Ho Chi Minh City Transportation Tips by Unknownsu

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Forget all the Taxis and Cyclos or Mototaxis.....I advise you to buy yourself a map and then rent yourself a moped (only 5 Cdn/day) and explore yourself...I bought one when I was there and had so much fun driving. The traffic might take awhile to get used to but I managed somehow. Just slow down and honk like mad at the intersections becuz others drivers are known to run reds. Traffic lights are there for decorative purposes only and one can get pretty high from the countless games of chicken through intersections..

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: The cyclo, pronounced ‘SeekLo’, is being slowly eradicated by the Vietnamese government. It has been a significant form of transportation throughout Vietnam. For example, the cyclos are restricted from doing business on numerous selected streets. Although I do not highly recommend it as your main source of transportation, a tour around the city doesn’t hurt. Make sure, as if you never heard this warning before, you negotiate the price before setting off. Keep all belongings you don’t desire to part with it by your side, which also includes body parts.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: Taxis are reasonably safe in Vietnam. The ones I encountered never really gave me a hassle although I enjoy the Xe Om better by comparison. Flag one down if you see a red circular light illuminated on the windshield indicating they are for hire. If you notice, once the journey has begun that he did not turn his meter on, simply ask him to do so politely. Metered taxi fares start at 5000, 10,000, and 12,000.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Motorcycle
Getting TO/AROUND: Xe Om or Honda Om is the fastest growing form of transportation of choice. Om translates to ‘hug’. The concept is, you allow the rider to double you to your destination. Again, negotiate the price before agreeing to ride. An idea of costs, starting at the backpacker’s district, Pham Ngu Lao.

To the Notre Dame Cathedral - 3-5000
An Dong Market, Chinatown – 5-10,000
To Dam Sen Park – 15-20,000
Tan Son Nhat Airport – 20-30,000

Try to avoid Xe Oms at night for there have been stories of riders taking their customers into dark alleys and stripping them of their possessions, that goes for the cyclo as well. Usually, the drivers will initiate conversation or make hand gestures to state he is for hire. If not, try looking for someone sitting on their bike at a street corner or in front of markets, shopping complexes and major department stores. Make a “1” with your hand to ensure he is a driver and not a local waiting to pick his daughter up from school.

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