Saigon Metro Line 1: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Ho Chi Minh City by Train 

Metro Line 1 is Ho Chi Minh City’s first-ever urban rail system—linking the vibrant city center to the eastern suburbs from Ben Thanh Market to Suoi Tien Theme Park. With 14 modern stations and efficient service, it offers a fast, safe, and affordable way to explore Vietnam’s southern metropolis. 

Metro Line 1 Overview – Ho Chi Minh City 

  • Total stations: 14 
  • Route: From Ben Thanh Market (District 1) to Suoi Tien Theme Park (Thu Duc City) 
  • Operating hours: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM 
  • Train frequency: Every 8 minutes during peak hours, 12 minutes off-peak 
  • Full journey duration: Approximately 30 minutes 

As Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line, Metro Line 1 connects key destinations through both underground and elevated sections. It passes through bustling business districts, cultural hotspots, residential zones, and new technology hubs—making it an efficient and scenic option for both tourists and commuters. 

Metro Line 1 Overview – Ho Chi Minh City
Metro Line 1 Overview – Ho Chi Minh City

All Metro Line 1 Stations – From Downtown Ho Chi Minh City to the Suburbs 

Ben Thanh
– Right beside the iconic Ben Thanh Market. A perfect gateway to Ho Chi Minh City’s culture, cuisine, and shopping. 

Opera House (Nhà Hát Thành Phố)
– Located next to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the elegant French Quarter. 

Ba Son
– Ideal for visiting Bach Dang Wharf, the Vietnam History Museum, and Saigon Zoo. 

Van Thanh Park
– A quieter, leafy residential stop near public parks and green space. 

Tan Cang
– Overlooks the Saigon River and provides access to Vinhomes Central Park and Landmark 81. 

Thao Dien
– A popular expat hub filled with artisanal cafes, boutique stores, and wellness studios. 

An Phu
– A rapidly growing neighborhood with modern residential towers and shopping malls. 

Rach Chiec
– Close to national sports complexes and stadiums; a future sporting hub. 

Phuoc Long
– A quiet, local area offering a glimpse into authentic everyday Vietnamese life. 

Binh Thai
– A key transfer station between residential areas and the city’s educational institutions. 

Thu Duc
– The administrative and economic center of Thu Duc City—also known as Ho Chi Minh City’s “innovation district.” 

Hi-Tech Park
– Home to multinational tech firms, startups, and industrial R&D facilities. 

National University
– A youthful station serving students and faculty in this large university district. 

Suoi Tien Terminal
– Final stop near the Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park—a fun destination for families and kids. 

All Metro Line 1 Stations – From Downtown Ho Chi Minh City to the Suburbs
All Metro Line 1 Stations – From Downtown Ho Chi Minh City to the Suburbs

How Much Are Metro Tickets? (Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1) 

🎟 Single Trip Fare: 

  • Cash: 7,000 – 20,000 VND (based on distance) 
  • Cashless (e-wallet or metro card): 6,000 – 19,000 VND 

🕘 Unlimited Ride Passes: 

  • Day Pass (24 hours): 40,000 VND 
  • 3-Day Pass: 90,000 VND 

📅 Monthly Pass: 

  • Price: 300,000 VND
    Ideal for commuters or long-stay visitors. 

💡 Tip: Use a contactless card or mobile wallet for quicker access and discounted fares. 

How Much Are Metro Tickets (Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1) 
How Much Are Metro Tickets (Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1)

Payment Methods for Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 

💳 Contactless Bank Card 

  • Simply tap your Visa or Mastercard at the gate 
  • Fare is automatically calculated and deducted 
  • No need to buy a separate ticket 

📱 HCMC Metro App 

  • Available on iOS and Android 
  • Buy tickets directly in the app 
  • Scan the QR code at entry and exit gates 

🎫 Station Ticket Counters 

  • Pay with cash or card 
  • Receive a paper ticket with a QR code 

Tip: Always keep your ticket or QR code until you exit the station—you’ll need it to complete your trip. 

Payment Methods for Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1
Payment Methods for Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1

1-Day Metro Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the city’s cultural gems, riverside charm, and modern comforts—all in one day using Metro Line 1.

🚉 Stop 1: Ben Thanh 

Start your day in the heart of the city 

  • Breakfast at Ben Thanh Market (try bánh mì or phở) 
  • Walk to Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street 
  • Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office nearby 

🚉 Stop 2: Opera House (Nha Hat Thanh Pho) 

A short ride brings you to Saigon’s French colonial core 

  • Tour the beautiful Municipal Theater 
  • Admire colonial architecture around Dong Khoi Street 
  • Coffee break at a rooftop café with skyline views 

🚉 Stop 3: Ba Son 

History and riverside strolls 

  • Walk along Bach Dang Wharf for riverside photos 
  • Visit the Vietnam History Museum and Saigon Zoo 

🚉 Stop 4: Thao Dien 

Chill time in the expat district 

  • Brunch or lunch at a stylish café 
  • Browse indie art galleries or boutique shops 
  • Relax with a spa or massage session 

🚉 Stop 5: Suoi Tien Terminal 

End your day with fun and folklore 

  • Explore Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park 
  • Temples, Buddhist-inspired architecture, and rollercoasters 
  • Great for both families and curious travelers 
1-Day Metro Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City
1-Day Metro Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City

Final Thoughts 

Metro Line 1 is not just a transit solution—it’s a new way to explore Ho Chi Minh City with ease. Whether you’re commuting to work or discovering the city’s landmarks, this metro line offers comfort, convenience, and a glimpse into the future of urban Vietnam. 

 

 

 

 

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Top 5 most read articles

Practical information

X
Icon2
Icon1
Icon3

Good morning ! I am Lan DUONG, your travel advisor

Our information & quotes are free.
Don’t hesitate to ask us!