One of the first things that catches a tourist’s attention in Ho Chi Minh City is that this city is a whirlwind of different vehicles and endless motion. While still in its early phases, the new urban railway in Saigon has become one of the most exciting developments for locals and travellers alike. Understanding the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map is more than just a matter of convenience; it’s your ticket to exploring the city with ease and comfort.
For avid visitors or newcomers, the Saigon Metro is like an open door to reach major attractions, business hubs, and cultural sites, avoiding the chaos of motorbike-filled streets. However, the first time you glance at the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, it might seem like a tangle of unfamiliar names and colored lines. Don’t worry, this guide will help you “unlock” it step by step. By the end, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map will be your personal roadmap to discovering the rhythm of Saigon.
Ho Chi Minh City Metro: What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a sea of motorbikes on the streets of Saigon, you’re not alone. In fact, the transportation system in Ho Chi Minh City is a complex combination of various elements, such as chaotic, unpredictable, thrilling, and intense. However, a transformation is underway: the long-awaited metro system is finally being implemented, with the aim of achieving more efficient and faster urban travel. For both locals and visitors, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro map is set to become a game-changer, enabling those looking to navigate the streets with ease.
As one of Vietnam’s transportation options set to redefine urban mobility, the metro system is finally coming to life after years of anticipation. In a city where daily travel often involves motorbikes, cars, buses, taxis, or even using the Saigon Water Bus, the metro offers an entirely different experience: modern, reliable, and fast. Designed to ease traffic congestion on roads and provide a fresh alternative for both locals and tourists, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map is quickly becoming an essential tool for navigating the city with confidence.
Additionally, tickets can be purchased in advance through the official Metro app or directly at station counters. Fares range from 7,000 to 20,000 VND per ride, with a 1,000 VND discount for cashless payments. Unlimited-ride passes are also available, priced at 40,000 VND for a day pass, 90,000 VND for a three-day pass, 150,000 VND for students, and 300,000 VND for adults. This makes the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map a versatile and innovative tool for navigating the city.
In short, as new lines of Saigon Metro open and the system expands into other districts, getting around Saigon will become not only easier but also more exciting. With the correct information and a solid grasp of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro map, you’ll be able to experience the city in a whole new way—faster, freer, and far more fun.
Benefits of Using the Metro for Tourists
For travellers visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the metro system is shaping up to be one of the most convenient, comfortable, and efficient ways to get around. Anyone who’s spent time navigating Saigon’s dense web of motorbikes, buses, and taxis knows how intense the traffic can be—especially during rush hours, weekends, or the rainy season. The metro, however, offers a clear solution, as it allows tourists to avoid traffic jams and significantly reduce travel time, making it easier to explore the city freely without getting stuck on the road for hours.
Another key strength is its environmental impact. As one of the first significant steps in Ho Chi Minh City’s journey toward sustainable urban development, the metro promotes eco-friendly travel, helping reduce carbon emissions and the city’s overreliance on motor vehicles. On top of that, what makes the metro especially useful for tourists is how well it connects to popular attractions and key neighbourhoods. For example, stations along Line 1 offer direct access to cultural landmarks such as Ben Thanh Market, the Saigon Opera House, and Suoi Tien Theme Park, as well as key transit hubs like the Eastern Bus Station.
In short, the metro offers a faster, cleaner, and more comfortable way to explore Ho Chi Minh City—whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to discover new parts of town. Keep the latest Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map handy, and you’ll find yourself navigating Saigon like a local, without the traffic headaches.
Detailed Breakdown of Ho Chi Minh City Metro Lines and Stations
The long-awaited Line 1 of the Saigon Metro marks a bold step toward modernizing the city’s vibrant yet hectic transportation system. Spanning approximately 19.7 kilometers from the city center to the eastern suburbs, Line 1 includes 14 stations that connect major commercial, residential, and educational hubs across the city. Particularly, this line is designed not only to ease “congestion pain” but also to enhance urban connectivity in one of Southeast Asia’s most densely populated metropolises.
Ben Thanh Station
Situated in the heart of District 1, Ben Thanh Station will become the main interchange for several future lines. Just outside is the iconic Ben Thanh Market, where you can dive into local street food, bargain shopping, and vibrant scenes day and night. It’s just a short walk from the energetic Pham Ngu Lao area, popular with travellers on a tight budget, and some of downtown Saigon’s most iconic landmarks.
Opera House Station
Situated in the heart of District 1, this station puts you right beneath Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a vibrant pedestrian boulevard that lights up at night with street performers, flower displays, and seasonal festivals. Just above the station is the Saigon Opera House, a beautiful French colonial building that hosts ballets, orchestral concerts, and cultural shows, such as the A O Show. On the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, Opera House Station is a key downtown stop, offering easy access to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a tourist or a local commuter, this station stands out on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map as a cultural gateway to the heart of Saigon.
You’ll find charming heritage hotels, such as the Caravelle and Continental, as well as stylish rooftop lounges, luxury boutiques, and hidden alleyways with vintage, Instagrammable coffee shops.
Ba Son Station
Nestled near the Saigon River and the historic Ba Son Shipyard, this station offers a unique blend of history, luxury, and lifestyle. The area around Ba Son has transformed into an upscale urban zone with luxury condos like Vinhomes Golden River, art spaces, and quiet riverside cafes. It’s also a short walk to the Saigon River Tunnel and the Ba Son pedestrian bridge (also known as the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge), which links to the new Thu Thiem urban area across the water, making it perfect for scenic walks or evening photos.
Van Thanh Park Station
Located in Binh Thanh District, this station connects you to Van Thanh Park, one of the few large green spaces near the city centre. Popular with families, couples, and joggers, the park features lakeside walkways, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
Nearby, you’ll find local-style grilled pork restaurants and cosy cafes nestled in alleyways, offering a break from the city buzz. The station is also just a short ride from the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens or the Xo Viet Nghe Tinh food street, well-loved by students from nearby universities.
Tan Cang Station
This stop is your entry point to Landmark 81—the tallest building in Vietnam—offering a sky deck, luxury shopping mall, ice-skating rink, cinema, and fine-dining spots. Right below is the Vinhomes Central Park, a beautifully landscaped riverside park that’s great for cycling, picnics, or just enjoying the breeze. Tan Cang Wharf is nearby for waterbus transfers, adding more connectivity.
Thao Dien Station
Thao Dien (District 2) is a lifestyle destination, popular with both expats and locals. Step off here to explore organic grocery stores, wellness studios, indie bookshops, and weekend brunch cafés. The area also hosts art galleries, pop-up markets, and hidden garden restaurants.
The area is known for its café culture, where leafy courtyards, glasshouse-style lounges, and riverside coffee shops offer tranquil spots to read, work, or brunch. For food lovers, Thao Dien is a treasure trove—home to international cuisines including Italian trattorias, Japanese izakayas, French bakeries, and artisanal ice cream parlours. There’s also a strong focus on healthy living, with vegan restaurants, smoothie bars, organic grocery stores, and farmers’ markets held on weekends.
An Phu Station
Located in a rapidly growing section of Thu Duc City, An Phu Station connects commuters to one of the most vibrant commercial and residential hubs outside of central Saigon. Just steps away is Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien, a major retail and lifestyle centre featuring international fashion brands, cinemas, arcades, and a wide array of food options, from Korean BBQ and sushi to Vietnamese signature cuisine.
The area surrounding the station is also home to high-end apartment complexes, such as Masteri Thao Dien, The Estella, and Gateway Thao Dien, making it a popular destination for young professionals, digital nomads, and international families.
Rach Chiec Station
Rach Chiec Station currently serves a developing area in Thu Duc City, but its location is full of potential. The nearby Rach Chiec Sports Complex, which is still under construction, is slated to become a significant national training centre for athletics, football, and public events.
Its position on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map helps lay the foundation for future urban sprawl planning, encouraging developers to build around transit-ready areas. Rach Chiec’s presence on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map is a signal of Saigon’s intention to spread out the city’s growth and make essential services more accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.
Phuoc Long Station
Phuoc Long Station lies within a densely populated residential area of Thu Duc, where apartment blocks, local schools, and bustling markets form the daily rhythm. It’s a very local part of the city—home to traditional food stalls, small parks, and a tightly knit community.
Although the area lacks tourist attractions, it serves as a critical link in the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, providing affordable and reliable transportation for workers and students. As metro accessibility boosts real estate value, Phuoc Long is likely to see increased development in the coming years. Its continued presence on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map ensures that even the quieter corners of the city remain connected to Saigon’s fast-evolving future.
Binh Thai Station
Set to become a vital interchange with future Metro Line 10, Binh Thai Station is strategically located where several major roads intersect, including the Hanoi Highway and Ring Road 2. Though still primarily residential and industrial, the area is poised for transformation, with office parks and mixed-use projects in development.
As the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map evolves, Binh Thai Station is expected to serve as a connector between inner-city lines and outlying industrial zones. Its future role as a multi-line station will elevate its importance across the entire Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, allowing smoother transitions for workers, students, and travellers heading toward Binh Duong or central districts.
Thu Duc Station
Right in the middle of one of Saigon’s liveliest and most crowded suburban neighbourhoods, Thu Duc Station connects commuters to a dense web of local life. With major marketplaces like Thu Duc Market, clusters of universities, and a variety of government offices, street cafes, and local eateries nearby, you’ll find everyone from students and commuters to families passing through this station. On the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, Thu Duc Station serves as an important suburban stop, helping bridge the gap between the city centre and the outer districts. As more lines are added to the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, its role as a key connection point in eastern Saigon will only grow.
The area also has strong ties to the education sector, with multiple vocational schools and tutorial English centres within walking distance. As the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map links this station with central and eastern districts, it enhances daily convenience for thousands of people.
Hi-Tech Station
As the closest station to Saigon Hi-Tech Park, this stop serves thousands of professionals working for global companies such as Intel, Samsung, and Schneider Electric. The area is mainly industrial, but with the rapid rise of smart city infrastructure and nearby housing for tech employees, Hi-Tech Park is becoming more than just a workplace—it’s evolving into a live-work community.
On the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, this station plays a vital role in easing the daily commute for tech workers and reducing reliance on motorbikes and shuttle vans. As more tech firms and research institutions settle in the zone, Hi-Tech Park Station will remain a key node on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map supporting economic innovation.
National University Station
This station serves as the primary access point to Vietnam National University, one of the country’s largest and most prestigious academic zones. It connects a massive student population to the city centre and offers a window into Vietnam’s intellectual heartbeat.
The surrounding University Village spans both Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Province, including various colleges, dormitories, research centres, and sports facilities.
Don’t be fooled by the academic atmosphere; this area is always buzzing. Street vendors sell a wide range of items, from grilled rice paper to sticky rice and Vietnamese coffee. The area is also a hotspot for extracurricular activities, with student clubs organising events such as music nights, debates, and mini art fairs.
Suoi Tien Bus Station
As the final stop on Line 1, Suoi Tien Bus Station is situated at the eastern edge of Ho Chi Minh City, serving as a key gateway between the city and nearby provinces such as Dong Nai and Binh Duong. Located right next to Suoi Tien Theme Park—a unique cultural amusement park inspired by Vietnamese legends and Buddhist imagery—this station blends practical transit use with family-friendly entertainment.
On the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, Suoi Tien marks the end of the current operational route and serves as a vital connection point for travellers heading out of the city. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or transferring to regional buses, this stop plays a crucial role on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map as a future transport hub in Southeast Saigon.
Suoi Tien is also a central interprovincial bus hub, offering direct connections to Bien Hoa, Vung Tau and other cities in Southern Vietnam. With the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map extending all the way here, travellers can easily switch between metro and long-distance bus services without having to navigate the traffic-heavy downtown core.
Understanding the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map
Navigating a new city can be overwhelming, but with a bit of guidance, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map becomes your best travel companion. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you make sense of it:
1. Understand the Colour-Coded Lines
Each metro line is assigned a colour for easy identification. These colours help you follow your route at a glance:
- Line 1: Blue (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien)
- Line 2: Red (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong)
- Line 3A: Orange (Ben Thanh – Tan Kien)
2. Spot Key Stations
- Small dots = regular stations
- Large circles or outlined shapes = major hubs or transfer stations
Stations like Ben Thanh will eventually let you switch lines without exiting the system. On some maps, you’ll also see icons for nearby attractions like parks, markets, or malls—great for planning sightseeing.
3. How to Plan Your Route
Here’s what locals usually do to travel smart:
- Start by locating your departure and destination stations.
- Follow the colored line to see if it’s a direct route or requires transfers.
Example: If you’re going from District 1 to District 9, you can stay on Line 1 the whole way, or if your destination isn’t on the same line, plan a transfer at a hub like Ben Thanh Station.
- Count the number of stops, so you’ll know when to get off.
- Check the direction of travel—metros run both ways on each line!
4. When and Where to Go
- Best time to travel: Avoid peak rush hours (7:00–8:30 AM and 5:00–6:30 PM) if you want a more relaxed ride.
- Where locals love to go: Try Ba Son Station for a riverside sunset, or An Phu and Thao Dien for weekend brunch cafés.
- Where to start: Tourists often begin at Ben Thanh Station, which is close to major landmarks and connects well with future lines.
5. Use Apps for Real-Time Info
- Only Line 1 is operational (test phase as of 2025). Other lines are still in development.
- Download a high-resolution Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map to your phone.
- Use transit apps for:
- Real-time train schedules
- Estimated travel times
- Emergency updates and route changes
Ultimately, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map will be your best friend as the city’s metro system grows. Once you’re familiar with the Ho Chi Minh Metro Map’s layout and detailed tutorials effectively, then wandering around in this city will feel like a walk in the park!
Suggestions for using the metro for a full-day itinerary
To explore Ho Chi Minh City efficiently and comfortably, refer to the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, especially Line 1, which connects many key areas of the city. Here is our suggested itinerary to help you plan a full-day Saigon journey using the Metro.
Morning: Start at Ben Thanh Station (District 1)
Begin your day at Ben Thanh Station, located in the city centre. Exit the station to visit Ben Thanh Market, where you can indulge in a classic breakfast full of local flavours, kickstart your day with a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee, and browse wonderful unique souvenirs. Then, walk to nearby landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House and Nguyen Hue Walking Street (or try the cafe apartment buildings in Nguyen Hue Residential Building, located right next to the walking street), ideal for cultural exploration and people-watching.
Midday: Travel to Thao Dien Station (District 2)
During the midday, you can head to Thao Dien Station, a modern, expat-friendly neighborhood. This area offers a wide selection of international restaurants, stylish brunch cafés, modern art galleries, boutique shops, and verdant riverside parks. It’s an excellent midday stop for lunch and leisure.
Afternoon: Continue to Hi-Tech Park and National University Stations
After the heat has calmed down, use the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map to navigate Hi-Tech Park Station. Upon reaching this destination, explore Saigon’s innovation hub, which is home to tech companies and modern infrastructure. Next, you may want to get off at National University Station to walk around the green university campuses or relax in nearby public parks. This part of the journey provides a calmer, more spacious environment.
Late Afternoon: Visit Van Thanh Park Station
In the afternoon, return to the inner city and get off at Van Thanh Park Station. Spend your time at Van Thanh Park, a spot that is usually overlooked by tourists. This seren park includes crystal-clear lakes, shaded walking trails, and open spaces — ideal for resting after a full day of exploration.
Evening: End your journey at Suoi Tien Bus Station
For the final stop, take the metro to Suoi Tien Bus Station. Here, you can visit the renowned Suoi Tien Theme Park, a gigantic amusement park inspired by Vietnamese legends. Alternatively, use the station to catch a suburban bus for your return trip.
With the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map in hand, you can build a convenient and enjoyable itinerary covering shopping, culture, dining, nature, and entertainment — all connected through Line 1.
Where to Find the Latest Updates of Metro Maps
With Ho Chi Minh City’s metro system still evolving, getting your hands on the most accurate and updated Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map can make a huge difference in exploring the city. The metro isn’t fully operational yet, and as new lines and stations are gradually completed, details are constantly, so knowing where to find reliable sources of information is totally crucial.
Your first go-to source should be the official website of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, which is Ho Chi Minh City Metro Guide. Unlike the MAUR official site, which has experienced frequent downtime and accessibility issues, Ho Chi Minh City Metro Guide is easy to use, consistently active and available in English. Moreover, this website provides numerous practical information for both travellers and locals, including a clearly illustrated Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, construction updates, line-by-line overviews, expected opening dates, and even details about future expansion plans.
Another app that our crew highly recommends is HCMC Metro HURC, which FPT Technology Solutions thoroughly develop in partnership with Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1). Designed to support passengers using Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), this app is your go-to personal digital metro assistant. Available on both iOS and Android, the HURC app features a bilingual interface (Vietnamese and English), making it tourist-friendly to international visitors.
Once you open the app, you’ll find a clear, updated Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, detailed station guides with entrances and exits, estimated travel times between stations, and a fare calculator to help plan your journey in advance. Thus, for travellers looking to navigate Line 1 or search for real-time updates as future lines like 2 and 3A come online—having the HCMC Metro HURC app on your phone is a smart move.
To make your journey even smoother, consider downloading reliable navigation apps like Moovit, Citymapper, or Google Maps once metro data is integrated. These apps offer features such as live train times, route suggestions, station locations, and walking directions—all based on your real-time location.
How Jackfruit Adventure Complements Your Journey on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map
Navigating Ho Chi Minh City can feel overwhelming at first, but once you’ve familiarised yourself with the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Map, the city begins to open up in exciting and unexpected ways. From famous attractions to lesser-known neighborhoods filled with local charm, the metro is your starting point for discovery. But to truly connect with the soul of the city, sometimes you need to go beyond the tracks.
That’s where Jackfruit Adventure comes in. While the metro lays the groundwork for exploring Saigon efficiently, our cycling tours in Ho Chi Minh City are designed to complement your journey by diving deeper into the life of the streets. We specialize in immersive bike routes and guided food adventures that take you through lively hidden alleyways, local markets, and historic districts that trains don’t reach. Pairing the speed of the metro with the intimacy of cycling, our crew will help you experience Saigon from both above and within.
