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Getting around Ho Chi Minh City

Public transport: 

Public transport in Ho Chi Minh City is becoming more developed and the government is trying to tackle rising traffic congestion and the bus service is improving with many routes across the city (tel: (08) 3997 4207; www.saigonbus.com.vn). You can buy tickets for single journeys on the bus.

Taxis: 

There are several taxi companies operating within the city and they are usually metered. Visitors are advised to check that the meter is turned on. Tipping is not necessarily expected but always welcome. Reputable taxi companies are Mai Linh Taxi (tel: (08) 3838 3838)and Vinataxi (tel: (08) 3811 1111).

Driving: 

Most visitors to Ho Chi Minh City are quite traumatised when they encounter the traffic for the first time. The streets are crammed with darting bicycles and motorbikes. Bikes regularly travel the wrong way along a one-way street and appear out of side roads without even a cursory glance in the direction of the oncoming traffic. Motorbike riders remove their wing mirrors allowing them to squeeze through the smallest gaps. Happily, visitors are only allowed to hire cars with drivers.

Car hire: 

It is not possible to hire a car without a driver but cars with English-speaking drivers can be arranged through travel companies. The following companies can arrange a car with a driver for the day: Exotissimo (tel: (08) 3827 2911; www.exotissimo.com), Saigontourist Car Rental (tel: (08) 3824 4554; www.saigontourist.net) and Vidotour (tel: (08) 3933 0457; www.vidotourtravel.com).

Bicycle hire: 

A popular place for hiring bicycles is the area around Pham Ngu Lao, which is the backpacker hangout. Bicycles should always be parked in the areas set aside for them (gui xe). It is always worth taking a padlock for additional security.

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