.27
• Vina Taxi: (+84) 28.38.111.111
• Mai Linh Taxi: (+84) 28.38.38.38.38

c. By motorbike rental

If you want to have some driving experient in Ho Chi Minh City, you can rent a motorbike on your own to explore this bustling city. All are priced at 100.000 VND to 150.000 VND per day. Be aware that when traveling by motorbike, you must carry all vehicle documentation like a driver's license, vehicle registration, and also passport with the foreigner. Besides, you must comply with road safety regulations such as helmets, gloves, glasses, vehicle speed, etc for your safety. If you are not an experimenting driver, this option is not to be recommended.

Some places for you to rent a motorbike: