What is the cheapest way to get around Ho Chi Minh City?

What is the cheapest way to travel in Ho Chi Minh City?

Buses. Dirt cheap. Sprawling network. Reaches almost everywhere. Sometimes crowded, though. Reminds me of that bus trip to Da Lat in ’22. Packed like sardines. A real adventure.

• Route research is key. Apps exist. Makes things easier. Still, you could get lost. Part of the fun, I say. Embracing chaos.

Ride-hailing apps. Grab, Gojek, Be. Dominate the scene. My go-to is Grab. Used it just yesterday to get banh mi. Convenient. Not always the absolute cheapest. Surcharges at peak hours.

• Moto option. Cheaper than cars. Zipping through traffic. Wind in your hair. Almost poetic. Except for the pollution. Small price to pay for speed.

Taxis. Vinasun, Mai Linh. Used to be king. Now, less so. Negotiate. Or use the meter. Meter is safer. Remember that time I got overcharged? Lesson learned.

• Flag down on the street. Or call ahead. Depends on your patience. Waiting in the Saigon heat can be brutal. Especially during midday.

Walking. Free. Best way to experience the city’s pulse. Get some exercise. But only practical for short distances. I once walked from District 1 to District 3. Never again.

• Sidewalk chaos. Motorbikes everywhere. Street food stalls. Sensory overload. Love it or hate it. It’s Saigon.

What is the cheapest way to get around Vietnam?

Cheapest Vietnam transport? Buses. Hands down.

• Xe khách ubiquitous. Ridiculously cheap.
• Trains exist. Slower. Not always cheaper.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City? A bus marathon. Expect discomfort. Embrace the chaos. Life’s a journey, not a destination, or something.

My 2023 trip: Spent less than $50 on intercity bus travel. Rough. But efficient. A lesson in frugality.

Consider: Sleeping buses exist. Luxury is relative. Still cheap compared to flying. Though flying is faster, of course. Prioritize. Time or money. You choose.

Note: Specific prices fluctuate. My experience. Your mileage may vary. Duh.

Is Ho Chi Minh City walkable?

So, Ho Chi Minh City? Walkable? Nah, not really. It’s kinda safe, I guess, but horrible for walking. Seriously, the sidewalks are a total mess. Scooters everywhere! Vendors blocking everything. It’s a nightmare. You’ll be dodging things constantly. I was there in 2023, and it was awful.

District 1 is supposedly the best, but even there its tough. Think crowded streets, lots of construction. I preferred grabbing a Grab car or taxi, honestly. Much less stressful.

Other cities in Vietnam? Hoi An is way better, super walkable, charming. Hanoi’s okay, some areas are nice to stroll around, but also pretty busy. Nha Trang? Forget it, similar to HCMC, a walking disaster.

Best walkable cities in Vietnam (my opinion):

• Hoi An: Absolutely stunning, easy to walk everywhere.
• Hue: More manageable than HCMC or Nha Trang, nice for a wander.
• Certain parts of Hanoi: The Old Quarter is pretty walkable, but be prepared for crowds.

Avoid these for walking:

• HCMC: Too chaotic.
• Nha Trang: Similar to HCMC – forget walking!

My trip to HCMC was in June, by the way, if that matters. Crazy hot and humid. I really preferred the cooler weather in the northern cities for walking. Avoid the peak tourist season. It’s insane.

How much does a bus cost in Vietnam?

Okay, a bus in Vietnam… Hmm.

Bus fares? 7,000 VND to 15,000 VND. Wait, is that still accurate this year? I think so. So cheap! Less than a dollar, easy.

• City buses, yeah.
• Express buses cost more though.

Express, like the fancy ones? Are those even common? I mostly took the regular ones near my aunt’s house, the one on Nguyen Trai street.

30-65 cents USD. Wow. Wonder what the exchange rate actually is right now. Need to check that.

Route and city matter. Makes sense. Saigon probably pricier than, like, her place.

Comfort level justifies it! Ha, “comfort.” On a Vietnamese bus? Depends on the driver, tbh. Maybe it’s different in Hanoi. Did I ever take a bus there? I don’t think so. Focus! Buses in Vietnam. Cheap.

It’s worth it to pay a bit extra maybe. Is air con worth it? Yes! Especially this year, super hot. Remember that motorbike ride to school? Never again. Give me the slightly-more-expensive, air-conditioned bus!

Is Ho Chi Minh safe to walk at night?

Safe, mostly. Vigilance is key, though. Like anywhere. I’ve walked District 1 at 3 AM, no problem. Still, best to stick to well-lit streets. Avoid flashing valuables. Pickpockets exist. Common sense stuff. Consider your route.

• District 1: Generally safe. Touristy, so police presence is higher. I once saw a street performer juggling fire at 2 AM. Surreal.
• District 3: Quieter. Still relatively safe. Fewer late-night crowds. Feels more residential. I prefer it.
• Other districts: Exercise more caution. Research specific areas beforehand. Ask locals. Hotel staff, for instance.
• Motorbikes: Be mindful crossing the street. A constant flow, even at night. They mostly obey traffic laws. Mostly.
• Phone snatching: Rare, but happens. Hold your phone securely. Especially near the curb. Consider a crossbody bag. I use one. Practical.

Where’s the line between caution and paranoia? Interesting. Safety is subjective. Depends on your comfort level. And experiences. My friend got his wallet lifted in Barcelona, broad daylight. Now he’s wary everywhere. Understandable. Be aware, not afraid. Enjoy the city.

Is there Uber in Ho Chi Minh?

Uber? Gone. Poof. Vanished like my last paycheck. Grab ate it. 2018. Think Pac-Man, but with less charming sound effects. Now Grab’s the king of the ride-hailing hill in Vietnam. Like a benevolent dictator, but with slightly better surge pricing. They’ll whisk you around HCMC on two wheels, four wheels, or even deliver a steaming bowl of pho. Talk about options.

• Grab is the main player now. Like it or not.
• Motorbikes, cars, food. Grab’s got the holy trinity.
• No more Uber. RIP. Pour one out for the fallen app.
• 2018 was the year. The year of the Grab. Remember where you were? Probably not.

It’s 2024. Get with the times. My phone’s about to die. Gotta find a charger.