More than a decade in the works, Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line opened at the end of 2024. It couldn’t have come soon enough. As the population swells and traffic intensifies in this emerging megacity, Line 1 takes the high road, inviting passengers to glide over the bustling streets below. It’s a boon for commuters and a game changer for visitors as some of the city’s most compelling neighbourhoods are more accessible than ever. Here’s how to spend one day on the right track (indeed, the only track), traversing Line 1 from start to finish.
Ben Thanh
Start with coffee at nearby Lacàph. All the speciality Vietnamese coffees are on offer, from Hanoian egg coffee to salt coffee from Hue, but they also brew an elevated ca phe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk). From here, stroll towards the station, stopping in at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts on the way (it opens early at 8am). Built in the 1920s and 30s by a French architect, the edifice flaunts a grandiose imperial staircase and semi-circular balconies with elaborate railings. Once you’ve perused its extensive collections of sculptures and paintings, head north to Ben Thanh Station and make for the next stop (from here there’s only one direction).
Opera House
Sauntering down nearby Nguyen Hue is best at night, so save that for the evening. Head north instead, passing the Opera House, completed in 1899 and inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris, and the Hotel Continental, an old journalists’ haunt during the war years. Two blocks later, duck into the repurposed apartment building on 26 Ly Tu Trong. This three-dimensional labyrinth of cafés, restaurants and boutiques is a quieter alternative to the famous Café Apartment on Nguyen Hue – and its brimming with bargains. Stay hydrated and order a juice to go while perusing the various fashion boutiques and craft ateliers. When ready (and hungry), stroll back to the station and head to the next stop for lunch.
Ba Son
The colonial-era Ba Son shipyard has been lost to redevelopment, but the neighbourhood still has some secrets: including the best Japanese food in the country. Nearby Ittou Ramen serves a rich, seafood-based broth in tight surroundings that will transport you to the streets of Tokyo. For a more delicate, chicken-based broth, head to nearby Japan Town, a rabbit warren of tiny alleyways, and hunt for Tori Soba Mutahiro Ramen Restaurant. For something more local in the neighbourhood, try Bun Cha Ha Noi 26, which serves a speciality from the capital: grilled pork with vermicelli noodles and a herb salad.
Tan Cang
Head two stops over to Tan Cang Station, which sits in the shadow of Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest building. Marvel at the panoramic views of the city at the lofty Sky View Observatory. This will give you a sense of where you’ve come from, but also where you’re heading: across the Saigon River.
Thao Dien
The crop of schools and an evolving international dining scene has made Thao Dien one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular residential neighbourhoods. It’s not as charming ascentral Saigon, but it’s still a chic place to while away an afternoon, and many of Thao Dien’s best spots are just steps from the station. For an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Okkio, part of a collection of design cafés serving artisanal coffee. Perch at the bar to spy the baristas work their magic or settle on the outside terrace to observe the city’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhood pass by.
Around the corner is Vesta Lifestyle & Gifts, a cavernous emporium with a carefully curated collection of funky souvenirs, from quality clothing to craft spirits. If you’re sticking around for dinner, try the Michelin-listed Tre Dining, one of the restaurants spearheading the contemporary Vietnamese food scene. They serve a signature multi-course tasting menu, but a la carte is also available. If opting for the latter, try the ca rang (toothfish), served with a creamy celery sauce and gently spiced laksa oil.
Suoi Tien
Suoi Tien is the end of the line: a rural and residential corner of the city that it is still coming into its own. It may not appeal to the casual visitor, but the stop is less than 10 minutes by taxi from Chua Buu Long, a curious multi-storey pagoda with a golden bell stupa that looks more Burmese or Thai than Vietnamese. This doesn’t have to be your last stop; you might squeeze in Suoi Tien Theme Park at any point during the day and catch the other stations on the way back to town.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Ho Chi Minh City, visit singaporeair.com.
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