How to Get to Cho Lon. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

Airport & Airlines

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) the only international airport serving Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the city center.

Flight Information

Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, VietJet Air, plus major international carriers.
Direct Routes: Connects SGN to major cities in Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Middle East. Check Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Airport Transfers

Transfer options from SGN to city center or Cho Lon are readily available.

Getting to Your Destination

Taxi: Reputable companies Vinasun, Mai Linh. Metered fares. Avoid touts inside the airport.
Ride-Hailing: Grab (car or bike) is dominant, offers transparent pricing.
Public Bus: Budget-friendly (Bus 109, 152 to District 1, then transfer to Cho Lon).

Peak Seasons

Flight prices increase during Dec-Mar, Tet Lunar New Year, and Jul-Aug.

Shoulder/Low Seasons

You will often find better deals during Apr-May, Nov, and Jun-Oct.

Airport Facilities

Dining, shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, SIM cards, free Wi-Fi, lounges available.

Airport Transfer Costs & Tips

Taxi Fares Estimates

To District 1: VND 200,000-350,000 (USD 8-14).
To Cho Lon (District 5): VND 250,000-400,000 (USD 10-16).
Fares depend on traffic conditions.
Pay cash with VND to the driver.

Ride-Hailing Tips

Download the Grab app before you arrive.
Connect to the airport's free Wi-Fi upon arrival, then book your ride.
Designated Grab pick-up points are available outside the terminals.
The app provides transparent pricing before you confirm the ride.

Airport Services Highlight

Financial Services

Currency exchange counters and ATMs are widely available in both international and domestic terminals.

Connectivity

SIM card vendors offer local phone plans immediately outside customs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Comfort

Numerous restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, souvenir stores, and various lounges provide comfort.

Land Transportation

Trains & Buses

Ho Chi Minh City a major hub for land travel within Vietnam and to neighboring Cambodia.

Connections

Train: Saigon Rail Depot (Ga Sài Gòn) connects to major cities along Vietnam's Reunification Express line.
Long-Distance Buses: Extensive network to destinations across Vietnam and to Phnom Penh/The Gateway to angkor wat in Cambodia.
Booking: Book tickets in advance, especially for popular routes or during holidays.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Traffic is chaotic, dense, and unfamiliar, with motorbikes dominating the roads.

Considerations

Self-Driving Car: Not recommended for tourists. Consider car with driver (e.g., booked via DiscoverCars.com).
Motorbike Rental: Only for experienced riders. IDP with motorcycle endorsement and national license. Helmets always.
Road Conditions: Paved in urban areas, but dense with motorbikes. Traffic laws often loosely observed.

Border Crossings Cambodia

The most popular land crossings from Cambodia to Vietnam are Moc Bai (Tay Ninh province) and Ha Tien (Kien Giang province).

Entry Points

Moc Bai & Ha Tien: Main land crossings. Pre-obtained visa/e-visa is necessary for Vietnam.
Direct Buses: Regular services operate from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City.
Process: Allow ample time for immigration procedures at the border.

Major Bus Stations

Ho Chi Minh City has bus stations serving routes across Vietnam and to the Mekong Delta.

Station Details

Mien Dong Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Đông): Serves northern and central Vietnam (Binh Thanh District).
Mien Tay Bus Station (Bến Xe Miền Tây): Serves Mekong Delta provinces (Binh Tan District).
Booking: Tickets obtainable at stations, travel agencies, or online. Sleeper buses common for overnight journeys.

Important Driving Information

Self-Driving Requirements: IDP with correct endorsement and national driving license are legally. Driving without these invalidates travel insurance.
Traffic: Chaotic, dense, unfamiliar. Motorbikes dominate roads. Use great caution as a pedestrian or driver.
Parking: Scarce in crowded areas like Cho Lon. You pay a small cost to attendants at designated motorbike parking lots.

Road Conditions: Roads are generally paved, however congested. Road quality varies outside the city. Traffic laws often loosely observed.
Safety: It takes considerable experience and confidence to navigate safely. Consider renting a car with a driver to ensure safetyr experience.
For any flight compensation for delays or cancellations, check AirHelp.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Prepare for your departure from Ho Chi Minh City to ensure a smooth exit.

Steps

Exit Fees/Taxes: Generally included in your international airline ticket price. No separate fee at the airport.
International Flights: Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at least 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure for check-in and security.

Airport Facilities Departures

The airport (SGN) a range of services for departing travelers, similar to arrivals.

Available Services

Dining: Restaurants, cafes, and snack bars for your convenience.
Shopping: Duty-free shops and souvenir stores for last-minute gifts.
Lounges: Various lounges provide comfort and relaxation before takeoff.

Check-in Time

Allow ample time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and immigration procedures.

Traffic Alert

Traffic to SGN can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. Factor in extra travel time.

Flight Status

Confirm your flight status and terminal before heading to the airport.

Sea/River Arrivals

Cruise Ship Docks

Less common for international tourist arrivals directly into Ho Chi Minh City, larger cruise ships dock farther away.

Port Details

Phu My Port: Main dock for larger international cruise ships.
Location: Phu My in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, approximately 1.5-2 hours drive southeast of HCMC.
Transfers: Passengers typically take organized shore excursions or pre-booked transfers into HCMC.

River Transportation

River options exist for certain types of travel, mainly regional excursions or multi-day excursions.

Local Options

Area Tours: River transportation within HCMC mainly for local tours on the Saigon River.
The Delta of the mekong river Cruises: Some originate or terminate in Ho Chi Minh City, often multi-day journeys.
Immigration: Standard procedures apply for any international arrival by sea. Valid passport and visa (if required) are needed.

Arrival Summary

Air Travel

Main entry point via Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Various international and domestic airlines connect to HCMC.

Land Travel

Bus and train connections from other Vietnamese cities and surrounding Cambodia. A pre-obtained visa or e-visa is needed for border crossings.

Sea/River Travel

Mainly for international cruise ships docking at Phu My Port or for multi-day The Delta of the mekong river river cruises.

Driving Tip

Self-driving a car is generally not recommended for tourists due to chaotic, dense traffic and unfamiliar rules. Motorbikes dominate the roads. Consider alternative transport.

How to Get to Cho Lon