SaiGon – Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).
By Taxi
Taxis from the airport to the city center would take as little as 15 minutes in lighter traffic (which only happens between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm). This should cost no more than 80,000VND. The more typical experience is to creep along in near-standstill traffic for 30 minutes or more, at a cost of about 120,000VND to 150,000VND from district 1, inclusive of airport tax. A company called Sasco has the airport taxi concession, and their cars are the first you will see by the curb. They are OK, just a bit more expensive than rivals such as Vinasun, Vinataxi, and Mai Linh, which can be found waiting in abundance 50 meters away, further out into the parking lot. Whichever taxi you choose, make sure the driver uses the meter. Major taxi companies are fairly honest, but if you want to avoid all stress, you could simply buy a “Taxi coupon” at one of the counter after the custom declaration & x-ray at international airport terminal.
Budget Car Rental has recently become the first international car rental company in Vietnam. They offer English speaking drivers and new model vehicles at affordable prices. You can find them just outside customs decleration next to the taxi stands. The black VIP taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh) will give you premium service with better Lexus car at higher rate. These maybe unnecessary expenses for a short trip to the hotel.
Taxi coupons of Airport taxi & Saigon taxi (from airport to downtown or vise versa) can be purchased at this Centre.
By Boat
Many resort areas are served by ship routes at reasonable prices. Hydrofoil express boat are available from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau and to My Tho, Can Tho.
Some companies offer canoes for rent, but the prices are expensive.
If you are looking for a great selection of places to stay with discount prices, visit Ho Chi Minh Hotel for more information.”
By Air
Tan Son Nhat (Tân Sơn Nhất) (IATA: SGN | ICAO: VVTS) is Vietnam’s largest international airport. There are two terminals: the new international terminal, which took over all international flights from September 2nd 2007, and the old terminal, which will be reserved for domestic traffic. Immigration is notoriously strict and can be time consuming, but if your papers are in order you should be fine. Note that the all-white departure cards are only for those without the ‘yellow paper’ received upon arrival. The recently introduced No. 152 air-con airport bus is the cheapest way into the city, and will drop you off on the west side of the Pham Ngu Lao area, or at the bus terminal on the south side of the Ben Thanh Market roundabout. The price was recently increased to 3000 dong. Upon exiting the airport, turn right and walk towards the domestic airport, about 5 minutes walk, in front of the airport across a small road you will see the bus waiting there. Taxi drivers may tell you there are no more airport buses- ignore them.
By Train
The train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi stops at various stations and provides an opportunity to enjoy the changing scenery. The train can be even slower than bus travel, but it is more relaxed and you’re likely to have decent legroom. Air-conditioned express trains take 32 hours to complete the itinerary. Except during the winter in northern Vietnam, non-air-conditioned trains can be very hot despite electric fans, even at night. Petty theft can be a problem, especially in budget class. In some areas, children throwing things at carriages, everything from rocks to cow dung, is another problem, and you are advised to keep the metal shield on the window in place.
Tickets are available at some ticket offices and at the Station. Except for Tet holiday (around Mid January to Mid February) and Universities entry exams seasons (around June to July), you usually can get a ticket before departure at the station. Visit this website for further information about Trains in Ho Chi Minh.
By Bus
City buses are operated with subsidies from the government as a promotion campaign to encourage people using the bus system instead of jumping on their bike whenever going out. Ticket price is 1000VND/person for the whole trip. The buses are painted in red and yellow, with the bus number on its wind shield. Check the bus route at bus stops or you can also read terminus name painted on the bus. Visit this website for further information about Ho Chi Minh By Bus
