Ho Chi Minh City is known for its dense traffic, with a seemingly endless flow of motorbikes, cars, and buses filling the roads. Understanding the intricacies of the traffic in Saigon Vietnam is crucial for ensuring a smooth journey.

1. How do the locals commute in Ho Chi Minh City?

In Ho Chi Minh City, the locals commute using a variety of means, each offering a unique experience.

1.1. Public transport

Public transport in Ho Chi Minh City is continually evolving to meet the needs of its growing population.

Traditional buses: The network of bus routes in Ho Chi Minh City is very extensive. The fare for each trip is only about 7,000 VND.
Public bicycles: With rental fees as low as 10,000 VND for 1 hour, public bicycles are available near major bus stops and attractions. These bikes all have smart locks, which can be unlocked for use by the TNGO mobile application.
Electric buses: Electric buses, operated by VinBus, are a new set of public buses in Saigon. The fare for each trip is only about 7,000 VND as well.
Waterbuses: This means of transport helps alleviate the road traffic in Saigon Vietnam. These waterbuses traverse the Saigon River, running daily from 8:30 AM to 10:45 PM. With round-trip tickets priced as low as 30,000 VND, you can hop on and sightsee all the famous tourist spots along the river and take plenty of photos.
Cyclos: Cyclos are a unique means of transport in Vietnam, mainly for sightseeing passengers. You can find cyclos around the central area of District 1, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, etc.

1.2. Private transport

Private transport in Ho Chi Minh City offers convenience for travelers seeking personalized experiences.

Taxis: Taxi companies in Saigon are catching up with technology, most of them utilizing ride-hailing mobile apps. We highly recommend that you use the service of Xanh SM, a new all-electric taxi fleet that will take you to your destination quickly and without emission. You can use the Xanh SM mobile app for booking rides with ease.
Motorbike taxis: Motorbike taxis remain the most popular means of transport in Vietnam for those without a vehicle. You can either hail a traditional motorbike taxi and negotiate the fare with the driver in the old-fashioned style, or utilize ride-hailing mobile apps (same with taxis) for ease of mind. Once again, we recommend the service of Xanh SM for their all-electric motorbike fleet.
Motorbike/car/bicycle: Here come the classic options for those possessing their own vehicles! Cars boast convenience and capacity, while motorbikes and bicycles are favored for their ability to weave through the dense traffic in Saigon.

To download Xanh SM’s mobile app:

For iOS: https://apps.apple.com/vn/app/xanh-sm-đặt-xe-điện/id6446425595?l=vi
For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gsm.customer&pli=1

In addition, tourists in Saigon have two other transport options that are designed specifically for sightseeing: the Jeep and the Hop-on Hop-off bus. Both are open-top, so you can relax, breathe in the fresh air, and take in all the sights that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Note that they are considered city tours, so you will need to purchase tickets beforehand.

The traffic in Saigon is filled with motorbike

>>> Read more: Transportation in Vietnam: Various means for different experiences in 2025

2. What are the peak traffic hours in Saigon?

The peak traffic hours in Ho Chi Minh City coincide with the clock-in and clock-out time of office workers. They typically occur during weekday mornings from around 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and weekday evenings from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The city center is prone to traffic jams in these hours, including major thoroughfares like Pasteur Street, Truong Chinh Street, Vo Thi Sau Street, among others.

For the locals, commuting in rush hours may be a pain. But for tourists, navigating through the city's congested streets may in fact be a worthwhile experience. The traffic mirrors the city's liveliness, where you can sit back, watch the vehicles move slowly, and observe the locals mingling by. You may even find yourself talking to some fellow biker about something totally irrelevant while waiting for the lights to switch. The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are a melting pot of people getting to their destination, including those who will try to socialize with a total stranger just for a short while.

>>> Read more: Traffic in Vietnam: Insight into city dynamics & top tips

3. How to survive the traffic jams in Ho Chi Minh City?

Here are some tips on how to deal with traffic jams in Ho Chi Minh City:

Following traffic rules: Although it is tempting, try not to run red lights or drive on sidewalks. Doing so will just slow the whole traffic down.
Stay informed: Ask for advice from the locals before you travel to know about some frequently congested areas.
Stay patient: Remain patient while navigating through the traffic. Rushing can lead to unsafe maneuvers.
Explore the city on foot or by bicycle: For shorter distances, consider walking or cycling. This can be a quicker way to explore the city.

4. How to survive the traffic in Saigon as a pedestrian?

To walk around safely amidst the traffic in Saigon, take note of the following:

Always walk on sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks available, walk close to the edge of the road.
Your first impression on the traffic in Saigon may be that vehicles seem to not care about pedestrians. This is far from the truth. If you need to cross the streets, just steel yourself, cross by slowly, observe oncoming vehicles from both sides, and you will make it like the locals do.
Do not cross over traffic dividers, even if some locals may be doing so.
While crossing the streets, you may feel as if the vehicles are rushing at you and running quickly to the other side is your best bet. It isn’t. Just move slowly, calmly, and safely.
The vehicles know you are there, they just assume that you won’t make any sudden moves, so let’s keep it that way.
If you are not feeling confident, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the locals when crossing the streets. They all know about your situation, and they will feel more than welcome to help you.

>>> Note these essential tips for traveling to Vietnam for first-time travelers!

5. Are there any tips for driving in Saigon, Vietnam?

Driving in Saigon is both an intense and exhilarating experience. Here are some tips that may help you be more confident when commuting in Saigon by car:

Follow the local traffic rules, which may be different from those in your country.
Be mentally prepared for heavy traffic and long delays.
Research your route well. Some streets do not allow cars.
Always monitor your speed. Going fast in urban areas is a no-no.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Those who rear-end are always in the wrong.
Minimize horn use.

6. How to ride a bike safely in Ho Chi Minh City?

Here are some tips on how to ride a bike safely in Ho Chi Minh City:

Follow the local traffic rules, which may be different from those in your country.
Wear a helmet, always. This is in the rules.
Ensure your bike is in good condition, with properly inflated tires, functioning brakes, and a well-oiled chain.
Stay on the right side of the road, leave the left side for large vehicles.
Be cautious at intersections. Slow down and look both ways.
Yield to larger vehicles. Never get into their blind spots.

Patience is needed when navigating traffic in Saigon

Navigating the traffic in Saigon Vietnam can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, which will surely be a memorable part of your adventure. With transport no longer an issue, it is time for you to discover everything the city has to offer.

Beyond Saigon, Vietnam has many other tourist cities that you should check out, including Hanoi, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Ha Long, etc. In these destinations, you can stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which are renowned for their exceptional quality. Each property of Vinpearl offers elegant rooms and villas with stunning views, complemented by top-notch amenities such as swimming pools, spas, gyms, and restaurants.

For entertainment, don’t forget to visit the complexes of VinWonders for a day filled with thrilling games, captivating shows, and interactive activities. From water parks with exhilarating slides to safaris with exotic animals, VinWonders offers an unforgettable blend of fun and relaxation.