Ruth Haines
Ho Chi Minh City Airport, also known as Saigon Airport, has undergone significant improvements over the years, transforming into an enjoyable hub for international travellers. The airport is conveniently located near the city centre, offering a range of options for travellers with a layover. From exploring local cuisine and street food to visiting nearby attractions like the Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and the War Remnants Museum, there's something for everyone. Efficient transportation options, including buses and taxis, make it easy to get around. The airport itself provides ample seating and designated sleep zones for those seeking rest during longer layovers. With recent enhancements, Saigon Airport is becoming an integral part of the travel experience when visiting Vietnam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Tan Son Nhat Airport |
| Airport Code | SGN |
| Airport Location | Near the center of Ho Chi Minh City |
| Transportation Options | Bus, taxi, motorbike, private car |
| Attractions Near Airport | C.T Plaza, Saigon Superbowl, Thai House Restaurant, Independence Palace, Saigon Central Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon River |
| Airport Amenities | Food kiosks, restaurants, lounges, sleep zones, nearby hotels |
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What You'll Learn
Explore the city by taxi, bus, motorbike, or private car
Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of transport options for visitors, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Here is some information about exploring the city by taxi, bus, motorbike, or private car.
Taxi
Taxis offer convenience and control over your time and itinerary. They can be more convenient than buses, especially if you don't know the local language. However, it is important to be cautious of taxi scams, as there are unlicensed cabs with fake meters that may charge you double or triple the regular fare. Licensed cab companies are available outside the main terminal, and you can reach the riverfront area within 30 minutes.
Bus
The city bus is a good choice for those on a budget. The 109 bus, also known as the first "5-star luxury" bus in Saigon, offers an inexpensive way to get from the airport to the city centre, with air conditioning and a storage bin for large luggage. It stops at all the major spots in the city centre (District 1), making it easy to walk to your hotel. However, the bus can be late due to heavy traffic, especially during rush hours (7-9 am and 4:30-6:30 pm).
Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is a fun and popular way to get around Ho Chi Minh City, offering the freedom to explore attractions without relying on booking apps or taxis. There are countless motorbike rental companies in Saigon, offering varying rates and bike qualities. However, traffic in the city can be intense, so it is recommended to avoid rush hours when riding.
Private car
A private car tour is an excellent choice if you're looking for a unique and customised experience. You can contact local companies to arrange a private tour according to your interests and preferences.
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Visit the Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and Plaza
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history and culture. If you're looking for things to do during a layover at the city's airport, one option is to visit the Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and Plaza. Here's a guide to help you make the most of your time:
Saigon Central Post Office:
The Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit destination, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City at 2 Cong Xa Paris Road, District 1. This iconic building, designed by Alfred Foulhoux, was constructed between 1886 and 1891 when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. It showcases a beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French architectural styles. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by soaring vaulted ceilings, elegant arches, intricate details, and historical maps, creating a unique atmosphere that blends the past with the present. The old wooden phone booths and the large central portrait of President Hồ Chí Minh add to the cultural significance of this place. The post office is still fully functional, so don't forget to send a postcard to your loved ones back home.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall:
Ho Chi Minh City Hall, located near the Saigon Central Post Office, is a grand colonial-era building. Its architecture showcases the French influence during the colonial period. Stroll through the neighbourhood to admire the beautiful design of the city hall and explore the nearby attractions, such as the Opera House.
Plaza:
There are several plazas near the airport that you can visit. One option is the C.T Plaza, located at 60A bis Trường Sơn Street, directly opposite the airport. This modern building offers a variety of facilities, including stores, coffee shops, a cinema, apartments, and offices. Head up to the 11th floor, where you'll find a coffee lounge with a spectacular view of the runway. Enjoy a drink while taking in the bustling "organised chaotic traffic" of Saigon city, especially at night. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Saigon Superbowl, another mall that offers eateries, shopping outlets, and a bowling centre for some entertainment during your layover.
Transportation:
To get from the airport to these destinations, you have several options. You can walk to nearby places, such as the Thai House restaurant, which is a 20-minute walk from the airport and offers delicious Thai cuisine at reasonable prices. For longer distances, you can take the bus, such as the 109 bus route, which provides a luxurious and affordable way to explore the city. Taxis are also available, offering convenience and control over your itinerary. However, be aware of potential scams and try to look up your destinations and preferred routes in advance to avoid being overcharged.
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Take a boat ride and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
If you're looking for an adventurous day trip from Saigon Airport, a boat ride to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a great option. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit:
Getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels by Boat
The Cu Chi Tunnels are located about 45 miles (70 kilometres) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. You can take a speedboat from Tan Cang pier along the Saigon River, with a journey time of about 75 minutes. The first boat departs at 7:30 am every day. Alternatively, you can book a private tour with a company like Saigon River Tour, which offers luxury speedboat tours that include hotel pick-up.
The Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a massive network of underground tunnels that stretch for nearly 250 kilometres, with 120 kilometres well-preserved and open to the public. They were built by Vietnamese soldiers using hand tools and simple equipment, and they played a significant role in the Vietnam War. The tunnel system has three levels, each designed to withstand different types of attacks, including chemical warfare and bombs. The entrances are narrow and camouflaged, and the tunnels include booby traps and bunkers.
What to Do at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Crawling through the tunnels is a unique and exciting experience. You can also explore the above-ground areas, which include trenches, docks, battle sites, meeting places, and food storage areas. You can try shooting at the rifle range (without live ammunition), observe the production of rice paper and rice wine, and sample tapioca, the main food during wartime. A traditional Vietnamese lunch is often included in organised tours.
Other Transportation Options
If you prefer not to take a boat, there are several other ways to reach the Cu Chi Tunnels. You can take a bus from the central bus terminal in District 1, which is the cheapest option but also the longest journey, taking about 2 hours each way. A taxi is the most expensive but also the quickest and most comfortable option, taking about 1.5 hours. Renting a car or motorcycle can be a good choice if you want more flexibility and the ability to stop along the way.
Remember to plan your trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels carefully, especially if you have a layover at Saigon Airport. The site is quite distant, so it's recommended to set aside half a day or a full day for the visit.
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Try local cuisine and traditional street food
Ho Chi Minh City Airport itself offers a variety of traditional and street food options for you to try. Local food kiosks serve traditional baked goods, sweets, and banh mi sandwiches. Banh Mi Bay Ho, a banh mi stall recommended by Netflix's Street Food, serves delicious sandwiches at cheap prices. If you're looking for something more unique, Banh Mi Trang Thi offers a doner kebab banh mi, a tasty twist on the traditional sandwich.
For a more upscale dining experience, Banh Xeo 46A is a popular spot for banh xeo, a huge crepe filled with shrimp and pork belly. The restaurant is open-air and tucked down a side street, providing a charming setting for your meal. You can also try bot chien, a dish of sizzling rice cakes served with a sweet soy and vinegar sauce, at a street food stall around Hem 174 Nguyễn Thiện Thuật.
If you're looking for a heartier meal, ca kho to is a Vietnamese comfort food of sweet braised catfish in a clay pot, served with a plate of hot rice. Hu tieu Nam Vang, a Cambodian and Chinese pork-based noodle soup, is another popular choice. For a modern take on Vietnamese cuisine, visit AnAn in Cho Cu, where French culinary techniques are fused with Vietnamese street foods.
For those with a sweet tooth, Ho Thi Ky food street offers an array of affordable treats, including tamarind seed sweet soup. You can also find sweet baked goods and traditional sweets at the airport itself.
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Relax in a pay-to-enter lounge with food, drinks, and WiFi
Ho Chi Minh City Airport offers pay-to-enter lounges with food, drinks, and WiFi. These lounges provide a peaceful environment with unlimited food and drinks, news and TV, and sometimes even showers. Economy Class flyers can take advantage of these lounges by booking in advance or using a lounge membership program.
The Rose Business Lounge, located in the International Terminal on the first floor, offers access to travellers by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. The Prime Lounge, located in the Domestic Terminal, is also accessible by paying at the door (650 VND). The Le Saigonnais Business Lounge, located in the Domestic Terminal in front of Gate 12, and the Apricot Business Lounge both offer showers in addition to the standard amenities.
If you're looking for a more quiet and comfortable space to relax and freshen up, these pay-to-enter lounges at Ho Chi Minh City Airport can be a great option. They provide a peaceful break from the busy airport environment and offer various amenities to enhance your travel experience.
In addition to the lounges, Ho Chi Minh City Airport also provides designated sleep zones with chairs, recliners, and paid sleep pods for travellers who want to rest during their layover. The airport also has free unlimited WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels to accommodate a range of traveller needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Ho Chi Minh City is only a few kilometres away from the airport, and there are many things to do on a layover. You can visit the Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City Hall and Plaza, the Opera House, the War Remnants Museum, or take a boat ride on the Saigon River.
You can take a taxi or a bus. While buses are cheap, taxis may be more efficient and easier to use, especially if you don't know the local language. If you take a taxi, beware of taxi scams, as there are many fake cabs with fake meters trying to approach you.
Saigon Airport offers many of the same traditional and street cuisines that Vietnam is known for, so you can do your own food tour. Local food kiosks serve traditional baked goods, sweets, and banh mi sandwiches. Larger restaurants serve family-style Vietnamese, plus Thai, Chinese, and other cuisines. You can also relax in one of the pay-to-enter lounges that serve unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and sometimes even showers.
Yes, there are a few hotels located within a 5-minute drive of the airport.
It's recommended to arrive at the airport early, as Truong Son Street leading to the airport in Tan Binh District sometimes comes to a standstill at odd times of the day. Spending a little time waiting near the front of the line at the check-in counter will benefit you later.
