Transportation

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is easy. You can go by taxi, air-con bus, taxi-motorbike (Xe om = hugging motorbike in Vietnamese language), bicycle or on foot. Walking is easier as you can move against one way streets, go into any shop you like, stop and sit down to rest anywhere you want without worrying about your bikes.

Bus travel
Traveling on bus is recommended. Buses are new, clean and air-conditioned. Ticket fares from VND2,000 to VND5,000 per way per person. There are many bus routes but for tourists, these 2 buses are good for city tour: - Airport Bus (Xe Buyt San Bay) connects Tan Son Nhat Airport and City Center including backpackers' area Pham Ngu Lao Street, De Tham Street, etc. - Cholon Bus (Xe Buyt Cho Lon) leads you to China Town in District 5.

Renting a Car
Rented cars in Vietnam usually come with a driver. They also work as guides to help you get around. Although it's not easy to park and takes time to find a parking lot in the City Center (District 1 around Nguyen Hue Street). It can be possible to rent a car on you own. It is usually best to rent a car upon arrival at the airport.

Trains
Air travel notwithstanding, the train is probably the most comfortable means of travel in Vietnam. A railway line links Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City, passing through many towns and cities including Danang, Hue and Nha Trang. A Super Class Sleeper seat goes for about VND1,658,400. The trip from HCMC to Hanoi takes about 48 hours. The difference in price between first class and second class is minimal and worth paying, as first class offers more comfort. One station close to Ho Chi Minh City is called Hna ga. There have been many improvements done to this station including an air conditioned waiting room, a post office and a bank. From Hna ga there are regular daily connections with Hanoi and all Northern points. When traveling by train keep in mind that first class travel is considered comfortable and clean, second class is acceptable, but other classes are often referred to as nightmarish.