Roberta Aguirre
Ho Chi Minh City Airport, also known as Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is a bustling hub filled with a variety of shops and services. For travellers with a layover, the airport offers a range of options to pass the time, from dining and shopping to exploring nearby attractions. Whether you're looking for traditional Vietnamese cuisine, seeking souvenirs, or hoping to catch a glimpse of the city's highlights, there's something for everyone during your stay at Ho Chi Minh City Airport. In this guide, we will delve into the myriad choices available to travellers seeking to make the most of their time at this vibrant airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport | Buses, taxis, private cars, motorcycles, and electric vehicles are available for transport to and from the airport. |
| Dining | Local food kiosks, larger restaurants, and international fast-food chains are available. |
| Shopping | Duty-free shops, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and international brands are available. Nearby malls include Parkson Mall, C.T. Plaza, and Saigon Superbowl. |
| Relaxation | Complimentary shower facilities, pay-to-enter lounges, and spas are available. |
| Sleep | Designated sleep zones with chairs, recliners, and paid sleep pods are available. |
| Attractions | Nearby attractions include the Saigon Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, the Opera House, the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. |
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Local food and drink
If you're looking to sample some local food and drink during a layover at Ho Chi Minh City Airport, you're in luck. The airport offers many of the same traditional and street dishes that Vietnam is known for. Local food kiosks serve traditional baked goods, sweets, and bahn mi sandwiches.
One popular option for bahn mi is Banh Mi Bay Ho, which was recommended by Netflix's Street Food. Here you can find a delicious sandwich with a great mix of ingredients and crusty bread on the outside with a pillowy soft inside. If you're looking for something a little different, there's a stall at 53 Cao Thắng, Phường 3, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, that offers Turkish doner kebabs wrapped in a Vietnamese banh mi.
For those wanting to sit down and enjoy a meal, "Viet Nam restaurant" on Trường Sơn street is a great option to try some typical Vietnamese dishes, such as cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork) and bánh xèo (crunchy pancake with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts). If you're craving Thai food, the nearby Thai House restaurant (21 bis Hau Giang street) is just a 20-minute walk from the airport and offers delicious food at a reasonable price.
To get your caffeine fix, head to Trung Nguyen Coffee, Vietnam's number one coffee chain, known for its clean shops, good service, and great Vietnamese coffee. For something stronger, Nhau Nhau (89 Ton That Dam, District 1) is a hip, '60s-inspired bar that serves up Instagram-worthy coconut worm shots alongside items from the Anan Restaurant menu. If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, C.T Plaza (60A bis Trường Sơn street) offers a spectacular view of the runway and a chance to enjoy a drink while taking in the "organised chaotic traffic" of Saigon.
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International brands
If you're looking to shop for international brands during a layover at Ho Chi Minh City Airport, there are a few options available. While the airport itself doesn't offer the modern shopping mall experience found in many other Asian airports, you can still find some typical airport shops featuring international brands. These include well-known names such as Nike, Gucci, Panasonic, and Samsung.
The duty-free shops at the airport carry a range of imported products from various international brands. However, keep in mind that these shops are limited in number and tend to be more expensive than those in neighbouring countries. If you're looking for a wider selection and better prices, you may want to consider duty-free shopping in other countries.
Additionally, if you have time and are willing to venture outside the airport, you can visit the nearby Parkson Mall, located just across from the main terminal. There, you'll find a more extensive selection of international brands and a typical shopping mall experience.
Remember to plan your time accordingly, especially if you need to return to the airport for your next flight. Allow enough time to browse, purchase, and comfortably make your way back to the airport.
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Local boutiques
Another option is the Parkson Mall, which is located just across from the main terminal. There is also the Sai Gon Superbowl, which is located close to the airport on Trường Sơn Street. It has plenty of eateries, shopping outlets, and a bowling centre.
If you are looking for local boutiques in the city centre, it is conveniently located just over 7km away from the airport. You can take a taxi, bus, or private transport to get there. The First Hotel 5*, Prague Airport Hotel 3*, Erato Boutique Hotel 3*, and The Airport Hotel 4* are some of the famous hotels near the airport known for their quality and service.
The Wellwishers Gallery on the 3rd floor of the airport also has a decent amount of seating and designated sleep zones with chairs, recliners, and paid sleep pods.
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Silk
Elegant Silk is a clothing store in Saigon that offers tailoring services and has received positive reviews for its friendly staff, good prices, and quick turnaround times. However, some customers have complained about the quality of the fabric, saying that it did not feel like real silk.
Toan Thinh Silk is a popular option for those seeking authentic Vietnamese silk. With fixed prices and multiple showrooms in the city, it is a trusted brand among locals. Thai Tuan Silk is another well-regarded option, known for its good quality and affordable prices.
For those looking to explore the city's markets, the Clothes Market in Tan Binh District (Cho Tan Binh) is recommended over Ben Thanh Market due to the presence of pushy sellers and scams at the latter. Tan Dinh Market by Tan Dinh Church is also a popular option for silk shoppers, offering various fabric shops that cater to locals. If you speak Cantonese or Mandarin, you may want to check out the Chinatown markets of Soai Kinh Lam and An Dong.
Outside of the city centre, the Hoi An ancient town in Hanoi is known for its fabric and clothing stores, with reasonable prices and sophisticated styles.
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Transport to the city
Ho Chi Minh City Airport, also known as Saigon Airport, offers several transport options to get to the city centre. Here are some ways to get from the airport to the heart of Saigon:
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient option for travellers, especially those who don't speak the local language. Licensed taxi companies can be found outside the main terminal, and the fare to the city centre (District 1) typically ranges from 150,000 to 170,000 VND, with an additional 10,000 VND airport surcharge. It is recommended to ask the driver to turn on the meter to ensure a fair price.
Private Transfers
Private transfer services, such as Saigon Transfers and Welcome Pickups, offer a seamless and often affordable experience. These services can be booked in advance, and a driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign, regardless of your arrival time.
Bus
For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the 109 bus route, known as Saigon's first "5-star luxury" bus. It offers a comfortable and enthusiastic experience at a reasonable price. However, keep in mind that buses may be delayed due to busy traffic, especially during rush hours (7 am-9 am and 4:30 pm-6:30 pm).
Walk and Other Options
If your destination is nearby, walking is always an option. Additionally, some city-based hotels offer arrangements for taxis or private transfers for a small fee.
Remember to have your accommodation details handy and consider downloading an offline map of the city to help navigate and ensure a smooth journey to your destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Saigon Airport has the usual range of duty-free shops, souvenir shops, and convenience stores. You can also find shops from international brands like Nike, Gucci, Panasonic, and Samsung.
Yes, there are local food kiosks serving traditional baked goods, sweets, and banh mi sandwiches. There are also larger restaurants serving Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, and other cuisines.
Yes, there are a few hotels located within a 5-minute drive of the airport.
During a layover, you can go shopping or get something to eat. You can also get a massage or take a shower at the airport. If you want to leave the airport, you can visit nearby malls like Parkson Mall or C.T. Plaza, or take a short bus or taxi ride into the city.
Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is known for its shopping. You can find clothes, accessories, handicrafts, arts, food and beverages, scents and perfumes, and more. If you're looking for silk, it's recommended to go to Hoi An, but Saigon still has a huge variety of good-quality silk.
