Arriving in Vietnam: Everything you need to know | Vietnam Purple Travel Guide
After your arrival in Vietnam you will need to go through immigration.
Remember to ensure that you have the correct visa for your travels in Vietnam before you fly:
Extremely Important: You will be turned away at the border if there is a typo or any mistake in your visa. Therefore, please double- and triple check the information you enter and the visa that is issued to you. If there is any mistake, apply for a new visa.
ATMs and Money Exchange
Inside the airport, find an ATM machine or currency exchange to get Vietnamese Dong VND. ATM machines typically allow daily withdrawals between 2-10 mio VND.
While many vendors and hotels in big cities accept credit cards, smaller vendors, and guest houses, especially in rural areas in Vietnam, may only accept cash.
Local SIM Cards
You may also want to buy a SIM card for your mobile phone, if it has sim cards and is unlocked, meaning not limited to your home-country’s carrier.
Getting from Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) to Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
After the long flight to Vietnam, you will likely be exhausted and want to get to your hotel quick.
Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is located approximately 4-5 miles (6-7 km) from District 1 (downtown), but travel time can vary significantly due to Ho Chi Minh City's infamous traffic (15 min - 45 min). Here is a detailed guide on how to get from the airport to downtown:
District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City is generally considered to be the ‘downtown’ area, which is where most major hotels, tourist attractions (like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House), and the backpacker area (Bui Vien Street) are located.
You have four options to get to your accommodation:
Hotel Airport Pick-up Service / Private Transfer - Most Convenient
Some hotels offer airport pick-up services, or you can pre-book a private car transfer through a travel agency or online platform (e.g., Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook, etc.).
After long and tiring international flights, booking an airport transfer is typically what we do.
How it works
Book in advance: Arrange this with your hotel or a transfer company before your arrival.
Meet & Greet: A driver will typically be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name.
Direct Transfer: You will be driven directly to your hotel. You pay the transfer company by credit card in advance, or if it is a hotel transfer, it will be added to your room bill.
Cost
Generally the most expensive option, ranging from 300,000 - 500,000 VND (USD 12-20) or more, depending on the hotel and vehicle type. Some luxury hotels might offer the transfer for free.
Travel Time
Similar to a taxi/Grab, 15-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Pros
Most convenient and stress-free, especially after a long flight, no waiting or navigating, fixed price. If you have a lot of luggage you have, you may ask for a larger car when you book.
Cons
Most expensive option.
Please also read the Important Considerations for All Options.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Be, XanhSM) - Recommended for most travelers
Ride-hailing apps are generally the most convenient and transparent option, offering fixed prices (before you book) and credit card payment.
Foreigners usually prefer Grab, as it covers the largest area in Vietnam, accepts a wide variety of credit cards, and is very similar to uber.
As mentioned earlier, install the Grab app before you fly to Vietnam.
How it works:
Download the app: Before you leave for Vietnam, download and install Grab, Be, or XanhSM (Green and Smart Mobility, which uses electric cars), and add your credit card to the account. Grab is the most popular.
Get a local SIM card/eSIM or connect to airport Wi-Fi: You will need internet access to use the app - you can either buy a SIM card at the airport (various kiosks in the arrivals hall) or activate an eSIM if your phone supports it, or use the free airport Wi-Fi.
Set your destination: As with uber, enter your hotel address or name, or a landmark in District 1 (e.g., ‘Ben Thanh Market’, ‘Saigon Opera House’).
Choose vehicle type: You can select a car (GrabCar, GrabTaxi) or a motorbike (GrabBike) if you are traveling light and want to experience the local commute. Motorbike taxis are cheaper and can weave through traffic faster. Be advised that cars in Vietnam tend to be smaller in than in the USA, so if you have a lot of luggage, then not everything may fit into the car.
Confirm price: The app will show you the exact fare before you confirm the booking. This includes the airport toll fee (usually 10,000-15,000 VND).
Locate your pick-up point:
International Arrivals: Follow signs to the designated Grab/ride-hailing pick-up area, often in the parking lot across the road from the exit.
Domestic Arrivals: The pick-up point is typically at Lane D, a short walk from the terminal.
Important: Always verify the driver's license plate and picture against what is shown in the app before getting into the car. Be wary of anyone approaching you directly claiming to be your Grab driver without you initiating the booking.
Cost
GrabCar: Approximately 100,000 - 200,000 VND (USD 4-8) to District 1, plus a 10,000-15,000 VND airport fee. Prices can surge during peak hours or bad weather.
GrabBike: Roughly half the price of a GrabCar, around 45,000-60,000 VND (USD 2-3).
Travel Time
15-45 minutes, highly dependent on traffic.
Pros
Transparent pricing, convenient, usually no language barrier (as the destination is set in the app), often available 24/7.
Cons
Can experience surge pricing, might have a short wait time during peak hours, need internet access. One car may be too small if you have a lot of luggage.
Please also read the Important Considerations for All Options.
Taxis - Reliable if you choose reputable companies
Traditional taxis are readily available and offer a direct, door-to-door service. However, choosing the right company is crucial to avoid scams.
How it works:
Go to the official taxi stand: After exiting the arrivals hall, follow signs to the official taxi ranks. Avoid anyone inside the terminal or just outside who approaches you offering a ‘taxi’ – these are often unlicensed drivers.
Choose a reputable company: Stick to well-known, metered companies with clear branding. The most reliable are:
Mai Linh (Green cabs)
Vinasun (White cabs with green and red accents)
(Other reputable ones include Futa Taxi/Phương Trang and G7 Taxi).
Insist on the meter: Once in the taxi, confirm the driver will use the meter. If they refuse or try to negotiate a flat fare that seems too high, politely decline and find another taxi.
Have your destination ready: Show your hotel address or a landmark clearly. Many taxi drivers may not speak English.
Cost
Approximately 150,000 - 300,000 VND (USD 6-12) to District 1, plus an airport toll fee (around 10,000 VND). Fares depend on distance, traffic, and vehicle size.
Travel Time
15-45 minutes, highly dependent on traffic.
Pros
Readily available, door-to-door service, comfortable for groups or those with luggage.
Cons
Risk of overcharging or meter tampering if you pick an unlicensed taxi, some drivers may try to avoid the meter, potential language barrier.
Please also read the Important Considerations for All Options.
Public Bus - Most Budget-Friendly
Public buses are the cheapest way to get to the city center, offering a local experience.
How it works:
Locate the bus stop: Bus stops are located outside the terminal buildings. Look for signs pointing to ‘Public Bus’.
Bus 109 (Yellow Bus): Departs from Column 12 (International Terminal) and Column 18 (Domestic Terminal).
Bus 152 (Green Bus): Departs from Gate 2 (Domestic Terminal), though also accessible from the International Terminal.
Pay the fare: Pay the bus conductor directly in Vietnamese Dong (VND). Have small denominations ready. There might be an extra small fee for large luggage.
Know your stop: The most common drop-off point for District 1 is near Ben Thanh Market. Keep an eye on your map or ask the conductor to let you know when to get off.
Key Bus Routes
Bus #109 (Yellow Bus)
Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Saigon Bus Station (near Ben Thanh Market).
Operating Hours: ~5:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Frequency: 15-30 minutes.
Fare: 15,000 - 20,000 VND (USD 0.60-0.80) per person. This bus is newer, more comfortable, and designed for tourists with luggage space.
Bus #152 (Green Bus)
Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Thanh Market – Trung Son Residential Area.
Operating Hours: ~5:15 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Frequency: 15-20 minutes.
Fare: 10,000 - 20,000 VND (USD 0.40-0.80) per person.
Bus #49 (Yellow Shuttle Bus)
Route: Tan Son Nhat Airport – City Center (District 1, District 2, stops at major hotels/landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and Opera House).
Operating Hours: ~5:00 AM to 2:00 AM (next day).
Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
Fare: 40,000 VND (~USD 1.70). This is a dedicated airport shuttle, offering more comfort and direct stops at hotels.
Travel Time
40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and route.
Pros
Extremely cheap, authentic local experience.
Cons
Can be crowded, longer travel time, limited operating hours (especially for Bus 152), may require a short walk from the bus stop to your final destination, less ideal with lots of luggage.
Please also read the Important Considerations for All Options.
Important Considerations for All Options
Traffic: Ho Chi Minh City traffic can be intense, especially during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:30-7:30 PM). Factor in that your travel times can easily double during that time.
Currency: Have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong (VND) for buses and potentially taxis. ATMs and currency exchange counters are available at the airport.
SIM Card/Wi-Fi: A local SIM card or eSIM (or reliable airport Wi-Fi) is highly recommended for using ride-hailing apps and navigation. Nowadays, many big international carriers have inexpensive global phone and data plans. Check with your carrier at home. We typically do not need to buy local SIM cards, as our global plan is fantastic.
Scams: Be vigilant, especially with taxis. Only use official taxi stands and reputable companies, and always insist on the meter.
Luggage: Consider the amount of luggage you have when choosing an option. Buses are less convenient with very large or multiple bags.
Choose the option that best fits your budget, comfort level, and travel style!
Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Here you can find hotel options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What to do after you arrive
Many international flights arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, and it will either be late afternoon or early evening when you get to your hotel room.
Our advice is to take it slow for the rest of the day, and maybe do a little bit of exploring outside of your hotel in the evening.
Then go to bed at the normal time that you usually go to sleep, so that you wake up refreshed in the morning.
Where do you want to go now?
Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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