Ho Chi Minh City City Guide - Getting Around

Public transport within the city is becoming more developed, but still most people either have their own transport in the form of a bicycle or motorbike or rely on cyclos (see Cyclos below) and taxis. However, the government is trying to tackle rising traffic congestion and the bus service is improving with many routes across the city (tel: (08) 829 8992; website: www.satranco.com.vn). You can buy tickets for single journeys on the bus and there are travel passes available for 30 journeys.

There are several taxi companies operating within the city and they are usually metered. Restaurants, bars and hotels are quite happy to summon a taxi, otherwise vehicles can be hailed on the street. Visitors are advised to check that the meter is turned on. There are some taxis that are unmetered, where the fare must be agreed upon before departure. However, the price of these is no cheaper. Tipping is not necessarily expected but always welcome. Reputable taxi companies are Mai Linh Taxi (tel: (08) 822 6666, Saigon Taxi (tel: (08) 842 4242) and Vinataxi (tel: (08) 811 1111).

Cyclos
These are a fun way to travel around the city, although rather nerve-wracking. The cyclo is like a rickshaw but the driver sits behind the passenger instead of in front. This means that you are pedalled rather dramatically into the oncoming traffic, which consists of fairly lawless cars, buses, motorbikes, bicycles and other cyclos constantly careering across your path. The authorities are slowly banning cyclos from the city and now many central streets are out of bounds to them. However, they generally hang around outside hotels or cruise along the street soliciting business from pedestrians. A rate should always be negotiated before setting off and a short journey should not cost more than US$1. Visitors should also keep a tight hold of bags and cameras and hide necklaces, as opportunist thieves have been known to snatch them as they pass by on a motorbike.

Most visitors to Ho Chi Minh City are quite traumatised when they encounter the traffic for the first time. The streets are crammed with bicycles and motorbikes, which dart between the growing number of cars. 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. Long-term residents are allowed to drive, although very few do. Those that do drive their own car will find little provision for secure parking but will always find somebody willing to keep an eye on their car for a tip. Visitors should be aware that police are likely to target foreign drivers for 'on-the-spot' fines so steady and defensive driving is advised.

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) 825 1723; website: www.exotissimo.com), Saigontourist Car Rental (tel: (08) 829 8914; website: www.saigontourist.net) and Vidotour (tel: (08) 933 0457; website: www.vidotourtravel.com).

A popular place for this is the area around Pham Ngu Lao, which is the backpacker hangout. A reputable company for motorbike hire is Saigon Scooter Centre, 25/7 Cuu Long (tel: (08) 848 7816; website: www.saigonscootercentre.com). Clients have to leave their passport as a deposit. Checks should be made to ensure that the motorbike is roadworthy. An International Driving Permit endorsed for motorbikes is required for vehicles over 50cc. Bicycles and motorbikes should always be parked in the areas set aside for them (gui xe), otherwise they are likely to disappear and visitors will be liable for buying a replacement. It is always worth taking a padlock for additional security. The wearing of helmets is now compulsory.