Transportation in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City moves on two wheels and four. Motorbike taxis (xe ôm) are everywhere and cost a fraction of a car ride, while Grab and Gojek apps let you book both bikes and cars with always check the license plate before hopping on. Traditional green-and-white taxis line the streets. But insist on the meter or agree the fare upfront to avoid surprises. Public buses run throughout the day and are the cheapest option, though routes can be confusing without Vietnamese. The bright yellow airport bus is the exception and is clearly marked. For first-timers, download Grab before landing, it works like Uber and shows the fare upfront. Avoid cyclos in District 1 unless you want a very slow, very expensive tourist experience. The city's traffic looks chaotic but follows its own rhythm: when crossing streets, walk at a steady pace and the bikes will flow around you. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, the bright yellow airport bus runs to District 1 throughout the day and is the cheapest ride. If you arrive late or with heavy bags, the official taxi queue outside arrivals is your safest bet, ignore the touts inside the terminal.