Layover in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
Plan my Ho Chi Minh City layover
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon or by the abbreviations HCMC or HCM, is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam. Tourist attractions in the city are mainly related to periods of French colonization and the Vietnam War. There are several museums, and a backpackers' district on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street and Bùi Viện Street, District 1.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 39m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 39m in the city | About 2h 4m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 39m in the city | About 4h 4m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 39m in the city | About 8h 4m in the city |
Getting into Ho Chi Minh City
About 23m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 9 km (6 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Ho Chi Minh City?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Ho Chi Minh City and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from SGN to central Ho Chi Minh City?
Allow about 23m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 9 km (6 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to SGN?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.