Getting Around
This city has some of the world's most chaotic traffic, much of which consists of bicycles and motorcycles. It is tempting to want to hire a bike and join in the fray, and they are available, but it can be a nerve-wracking experience for travellers to pilot their own vehicle. A better option is to flag down a motorcycle taxi and negotiate an hourly rate. Most of the major hotels and restaurants attract concentrations of taxi cabs that can be hailed from the roadside, and taxis can also be ordered by telephone. Most tour operators offer the services of a car and driver for the day.
Airports
Ho Chi Minh Airport
The airport is situated four miles (7km) from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN)
Location
The airport is situated four miles (7km) from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).Getting to the city
Minibuses and metered taxis are available for transport to the city centre. Travellers should make sure the driver is wearing an official name badge and that the meter is on. Most hotels can arrange transport for arriving passengers, but visitors should organise this in advance.
Time
Local time is GMT +7.Car rental
Car hire companies at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, but cars must normally be hired with drivers, as travellers without a Vietnamese driver's licence may not drive rental cars.
Airport Taxis
The main taxi queue is located on the ground floor on the left side of the international terminal. Mai Linh taxi company is authorised by the airport; Sasco is the only company allowed to pick up passengers directly adjacent to the building.
Transfer between terminals
The terminals are in walking distance of each other, taking 10 minutes at most.
Facilities
The airport is small, but the facilities are perfectly adequate. Facilities include tourist information desks, a children's play area, rest zones, foreign exchange kiosks, a post office, VIP lounges, and a selection of restaurants and snack bars.
Parking
Parking is available at the airport.