Ho Chi Minh City Local Transportation

Buses: The city bus system can be confusing to foreigners. Many stops are unmarked, and route maps are hard to come by (try asking for one at Innoviet Travel). Most buses are labeled with their main stops. The major depot in District 1 is B\n Thành, across from B\n Thành Market; Mˆ Linh Square is a smaller station on the riverfront, where Hai Bà Tr™ng and T®n c Th ng meet. Most bus routes run between the large cities: Mi]n ®ng, Mi]n Tay, Ch Løn, and An Súong; see Intercity Transportation. Tickets are 2000-3000.
Taxis: There are a number of taxi companies in HCMC, but not all are trustworthy. Check that your taxi has a meter, and make sure that the driver turns it on when you set off. Most meters start at 12,000. A trip anywhere within District 1 should cost no more than 20,000. Yellow Vina taxis (☎811 1111) and green-and-white ML taxis (☎925 0250) are considered reputable.
Motorbikes: Tourists in HCMC will constantly be offered the services of motorbike drivers, who transport people on the back of their vehicles. Drivers are generally very friendly and the ride is a lot of fun, if a bit hair-raising. Motorbikes, or xe ®ms, are not metered, so the fee involves some bargaining. A typical rate is around 2000-3000 per km, and a ride within District 1 should cost no more than 10,000. Agree on the price before you get onto the bike. Almost nobody in HCMC wears a helmet, but Let’s Go recommends it (see “Promote Helmets, Prevent Death,”).

Traffic Traumas. Crossing the street in H· Chí Minh City is a daring and dicey proposition: cars, motorbikes, and other vehicles rarely stop if they see someone waiting to cross. So how can pedestrians safely cross the street? The trick is to walk at a slow, steady pace and trust in the inscrutable god of traffic. Most drivers are accustomed to dodging pedestrians (and one another), so if they spot you in their path, they will veer out of your way. If you try to dart around them, they will only get confused, making a horrible accident more likely. Never stop dead in your tracks, or you will face a wave of oncoming drivers, all honking at you angrily. So set off confidently and trust that the mob of vehicles coming toward you will get out of your way in time. Good luck..

Cyclos: Popular with tourists, cyclos are bicycles with a seat attached to the front. Although they’re slower than motorbikes, the drivers may charge more because they have to work harder to transport passengers. Consider paying 3000-4000 per km. Many cyclo drivers speak English and give city tours; 15,000 per hr. is the usual fare. Cyclos are banned on some major streets.
Car Rental: The Vietnamese government prohibits foreigners (even those with international licenses) from driving cars. You can rent a car with a driver, however, for about US$5 per hr. Inquire with a tour company or any large hotel.
Motorbike and Bicycle Rental: Many hotels and guesthouses rent motorbikes and bicycles to those brave enough to face the traffic. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. The typical rate for motorbikes is US$5-10 per day; for bicycles, around US$1 per day.