Ho Chi Minh City Layover: Make the Most of Your Short Stay
While a long Ho Chi Minh City layover may lack excitement, there’s no reason not to get out and explore what the city has to offer. Take a look at things you can do to make your time enjoyable.
Contents
- Ho Chi Minh City layover visa
- How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from airport?
- 14-hour layover in Ho Chi Minh City: Top things to do
- 1. Shop like locals at Ben Thanh Market
- 2. Admire the architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral
- 3. Set time for reflection at the War Remnants Museum
- 4. Stroll along iconic streets in District 1
- 5. Enjoy Saigon Street Food with locals
- 6. Get inside Cu Chi Tunnels like real soldiers
- 7. Explore the inspiring vibes at Chinatown
- 8. Visit sacred pagodas and temples
- Recommended Ho Chi Minh City layover tour
Ho Chi Minh City layover visa
Concerns about Vietnam visa requirements are typical among travelers to Ho Chi Minh City. Do you need a visa for a layover in Ho Chi Minh City? The answer varies depending on your purpose.
Exempted from a transit visa
First, let’s dive into the meaning of a transit. If you fly from one country to another with one or more stops at an international border gate for transiting purposes, in most countries, you are not required to get a visa transit.
The same condition goes for Vietnam. If you transit at Ho Chi Minh City International Airport in just a few hours and do not leave the transit area, you do not need a Vietnam visa.
Some specific conditions for a layover visa exemption are listed below:
♦ Have no intention to leave the transit area
♦ A connecting flight within 24 hours
♦ Vietnam visa exemption
Required to obtain a Vietnam visa
If you stay in Ho Chi Minh City airport within 24 hours but must leave the transit area or your layover in Ho Chi Minh City is over 24 hours, you need a Vietnam visa. This is typical for those who want to leave the airport to make a short day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Besides, if you have an overnight transit but cannot stand sleeping at the airport, you will need a visa to exit the airport.
So what kind of visa is suitable for your layover in Ho Chi Minh City? The easiest option is to apply for a Vietnam e-visa. The application can be made 100% online and it takes around 3 working days. The best news is as of August 15, 2023, Vietnam has granted e-visa for citizens from countries and territories.
Another option is the visa on arrival. It is less convenient than the e-visa as you have to obtain the approval letter in advance via an agency.
Once you have solved all questions about Ho Chi Minh City layover visa and decided to leave the transit area, the short yet mesmerizing journey begins.
» Read more on A Traveler’s Guide to International Airports in Vietnam
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from airport?
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport to District 1 Ho Chi Minh City center is nearly 5 miles. It takes around 30-45 minutes to get to Ho Chi Minh City from airport by car and 45-60 minutes by bus, depending on the traffic.
Bus from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City
For travelers who wish to explore the city on a budget, traveling by bus is the best. There are several routes from Ho Chi Minh City airport to the city center.
• Shuttle bus No. 49
The bus No.49 costs VND 40,000, departing from Column 12 in the International Terminal. You can buy the bus tickets either at the airport counter or directly on the bus. Its stops include Pham Ngu Lao (the Bui Vien Walking Street) and Ben Thanh (Ben Thanh Market).
• Airport bus No.109 (23/9 Park – Tan Son Nhat Airport)
The bus No.109 costs VND 20,000, departing from Column 12 in the International Terminal. You can also buy the bus tickets either at the airport counter or directly on the bus. If you depart from Tan Son Nhat Airport, the last stop is the 23/9 Park in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City center.
• Public bus No.152 (Trung Son Residential Area – Tan Son Nhat Airport)
The public bus is good if you have plenty of time and want to explore the local life more. The price is incredibly cheap at VND 10,000. You will get off bus at some center stations like Ben Thanh or Le Lai.
» Read more on Best Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City District 1
Taxi from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City
Saving time for transportation will enable you to have a whale of a time exploring the city. Traveling by taxi is a good bet for a short Ho Chi Minh City layover. Here are two ways to get things done faster:
• Traditional taxi
The first thing to be aware of is to look for meters before you get in a taxi. Always ask the driver to turn on the meter and negotiate the rate first. The price from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city center typically ranges from VND 130,000 to VND 170,000. Some trustful taxi companies for your consideration are:
♦ Vinasun Taxi: (028) 38 27 27 27
♦ Mai Linh Taxi: (028) 38 38 38 38
♦ Vina Taxi: (028) 38 11 11 11
• Taxi-hailing app
Take advantage of a mobile app to get a better price. You need to set your location and destination. The app will automatically connect you to the nearby driver. You even know the exact price in advance. The price usually falls between VND 110,000 and VND 150,000.
Remember to choose the pickup point correctly. You can send the driver a message via the app to explain your current location. The most favored app is Grab and some similar apps are Gojek, Be or BAEMIN.
» Read more on Getting around Vietnam: Easy Ways to Travel in this S-shaped Country
14-hour layover in Ho Chi Minh City: Top things to do
Many travelers wait for their connecting flight from 12 to 14 hours or even more. Don’t waste your precious layover time. There are plenty of things to discover the city.
1. Shop like locals at Ben Thanh Market
The century-old yellow market is an iconic image of Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh Market is king for tourists in terms of diversity and accessibility. Here you can find a variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, snacks and kindred products. You can also find a lot of places to exchange currency in and around the market.
Ben Thanh Market will be sure to lighten your Ho Chi Minh City layover. Just one thing to keep in mind – learn how to haggle with local vendors.
» Read more on Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City: Where to Shop & What to Buy
2. Admire the architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral
Another must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City is the Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880.
Notre-Dame de Saigon was built with all original building materials imported from France. Some tiles have been made in Ho Chi Minh City to replace the tiles that were damaged during the war. Outside the main building stands the noticeable statue of Mary Queen of Peace made from marble.
» Read more on 7 Best Catholic Churches in Ho Chi Minh City
3. Set time for reflection at the War Remnants Museum
A history buff should never miss a tour at the War Remnants Museum in District 3. The museum is where visitors can find permanent and temporary exhibitions highlighting brutal events between the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
The museum’s extensive collections of US weapons attempt to convey the harsh past Vietnamese people confronted. Other exhibits tell different despairing stories about the use of napalm bombs, the ‘tiger cages’ or My Lai massacre.
4. Stroll along iconic streets in District 1
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This is where you will find the typical examples of hospitality along the street. The most famous street in District 1 is Bui Vien Walking Street or also called “Pho Tay” (Western street). Still, there is more to discover on the way to the nearby streets like Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham and Tran Hung Dao.
Other suggestions for District 1’s vibes are Le Thanh Ton, Ham Nghi or Le Duan. If your trip falls in the Vietnamese Tet Holiday, you will see the colorful Nguyen Hue Walking Street decorated with exotic spring flowers.
» Read more on Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe? Safety Tips for Every Traveler
5. Enjoy Saigon Street Food with locals
Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for street foods. This has been stated by a number of food bloggers from around the world. You will have a chance to tuck into a moreish bánh mì or an aromatic soup phở. But the traditional Vietnamese cuisine is not that all. Look around and you may find some local street vendors serving specialties from all regions across Vietnam:
♦ Cơm tấm (broken rice)
♦ Hủ tíu nam vang (kuy teav)
♦ Bún chả Hà Nội (noodles with grilled pork)
♦ Mì quảng (Quang Nam style noodles)
♦ Bánh xèo (sizzling pancakes)
♦ Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
» Read more on Foodie Bucket List: Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam
6. Get inside Cu Chi Tunnels like real soldiers
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Cu Chi Tunnels are an immense network of connecting tunnels, built over 25 years. The intricate tunnels were built manually by Vietnamese soldiers with simple tools. The structure simulates a mini city to accommodate a thousand of soldiers and dwellers.
Cu Chi Tunnels are divided into two zones: Ben Dinh Tunnels and Ben Duoc Tunnels. Ben Dinh was more crowded than Ben Duoc. On the ground level, local guides will show you the booby traps and concealed pits with sharp pins. You can even challenge yourself by crawling through the cramped tunnels.
7. Explore the inspiring vibes at Chinatown
The Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City is also known as Cho Lon (literally means ‘the big market’). It mainly relates to District 5, District 11 and part of District 6. This lively neighborhood is an intriguing combination of old and new. The streets are dotted with traditional markets and local food stalls with signboards written in both Vietnamese and Chinese.
The main attraction of Saigon Chinatown is Binh Tay Market. This is one of the most popular wet markets in Ho Chi Minh City, second only to Ben Thanh Market. Some other destinations worth your visit are the Lantern Street, Hao Sy Phuong Alley and Cha Tam Church.
8. Visit sacred pagodas and temples
Among the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, don’t you look for a moment of serenity? Visiting some pagodas and temples during your Ho Chi Minh City layover will be an experience like no other.
There are unique pagodas and temples in downtown District 1 and Chinatown, so it will be convenient for you to go to many destinations in one itinerary. One thing to remember is to respect the rules of the religious sites. You should dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees. Here are some extra travel tips to avoid inconvenience during your trip to Ho Chi Minh City.
» Read more on 8 Must-See Temples and Pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City
Recommended Ho Chi Minh City layover tour
If your layover in Ho Chi Minh City is very short, you should book a guided tour in advance to ensure you enjoy the city to the fullest and get back to the airport in time. You won’t want to miss your next flight as you get lost in Ho Chi Minh City insane’s traffic.
Opt for things like a Ho Chi Minh City Day Tour to visit main city attractions and indulge in the city’s lively vibes. For more authentic local experiences, consider the following options.
Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour
Is it safe to walk in Ho Chi Minh City? It is both yes and no. It is not recommended for those who are afraid of crossing the streets. A cyclo tour is a more convenient alternative to walking, allowing you to soak up the city’s craziest traffic.
A cyclo is a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi. A driver sitting behind will pedal the vehicle to take you around the city. Calmly sit in front on a pleasant ride through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City Food Tour
The quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine lies in a variety of ingredients. Nowhere else can you enjoy so many herbs and spices as in Vietnamese dishes. The interesting thing is you can dine everywhere – at Michelin-starred restaurants, the city’s markets or local street vendors.
Your Ho Chi Minh City layover tour should include some unique local eateries but with few tourists so that you will be served fast. These places are usually hidden in the alleys and some of them are known only among locals.
Cu Chi – Ben Dinh Tunnels Tour
Discover the hidden underground labyrinth and learn about Vietnam’s history. Cu Chi – Ben Dinh Tunnels are commonly picked by history lovers and adrenaline junkies. This is usually a half-day tour and is ideal for a short Ho Chi Minh City layover.
If you visit this site during the summer, you may face extreme heat. Therefore, prepare a careful packing list, especially when you travel with children. Don’t forget some essential items like sunscreen, hats and insect repellent.
» Read more on Vietnam Packing List: How to Pack Smarter
For any layover tour, make sure to account for traffic and long lines for security and check in. Then you can leave Ho Chi Minh City Airport and begin your layover adventure. If you don’t want to handle everything on your own, contact a trustful Ho Chi Minh City layover tour company to make the most of your trip.