For most of its modern life the Saigon River was something you crossed, not somewhere you went. That has changed. In the space of a few years the banks on both sides have been rebuilt into parks, a river bus that locals actually ride home has found its rhythm, and a pedestrian bridge shaped like a coconut leaf is rising over the water. This guide covers the whole reborn waterfront: what is on each bank, how to move between them, where to eat with a river view, and how to spend one unhurried golden-hour afternoon along it, all within a short walk or ride of central District 1.

The riverfront at a glance. Main access point: Bạch Đằng Wharf, No. 2 Tôn Đức Thắng, District 1, about five minutes on foot from the Đồng Khởi area. Two facing parks, one river bus route, one pedestrian bridge under construction. Best hours: roughly 4pm to 8pm, dry season (November to March) for the most reliable evenings. Almost everything here is free to enjoy.

Why the Saigon River is having a moment

The short answer is that the city finally turned to face its river. The Saigon River runs about 251 kilometres from Cambodia down through the city to the sea, and for decades the downtown stretch was working waterfront and traffic, not leisure. The opening of new public parks on both banks, along with the river tunnel and the Ba Son bridge, changed the geography of an evening out.

Young Saigon noticed first. On any dry-season evening the lawns fill with students, couples and families carrying iced coffee and takeaway dinners, staying until the towers across the water are fully lit. What was once a barrier down the middle of the city now reads as its longest, most open public space, and it is still gaining pieces year by year.

Bạch Đằng Wharf: the District 1 waterfront

Bạch Đằng is where most people meet the river, and the easiest riverside to reach on foot. The promenade sits at No. 2 Tôn Đức Thắng, running roughly 1,352 metres along the western bank across about 23,400 square metres of park. It is a five-minute stroll from the heart of Đồng Khởi, just past the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, and it sits at the meeting point of Đồng Khởi, Hàm Nghi and Nguyễn Huệ.

The landmark here is the statue of Trần Hưng Đạo, the general who twice repelled Mongol invasions, standing about six metres tall on a high triangular base with one hand pointing out over the water. By morning the promenade belongs to joggers and tai chi groups. After about five o'clock it turns into a gentle strip of snack carts, buskers and people sitting to watch the boats, with Landmark 81 glowing downstream.

Bạch Đằng is also the working heart of the river: the main wharf for the water bus, and the departure point for the dinner cruises that glide out after dark serving set menus under the city lights. If you only learn one riverside name before you arrive, make it this one.

The Thủ Thiêm riverside park: the far bank

Across the water, the eastern bank holds the city's favourite open-air living room. The Saigon riverside park at Thủ Thiêm opened on 23 December 2023 and covers nearly 20 hectares along about 600 metres of bank, running from near the Ba Son bridge to the Thủ Thiêm tunnel. It is built around thirteen main components, including wide community lawns, a stone park, a fountain and a riverside love bridge, and it is open daily from about 6am to 10pm.

Because it faces straight back at the downtown towers, it draws its biggest crowds at sunset. The headline attraction is a seasonal sunflower field of roughly 5,000 to 6,000 square metres, planted to look across the water toward Bạch Đằng. Since May 2024 the park has also held D-Joy, an entertainment zone of nearly two hectares with more than twenty activities, from pickleball and drone racing to street carnival acts, giant kite-flying and food stalls.

The plantings and pop-up attractions change through the year, so it is worth a quick local check on what is on when you visit. Our companion guide to the Bạch Đằng and Thủ Thiêm parks walks through each bank in detail.

Riding the Saigon Water Bus

The nicest way to feel the river is from the middle of it. The Saigon Water Bus launched in November 2017 as a real commuter service, run by the operator Thường Nhật, and it doubles as one of the loveliest slow things to do in the city. The first route covers about eleven kilometres from Bạch Đằng upstream to Linh Đông in Thủ Đức, calling at a series of wharves including Bạch Đằng, Thủ Thiêm, Bình An, Thảo Điền, Thanh Đa, Hiệp Bình Chánh and Linh Đông (the stops in service have changed over time, so check the current list).

A single ride costs around 15,000 VND, about the price of a street coffee, bought per leg. Boats are covered and air-conditioned, and an evening service introduced in 2021 makes the sunset run possible. From the Bình An stretch the view opens toward Landmark 81, and many locals pair the boat with the train: metro out to Thảo Điền, then float home by water. We cover the whole thing in the water bus guide and map the loop in our Thảo Điền day-trip guide.

The coconut-leaf pedestrian bridge

The piece that will tie the two banks together is still going up, and it is the one to watch. A pedestrian and cycling bridge about 720 metres long is being built to link Bạch Đằng directly with the Thủ Thiêm park, with a main span of 187 metres and a steel arch shaped like a water-coconut leaf, a symbol of southern Vietnam. It is designed by the Chodai and Takashi Niwa Architects team and funded in full by Nutifood, at close to 1,000 billion VND.

Construction began in early 2025, and recent reports have the project accelerating toward completion around National Day, 2 September 2026. Dates on works this size can still move, so treat that as a target rather than a promise and check locally near your visit. Once it opens, crossing the river on foot from the centre will take only a few minutes. We track progress in our pedestrian bridge update.

Where to eat and drink with a river view

The riverfront rewards an appetite. At street level, the Bạch Đằng promenade is lined with snack carts in the evening, from grilled corn and rice-paper skewers to fresh coconut. For something with a view and a tablecloth, the wharf is the departure point for Saigon River dinner cruises, which serve Asian and European set menus while the skyline slides past.

Higher up, the towers around the river hold some of the city's best-known rooftop bars, where a sundowner comes with a long view over the water and the Thủ Thiêm bank. Book the earlier end of the evening for the sunset slot. For a full sit-down meal, the heritage streets just back from the water in District 1 are dense with options, many of them mapped in our self-guided District 1 walks.

A golden-hour afternoon along the river

If you have one free evening, here is the version we would do ourselves. Leave the centre around four o'clock, when the heat is easing, and walk down to Bạch Đằng past the Trần Hưng Đạo statue. Stroll the promenade, then catch the water bus upstream and ride it back so you are mid-river as the sun drops and the skyline lights up behind you.

Step off at Bạch Đằng into the evening crowd, pick up something from a snack cart, and either settle in for a river dinner cruise or walk back into District 1 for a sit-down meal. Prefer to stay on foot? Once the new bridge opens you will be able to cross straight to the Thủ Thiêm park for the sunflower field and the skyline view, then wander back the same way.

Practical tips for visiting the Saigon riverfront

• Getting there. From central District 1, Bạch Đằng is a five to ten minute walk. The Thủ Thiêm park is a short taxi ride across the Ba Son bridge or through the river tunnel, or a stop on the water bus.
• Best time. Late afternoon into early evening, with the best light between five and half past six. Dry season, November to March, gives the most reliable evenings.
• What to bring. A light layer for the breeze on the water, sun cover for late afternoon, and a little cash for snacks and boat tickets.
• Safety. Both banks are busy, family-friendly public spaces after dark. Keep an eye on your phone and bag while taking photos, and use a reputable taxi or ride-hailing app for the trip home.

Frequently asked questions

Want to wake up five minutes from the river?

The Myst Đồng Khởi is a 108-room boutique heritage hotel in the quietest corner of District 1, a five-minute walk from the Saigon River and four from the Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street. Inducted into the Michelin Guide Hotels and Stays selection and named 2025 World Luxury Hotel Awards Country Winner for Vietnam, it is a calm base for slow riverside evenings and an easy walk home afterwards.

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→ Book direct for our best rate

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

Long Thanh Airport sits 45 kilometres east of central Saigon. That's about an hour by car if traffic plays nice. Roughly half your morning if it doesn't. So the journey to District 1 isn't a footnote, it's a real chunk of your arrival day. This guide breaks down each realistic transfer option (private chauffeur, hotel pickup, ride-hail, airport bus, plus the future metro) with reference prices, journey times by time of day, and what the road actually looks like. By the end you'll know which option fits your travel style and budget, and how to dodge the worst traffic windows.

The journey at a glance

From the Long Thanh international arrivals hall to a District 1 hotel, the route runs west on the HCMC-Long Thành-Dầu Giây Expressway (CT.01) for approximately 30 km, then onto the Mai Chí Thọ expressway through District 2, crossing the Thủ Thiêm tunnel under the Saigon River into central District 1. Total distance is around 45 km. Off-peak journey time is 45-60 minutes; rush hour pushes it to 75-90 minutes. For the engineering and historical background of the route, you can read a detailed reference on the CT.01 expressway.

Three pinch points determine your actual time:

• Long Thanh exit traffic (mainly affects arrivals during peak Vietnamese commuting hours)
• The Mai Chí Thọ / Cát Lái junction (heavy during morning and evening commutes)
• The Thủ Thiêm tunnel approach (the single most congested point on the route)

Avoid arriving in District 1 between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm if you can choose your flight timing. Late-evening and early-morning arrivals run smoothly through the entire route.

Five transfer options compared

A note on these numbers: the prices above are estimates based on distance and comparable existing routes from Tan Son Nhat. They aren't final figures yet. We'll update them once official rates are published after Long Thanh begins commercial operations.

Private chauffeur transfer

The most reliable option, and the standard for luxury hotels. Pre-booked, a black sedan or SUV meets you at the international arrivals hall with a name card, sees you to a comfortable car, and tracks your flight in real time so any delays adjust the pickup automatically. The driver speaks at least functional English. Vehicles are typically modern Toyota Camry, Mercedes E-Class or similar in the premium tier.

Booking flow: arrange through your hotel concierge at least 48 hours before arrival, sharing flight number and arrival time. The driver receives a confirmation 4-6 hours before flight landing. Most premium services include bottled water, charging cables and basic Wi-Fi in the car.

Best for: families, couples with luggage, first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, anyone who values getting their first impression of Saigon right.

Hotel airport transfer (often complimentary)

Four- and five-star hotels in Saigon often include complimentary airport transfers; the specific terms vary by hotel policy and booking channel. Service quality varies widely too, and the better hotels match the private chauffeur experience above. Ask three questions before relying on this:

• Is the transfer included for my stay length, or is there a charge?
• Is the vehicle private (just my party) or shared?
• What happens if my flight is delayed?

For travellers booking luxury hotels in central Saigon, complimentary private transfers with real-time flight tracking are standard.

Grab and Be ride-hail

Both apps will operate at Long Thanh from day one. Expect fewer drivers initially (probably the first three months) with longer wait times at peak arrival windows. Pickup is at a designated zone, typically a short covered walk from arrivals. Pricing for the District 1 trip will land in the VND 700,000-950,000 range one-way, with surge pricing at peak arrival waves. Both apps accept international credit cards.

Best for: solo travellers or couples with light luggage, those comfortable using apps in transit, travellers landing outside peak hours.

Practical tips: download the app and add a payment method before flying. The arrivals hall Wi-Fi may have weak coverage; use airplane mode roaming for the first few minutes. Pickup zone signs are bilingual.

Official taxi (walk-up)

Vinasun and Mai Linh are the two major taxi brands you'll see at the official rank. They use metered fares and are reliable for direct trips. Pricing tends to land slightly above Grab/Be, VND 800,000-1,100,000 for the District 1 trip. Avoid any taxi that approaches you inside the arrivals hall. Those are typically unmetered and will quote inflated flat rates.

Best for: walk-up arrivals when you don't want to mess with apps, late-night arrivals when official ranks are still staffed.

Airport bus

Express airport bus services are planned for Phase 1 with stops at Thủ Đức and downtown District 1. Tickets will be in the VND 80,000-150,000 range, payable in cash or contactless card. Journey time will be 90-120 minutes including stops. Suitcase storage under the bus.

Best for: budget travellers, solo arrivals without large luggage, daylight arrivals. Less practical for families or anyone arriving late at night.

Future Metro Line 1 extension

A metro line extension to Long Thanh is in long-term planning but not expected to open until well after Phase 1 of the airport. Treat this as a 2030+ option, not something to plan around for trips in the next 24 months.

How time of day affects your journey

Arrival window

If your flight allows, target an arrival between 9am-12pm or 12pm-4pm. Avoid 4pm-7pm at all costs. Even a perfect airport experience can be undone by the journey home.

What to expect en route

The drive from Long Thanh to District 1 has a distinct rhythm.

The first 30 minutes are on the CT.01 expressway running through Đồng Nai countryside, rural landscape with rubber plantations, an occasional industrial estate. The road is well-maintained, smooth, and toll-collected (your driver handles this; cost is built into the fare).

The middle 15-20 minutes bring you into HCMC's eastern districts. Traffic density picks up. You'll cross the An Phú interchange, then the Phú Mỹ bridge over the Saigon River. Skyline views start here.

The final 15-20 minutes take you through District 2 (Thủ Thiêm), then under the Saigon River via the Thủ Thiêm tunnel into central District 1. This is the most likely point for delay. The tunnel is single-bore in each direction and backs up at peak. You emerge into District 1 near the riverside, with the heritage corridor immediately accessible.

Rest stops: there are no major service stations on the CT.01 between Long Thanh and HCMC; if you need a stop, your driver can pause at a fuel station near Phú Mỹ Hưng. Most premium transfers go direct without stops.

Tips for first-time arrivals at Long Thanh

• Get currency at the arrivals hall for the first 24 hours. VND 2-4 million in 200,000 and 500,000 notes covers a comfortable first day. Use bank ATMs in District 1 for subsequent withdrawals; the rates are better.
• Buy a SIM card at the airport. Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone all have arrivals counters. Tourist SIMs with 30-day data run around VND 250,000. Bring your passport. For broader logistics on arrival in Vietnam, general Vietnam travel guides cover the essentials in more depth.
• Pre-book your transfer. Especially in the first 12 months of Long Thanh operations, Grab/Be supply will be limited. A pre-arranged transfer removes the uncertainty.
• Carry an emergency 50 USD in small notes. Useful if cards have issues or for tipping. Pickpocket risk at Long Thanh is low compared to crowded urban centres but standard travel precautions still apply. See our Saigon travel safety tips for context.
• Don't agree to flat-rate taxi offers from drivers approaching you inside the arrivals hall. Walk to the official taxi rank outside or to the designated Grab pickup zone.
• If arriving during Tết 2027 or other peak holidays, confirm your hotel transfer at booking. Fleets often book out during festival weeks.

For the broader overview of Long Thanh Airport and the airport comparison with Tân Sơn Nhất, see our complete Long Thanh guide and Long Thanh vs Tân Sơn Nhất comparison.

How The Myst Đồng Khởi handles your transfer

The pickup experience at The Myst Đồng Khởi is set up so you don't have to think about logistics after you land. Our reservations team takes the request the moment you confirm a booking. Sharing your flight number with us is all we need from your side, and the rest of the coordination is on us.

Guests who book directly through our website and stay two nights or more receive a complimentary one-way Tân Sơn Nhất transfer. Long Thanh doesn't yet have a complimentary programme since the airport is still pre-launch; in the meantime, our reservations team can arrange a private chauffeur from Long Thanh for any stay length.

At the airport, your driver waits at the international arrivals hall with a name card, at the dedicated luxury pickup area. The drive back via the CT.01 expressway takes about 60-75 minutes. The driver speaks English fluently and can share tips on the route, currency exchange, or dinner ideas if you'd like a head start on planning your first evening.

Transfer time is typically 60 to 75 minutes via the CT.01 expressway, with the option to detour through the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street for a brief introduction to District 1 if you arrive before 10pm. Once at the hotel, the front desk team checks you in personally with bags brought to your room.

[Image: The Myst Dong Khoi lobby arrival welcome - please source actual hotel photo]

Frequently asked questions

Arrive in District 1 the smooth way

For long-haul travellers, the time between landing and dropping bags at the hotel is where a stay starts. The Myst Đồng Khởi takes care of the entire pre-arrival flow: real-time flight tracking from the moment your number is confirmed, name-card meet at international arrivals, and a private chauffeur for the 60 to 75 minute drive into District 1. By the time you reach our heritage corner near Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, every detail of the arrival is already settled. We are inducted in the Michelin Guide Hotels and Stays selection and Country Winner Vietnam at the 2025 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

→ See our rooms and suites

→ Book direct for our best available rate

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

From late 2026 onward, Saigon runs two international airports side by side. One is Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN), the gateway you've likely used before, planted right inside the city. The other is Long Thanh (LTI), brand new, 45 kilometres east. The first question every traveller asks is direct: which one is my flight actually landing at, and how do I find out before I book? This guide takes that head on. You'll get the comparison table, the route allocation logic the airlines are using, and what each option means for your first day.

The quick answer

Long-haul international (from Europe, North America, Middle East, Australia) → Long Thanh.
Regional Asia + domestic → Tân Sơn Nhất.

Check your airline ticket to confirm the specific airport code. SGN = Tân Sơn Nhất, LTI = Long Thanh. Both airports operate simultaneously during the transition. The airline you booked decides where you land.

That's the simple version. The full picture has a few moving parts, especially in the transition window, when some carriers will use both airports for the same destination depending on season or day.

How to confirm your airport before you travel

Three quick checks before you head to the airport:

• Read the ticket. Your e-ticket lists the IATA code of the arrival airport. SGN means Tân Sơn Nhất. LTI means Long Thanh. If you see both codes on a connecting itinerary, you have an inter-airport transfer to plan.
• Check the airline's website 48 hours before departure. Aircraft swaps occasionally shift a flight from one airport to the other, especially during the transition months. The most recent confirmed routing is on your booking page.
• Look at the airline app for any schedule alerts. Push notifications about gate, terminal or airport changes go through the app before email.

If you're booking a hotel transfer in advance, share the flight number with your concierge. They'll track real-time changes and adjust the pickup automatically.

For the broader overview of Long Thanh Airport including phase timeline and tourism impact, see our complete Long Thanh Airport guide.

Side-by-side comparison table

Route allocation: which airlines will use which airport

The split isn't random. Civil aviation authorities and the airlines themselves have allocated routes based on aircraft type, slot demand, and operational efficiency.

Confirmed for Long Thanh (Phase 1)

• Vietnamese carriers: Vietnam Airlines (long-haul fleet, Boeing 787, Airbus A350), Bamboo Airways (international wide-body services), Vietjet (selected long-haul).
• Star Alliance early movers: Singapore Airlines, ANA, Air Canada, United, Lufthansa.
• Skyteam early movers: Korean Air, Delta, KLM, Air France, China Airlines.
• Oneworld and independents: Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qantas.

Expected to stay at Tân Sơn Nhất

• All domestic Vietnamese carriers on intra-Vietnam routes (Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, Phú Quốc, Nha Trang).
• Regional Asia low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar and T'way on short-haul routes within 5 flight hours.
• Some Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet narrow-body services on Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila.

The grey zone: mixed routes during transition

For the first 12-18 months after Long Thanh opens, expect mixed operations for routes like:

• Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong: could land at either airport depending on carrier and aircraft type
• Bangkok and Singapore: wider-body services may shift to Long Thanh while narrow-body stays at SGN
• Charter flights: likely concentrated at Long Thanh for capacity reasons

If you're flying any of these routes between late 2026 and mid-2028, treat your booking confirmation as your single source of truth.

Service experience differences

The two airports will feel quite different on arrival, beyond just location.

A useful background read before your trip: the technical history and operational details of Tan Son Nhat.

Tân Sơn Nhất sits inside the city. Arrivals immigration can run anywhere from 15 minutes (off-peak) to 90 minutes (early morning long-haul wave). The international arrivals hall is functional but dated, and Wi-Fi is reliable. Currency exchange counters offer rates 2-4% worse than downtown banks; SIM card vendors are abundant. Taxi queues at the official rank can be slow at peak; ride-hail pickup is faster but requires a five-minute walk to the designated zone.

Long Thanh is being designed from the ground up for the next 25 years. Expect modern jet bridges across the board, biometric immigration processing for partner countries (likely cutting standard wait times in half versus SGN), large covered ride-hail and chauffeur pickup areas, and integrated retail and F&B catering to long-haul layovers. Wi-Fi will be standard; charging infrastructure modern. The airport is also designed for accessible travel from day one. This new generation of regional Asian airports has been widely explored in recent travel coverage.

One real consideration: the longer transfer from Long Thanh to District 1 makes scheduling the day of arrival a little tighter. If you have evening reservations on arrival day, build in a 30-minute buffer beyond what you'd plan for Tân Sơn Nhất.

How to plan based on which airport you'll use

The practical implications of each airport are different, and a little planning saves friction.

If you're arriving at Tân Sơn Nhất

• Plan a 25-45 minute transfer to District 1. Tight evening reservations are workable if you land before 4pm.
• Currency exchange in the arrivals hall is fine for the first 24 hours; switch to bank ATMs in town for larger amounts.
• Grab is usually faster than the taxi rank at peak. Walk to the designated ride-hail zone (signposted from arrivals).

If you're arriving at Long Thanh

• Plan a 45-90 minute transfer to District 1. Build a 30-minute buffer if you have any time-sensitive evening plans.
• Book your hotel pickup or private transfer in advance. Grab and Be will operate from day one but with fewer drivers initially.
• If you're connecting to a domestic flight at SGN, factor in the inter-airport transfer (75-90 minutes by coach service).
• For travellers booking luxury hotels in District 1, complimentary transfers from the hotel (terms vary by property and booking channel) are the most reliable option.

For each transfer mode broken down with real prices, journey times by time of day, and what to expect en route, see our Long Thanh to District 1 transfer guide.

The Myst Đồng Khởi for either airport

One advantage of staying at The Myst Đồng Khởi during the two-airport transition is that you have a single point of contact for both Tân Sơn Nhất and Long Thanh. Our reservations team takes airport-pickup requests for either airport and coordinates the transfer on your behalf, no need to distinguish carrier or arrival point. Tân Sơn Nhất takes 25-45 minutes; Long Thanh 60-75 minutes via the CT.01 expressway.

Guests who book directly through our website and stay two nights or more receive a complimentary one-way Tân Sơn Nhất transfer. Long Thanh doesn't yet have a complimentary programme since the airport is still pre-launch; the details will be announced soon. In the meantime, our reservations team can arrange a private chauffeur for any stay length.

Our system tracks your flight in real time, so if your flight is reassigned to the other airport at the last minute, the pickup is adjusted automatically. The driver meets you at the international arrivals hall with a name card.

Frequently asked questions

Arrive smoothly at either Saigon airport

When two airports operate in parallel, having one contact for both takes the planning friction out of the trip. The Myst Đồng Khởi sits in the heritage heart of District 1, and our reservations team coordinates Tân Sơn Nhất and Long Thanh transfers from a single booking confirmation. You share the flight number; if it gets reassigned to the other airport at the last minute, pickup, route, and arrival hospitality adjust on our side. We are inducted in the Michelin Guide Hotels and Stays selection and Country Winner Vietnam at the 2025 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

→ See our rooms and suites

→ Book direct for our best available rate

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

Vietnam is opening a new flagship airport about an hour east of Saigon. Long Thanh International. First commercial flights are expected late 2026 or early 2027, with a total project cost near USD 16 billion spread over three phases. If you're planning a Ho Chi Minh City trip in the next 12 to 24 months, the questions that actually matter are simple: where is it, when does it open, which airline will land you there, how do you get to District 1, and does any of this change where you should stay? This guide answers each one. Two companion pieces dig further into the side-by-side comparison with Tân Sơn Nhất and the tactical transfer guide to District 1.

What Long Thanh Airport is and when it opens

Long Thanh International Airport (ICAO: VVCS, IATA: LTI) is Vietnam's new flagship gateway, designed to take over the bulk of international long-haul traffic now handled by Tân Sơn Nhất. Phase 1, a single terminal building with one runway, designed for 25 million passengers annually, is in the final commissioning stage as of 2026, with first commercial flights expected between late 2026 and early 2027.

The full project envisions four runways, four terminals, and an eventual capacity of 100 million passengers per year by around 2050, placing it among the largest greenfield airport developments in Southeast Asia. Total investment sits at roughly USD 16 billion across all three phases. You can find a deep dive into the project background and technical specifications in public references.

The build-out plan typically follows three phases:

• Phase 1 (2026-2027): One terminal, one runway, 25 million passengers/year, focus on long-haul international traffic.
• Phase 2 (2030-2032): Second runway and terminal expansion to 50 million passengers/year, adding cargo capacity.
• Phase 3 (2040-2050): Two additional runways and terminals, reaching the full 100 million passenger annual capacity.

One useful note for planners: airport projects of this scale often shift their opening windows by three to six months. Treat any date more than six months out as a reasonable estimate rather than a fixed schedule, and confirm operational status through your airline closer to your travel date.

Where Long Thanh actually sits

The airport occupies a large rural site in Long Thành district of Đồng Nai province, about 45 kilometres east of central Saigon (District 1) as the road runs. It sits closer to coastal Vũng Tàu (around 60 km) than to many other Vietnamese cities, positioning it well for both inbound tourism and connecting traffic through the southern industrial corridor where many global manufacturers have plants. For travellers planning the broader Saigon stay, a wider guide to the cultural landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City covers the cultural landmarks worth knowing about.

For travellers staying in District 1, the heritage commercial heart of Saigon, expect 45 to 75 minutes by car via the HCMC-Long Thành-Dầu Giây Expressway (CT.01), traffic permitting. Peak-hour commuting can push this to 90 minutes; pre-dawn and late-evening transfers run closer to the lower end. For comparison, the current Tân Sơn Nhất to District 1 transfer typically takes 25 to 45 minutes.

Long Thanh vs Tân Sơn Nhất, which airport you'll fly into

This is the question most travellers care about first. The short version: Long Thanh handles long-haul international, Tân Sơn Nhất keeps domestic and regional Asia routes.

Both airports will operate simultaneously during the transition. Long Thanh is being designed as Vietnam's primary long-haul international gateway, while Tân Sơn Nhất sits inside city limits and will keep its role for domestic flights and shorter regional international routes (within Asia). The airline you book determines which airport you arrive at. Check your booking confirmation in the transition window, since some carriers will route the same destination through different airports depending on day or season.

Going deeper: For a full side-by-side breakdown including comparison table, airline allocation logic, and how to plan around each option, see our Long Thanh vs Tân Sơn Nhất guide.

Which airlines will use Long Thanh first

Confirmed Phase 1 operators include Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Vietjet for selected long-haul routes. Among foreign carriers, the first to relocate are expected to come from the Star Alliance and Skyteam partnerships. Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates are likely among the first movers. North American carriers (United, Delta) and Australian operators (Qantas) are expected to follow as Long Thanh's customs and ground handling capacity matures.

The typical route allocation logic looks like this:

• Long-haul intercontinental (Europe, North America, Middle East, Australia) → Long Thanh, where the longer runways and modern arrivals processing are designed for wide-body operations.
• Regional Asia + secondary international (Japan, Korea, Singapore, Bangkok) → either airport during transition, with carriers choosing based on slot availability.
• Domestic (Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phú Quốc) → Tân Sơn Nhất, where the proximity to city centre suits same-day connections.

If you're booking transit through Saigon, for instance arriving on a long-haul carrier and connecting to a Vietnam Airlines domestic flight, you may now have an inter-airport transfer to factor in. Phase 1 will see a coordinated coach service between the two airports for connecting passengers, with journey time of 75-90 minutes.

Getting to District 1 from Long Thanh

The CT.01 expressway is the spine of every realistic transfer option. From the airport, the route runs west via CT.01 to Mai Chí Thọ, then onto the East-West Highway into District 2, crossing the Thủ Thiêm tunnel into central District 1.

Five practical transfer options:

• Private chauffeured car, most reliable, 60 minutes off-peak, 90 minutes at rush hour. USD 50-80 one-way for premium service.
• Hotel airport pickup, four- and five-star properties often include complimentary transfers; specific terms vary by hotel policy and booking channel.
• Grab / Be ride-hail, apps operate at Long Thanh from day one, with fares 25-40% higher than Tân Sơn Nhất route due to distance.
• Airport bus, express service planned with stops at Thủ Đức and District 1, in the VND 80,000-150,000 range.
• Metro Line 2 extension (future), long-term planning, not a 2026-2028 option.

The transfer prices mentioned in this overview are estimates based on distance and existing routes from Tan Son Nhat. They aren't final figures. We'll update them once official rates are published after Long Thanh begins commercial operations.

Going deeper: For each transfer mode broken down with real prices, journey times by time of day, and what to expect en route, see our Long Thanh to District 1 transfer guide.

Does Long Thanh change where you should stay?

Short answer: no. The case for staying in District 1, walkable to the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, the Saigon Opera House, the Saigon River and the heritage corridor, is unchanged by where you fly into. The 30-minute additional drive from Long Thanh is a one-time cost on each end of your trip. The cultural, dining and walkable advantages of central Saigon apply for every other waking hour of your stay.

If anything, the longer transfer makes a 24-hour concierge with established transport relationships more valuable, not less. Among luxury hotels in central Saigon, look for properties with proven transfer partnerships, English-fluent reception, and the ability to track flight delays in real time.

One nuance: travellers arriving during peak windows like Tết 2027 should confirm transfer arrangements at booking. Luxury hotel transfer fleets often book out during festival weeks.

The wider tourism impact on Ho Chi Minh City

Long Thanh isn't only a logistics change. The bigger story is capacity. Tân Sơn Nhất has been running at or above its design ceiling for years now. Peak mornings have been the worst, with the slot crunch limiting how many long-haul flights can land in any given window. Long Thanh's Phase 1 alone, with its 25 million passenger capacity, almost doubles the wide-body capacity for the entire southern region.

Three knock-on effects worth tracking:

• Direct flight expansion. Expect new direct routes from secondary North American cities (Seattle, Vancouver) and European hubs (Madrid, Rome) within 12-18 months of full Phase 1 operation, where Tân Sơn Nhất slot constraints had previously made these routes commercially marginal.
• Pricing pressure. Increased seat capacity historically reduces fares on the most contested routes within 18-24 months. Vietnam Airlines and major foreign carriers are positioning for this.
• Visitor profile shift. The combination of more direct flights from long-haul markets and increased capacity makes Saigon a more accessible standalone destination, not just an entry point to Vietnam. Hotels that lean into longer average stays, three to five nights, are well-positioned.

How The Myst Đồng Khởi handles Long Thanh arrivals

Booking a stay at The Myst Đồng Khởi includes airport pickup coordination from the moment your reservation is confirmed. Share your flight number with our reservations team. From there, we coordinate the rest: assigning the driver, timing the pickup, and making sure someone is waiting for you the moment you step into the international arrivals hall.

Guests who book directly through our website and stay two nights or more receive a complimentary one-way Tân Sơn Nhất transfer. Long Thanh doesn't yet have a complimentary programme since the airport is still pre-launch; the details will be announced soon. If you need a Long Thanh pickup in the meantime, our reservations team can arrange a private chauffeur for any stay length.

The drive from Long Thanh to the hotel takes about 60 to 75 minutes by private chauffeur. The driver speaks English fluently and is happy to share more about the route during the ride if you'd like.

Frequently asked questions

→ See our rooms and suites

→ Book direct for our best available rate

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

Bên cạnh resort quy mô lớn hay tòa nhà chọc trời, các khách sạn boutique với những tầng không gian đậm tính nghệ thuật đang trở thành một lựa chọn đáng cân nhắc cho chuyến đi sắp tới. Tuần này, WWK's Choice sẽ cùng bạn giải mã sức hút của 3 tọa độ lưu trú độc bản, bổ sung vào danh sách gợi ý cho hành trình đầy trải nghiệm của bạn.

Capella Hanoi

Khúc giao hưởng giữa lòng Thủ Đô

Nằm trên một con phố thanh bình ngay cạnh Nhà hát Lớn Hà Nội, Capella Hanoi như một “cỗ máy thời gian” đưa du khách “sống lại” thời kỳ hoàng kim của nghệ thuật Opera vào những năm 1920.

Được thiết kế bởi kiến trúc sư lừng danh Bill Bensley, Capella Hanoi là sự tri ân dành cho nghệ thuật Opera và phong cách kiến trúc Art Deco. Ngay từ khi bước qua cánh cửa, du khách sẽ đắm mình vào không gian lộng lẫy, ngắm nhìn những mảng màu rực rỡ, đường nét hình học sắc sảo và các món đồ trang trí thủ công được sắp đặt đầy ý đồ. Một tổng thể vừa kịch tính, vừa tinh tế.

Khách sạn được tái hiện như một lữ quán sang trọng. Nơi đây từng là chốn dừng chân của những nghệ sĩ, nhà thiết kế và nhà soạn nhạc vĩ đại nhất thế giới. Capella Hanoi sở hữu 47 phòng nghỉ và suite. Đáng chú ý, không có hai căn phòng nào hoàn toàn giống nhau. Mỗi phòng được đặt theo tên của một nghệ sĩ, nhà soạn nhạc hay một vở Opera kinh điển.

Tại đây, nghệ thuật không chỉ nằm ở những bức tranh treo tường mà còn hiện hữu trong từng chi tiết nhỏ. Từ những bức phác thảo phục trang gốc, những món kỷ vật sân khấu cho đến những kịch bản viết tay… khách sạn lưu giữ hơn 1000 món đồ cổ, bức họa chân dung hay trang phục biểu diễn nguyên bản được săn tìm và sưu tầm từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Lưu trú tại Capella Hanoi, du khách có cơ hội cảm nhận khoảng nghỉ của những “ngôi sao” sau một buổi biểu diễn hoành tráng.

Ghi chú cho bạn

Nhà hàng Hibana by Koki đạt 1 sao Michelin là điểm đến cho những tín đồ ẩm thực Teppanyaki Nhật Bản.

Azerai La Résidence Huế

Khúc vĩ thanh bên dòng Sông Hương

Tọa lạc dọc bờ sông Hương thơ mộng với tầm nhìn hướng thẳng ra Kinh thành Huế cổ kính, Azerai La Résidence - Huế như một chứng nhân lịch sử đưa du khách trở về không gian vương giả và lãng mạn của những năm 1930.

Trái tim của Azerai La Residence là tòa dinh thự cổ, từng là một phần của dinh Thống sứ Pháp, là chốn giao lưu của giới quan chức và quý tộc thượng lưu thời bấy giờ. Khách sạn là minh chứng rực rỡ cho phong cách kiến trúc Art Deco với những đường cong mềm mại, hình khối góc cạnh và các họa tiết hình học tinh xảo. Nhìn từ xa, tòa nhà như một con tàu trắng khổng lồ đang thả neo bên dòng sông, mang trong mình vẻ uy nghi và quyền quý của lịch sử.

Khách sạn sở hữu 122 phòng nghỉ và suite. Nhiều phòng sở hữu ban công rộng lớn nhìn ra khu vườn nhiệt đới xanh mướt hoặc sông Hương êm đềm. Dòng chảy thời gian hiện hữu trong từng chi tiết nhỏ. Từ chiếc quạt trần cổ điển, đồ nội thất bằng gỗ tối màu cho đến những bức ảnh tư liệu quý giá về Huế xưa… khách sạn giữ lại bầu không khí Đông Dương thuộc địa, trầm mặc và tinh tế.

Ghi chú cho bạn

Trải nghiệm tiệc trà chiều kiểu Pháp hoặc bữa tối lãng mạn trên du thuyền riêng của khách sạn dọc theo dòng sông Hương là hoạt động không thể bỏ lỡ dành cho các cặp đôi.

The Myst Đồng Khởi

Bản nhạc kịch Sài Gòn xưa

Nằm giữa trung tâm Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh sầm uất, khách sạn mang đến cảm giác tồn tại đặc biệt: Một tòa nhà trắng muốt với những ô cửa sổ sắp xếp ngẫu hứng và giàn dây leo xanh rì rủ xuống.

Được kiến tạo bởi các nhà thiết kế bản địa đầy tâm huyết, The Myst Đồng Khởi mang phong cách kiến trúc hiện đại nhiệt đới. Tiến vào sảnh chờ, du khách sẽ đắm mình vào không gian ấm cúng, cánh cửa gỗ nhuốm màu thời gian và các ô cửa sổ lồi lõm sắp xếp bất đối xứng.

Bên trong mỗi phòng là sàn gỗ bóng loáng, chiếc điện thoại quay số cổ điển, bức tranh sơn dầu và những vật dụng bằng đồng được sắp đặt tinh tế. Đặc biệt, hầu hết các phòng đều sở hữu ban công rộng rãi với bồn tắm lộ thiên bằng đá hoặc gỗ, bao quanh là vườn cây xanh mát, giúp bạn tận hưởng giây phút thư giãn tuyệt đối giữa nhịp sống hối hả.

Từ những món cổ vật được trục vớt từ xưởng đóng tàu Ba Son cũ, những chiếc chìa khóa đúc đồng cho đến những bức tranh vẽ tay phong cảnh Nam Bộ… Thông qua trải nghiệm lưu trú, khách sạn truyền tải nét duyên dáng, phóng khoáng của vùng đất và con người phương Nam một cách tinh tế đến du khách.

Ghi chú cho bạn

Hồ bơi vô cực trên tầng thượng là tọa độ lý tưởng để ngắm nhìn hoàng hôn buông xuống bên sông Sài Gòn.

Source: https://wowweekend.vn/

Ho Chi Minh City has roughly 80 hotels calling themselves "luxury" right now. Most don't earn the name. This guide doesn't list them. Instead it tells you the things that actually separate a real luxury stay from a five-star price tag, where in the city the gap matters most, and how we'd think about it if we were the ones booking.

What "luxury" really means here

Star ratings in Vietnam are issued by the local tourism authority and have nothing to do with whether a hotel feels luxurious. We have seen five-star plaques on properties where the front desk speaks broken English and the breakfast buffet runs out by 9am. We have also seen four-star boutiques run circles around them.

The honest test is this. Can the concierge get you a same-day table at Anan or Quince? Does someone answer the room phone at 2am? Is the spa run by therapists trained to international protocol, or by whoever the housekeeping manager promoted last month? Has the property earned outside recognition — Michelin Guide Hotels and Stays, World Luxury Hotel Awards, Forbes Travel Guide — that wasn't paid for? If most answers are yes, it's luxury. If they're no, you're paying for a number on a sign.

The Saigon luxury market breaks into three rough shapes. Big international chains with 200+ rooms, brand-consistent service, predictable everything. Heritage boutiques, usually under 150 rooms, design-led, with quirks and character you don't get from a Marriott or a Hilton. And modern riverside resorts, often newer builds with skyline views and pool decks. Your travel style decides which fits, not the star count.

Where to stay if you actually want the city

Location matters more in Saigon than in most cities. The traffic is bad, getting around eats your day, and the cultural heart is geographically small. So where you sleep changes what kind of trip you have.

District 1 is the answer for almost everyone the first time. The Saigon Opera House, the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Bến Thành Market — they're all within a 15-minute walk of each other. Hotels here range from grand-format five-stars on Đồng Khởi Street down to intimate boutiques tucked on side streets like Hồ Huấn Nghiệp and Mạc Thị Bưởi. If you only have three or four nights, don't stay anywhere else. District 1 is also the safest base for visitors, with the highest concentration of tourist police and well-lit streets after dark.

District 2 (Thảo Điền) is a different proposition. Expats live here. The pace is slower, the streets greener, the restaurants more international. About 25 minutes by car from District 1, which sounds fine until you're stuck in traffic at 6pm. Good for a second visit when you've already done the museums, or for travellers who hate noise and crowds.

District 7 (Phú Mỹ Hưng) is a planned suburb. Modern, clean, lots of serviced apartments and golf-resort-style hotels. Good for families with kids and long-stay business travellers. Wrong for a four-night culture trip.

Six things to weigh before you book

Once you've shortlisted three or four candidates, run them through this. The wrong question is "is it luxurious enough?" The right question is "luxurious in the ways I care about?"

1. Walk distance to Nguyễn Huệ. Pull up Google Maps. Drop the hotel pin. Measure to Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street. Anything under 10 minutes' walk is gold. Over 20 minutes and you'll Grab everywhere, which is fine but changes the trip.
2. What the concierge actually does. Before booking, email and ask three things: can you book a private heritage walking tour, can you get a same-day table at a hard-to-book restaurant, and what's the airport pickup arrangement. Vague answers are a red flag. Specific ones tell you everything. Some properties offer curated walking tours of District 1 as part of their concierge program.
3. Has someone Vietnamese actually cooked here? Hotel restaurants are too often safe-bet international menus. A real luxury hotel will have at least one F&B outlet that takes Vietnamese cuisine seriously — not just pho for the foreigners but proper, hands-on regional cooking. Check the menu before booking. Cross-reference with the city's broader food map like our Thảo Điền dining guide.
4. Awards you can verify. The Michelin Guide Hotels and Stays list, World Luxury Hotel Awards, Forbes Travel Guide, and Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice are the four worth checking. Awards alone won't make a stay great. But the absence of any external recognition at a luxury price point is a yellow flag.
5. Room actually big enough. Entry-tier luxury in Saigon should give you 30 sqm minimum, a window that opens, ideally a balcony or French doors. Booking sites sometimes hide this. Check the property's own site or ask before paying.
6. How they handle the airport. Tân Sơn Nhất is 25-45 minutes from District 1 depending on traffic. Better hotels include complimentary transfers for stays of three nights or more. The transfer experience tells you a lot — being met at arrivals with your name on a card versus finding the driver yourself sets the tone. For background on the route, see our Tân Sơn Nhất to District 1 guide.

About The Myst Đồng Khởi — because we should be transparent

You're reading this on our website, so we'll be straight with you. We're a 108-room boutique heritage hotel on Hồ Huấn Nghiệp Street. Four minutes' walk to the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street. Five to the Saigon River. Inducted into the Michelin Guide Hotels and Stays selection. Won the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2025 Global Winner for Luxury Cultural Hotel and Country Winner for Vietnam. Concierge runs 24 hours.

Not everyone should book us. If you want a Marriott-style branded experience, a poolside kids' club, or a 600-room resort with three restaurants and a casino, we're wrong for you. If you want a smaller hotel, walkable to everything that matters, with afternoon light through tall windows and a concierge who'll remember your name on day two, we might be exactly right. Take a look at our rooms and suites and check us against the six criteria above. If we don't fit, that's useful information too.

How to book without overpaying

Book direct. Almost always. Hotel-direct rates either match or beat what Booking.com and Agoda are showing, and direct bookings come with better cancellation terms, the chance of a complimentary upgrade if rooms are available, and a real person you can email about special requests. Third-party platforms are good for browsing options and comparing prices across cities. They're rarely the cheapest place to actually book.

On timing: November through March is peak. Cool weather, no rain, festival season, prices at their highest. April-May and September-October are shoulder months — same hotels, same service, 15-25% less. Avoid Tết 2027 (early February) only if you want a fully operational city; the holiday itself is one of the most culturally rich moments of the Vietnamese year and worth experiencing once.

Frequently asked questions

Thinking about The Myst Đồng Khởi?

108 boutique rooms, five minutes' walk from the Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street, surrounded by the quietest heritage corner of District 1. Our concierge speaks fluent English and will build your stay around the criteria that matter most to you — a private heritage walk, a signature dining sequence, or simply a room with afternoon light and a balcony.

→ See our rooms and suites

→ Book direct for our best rate

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

Tet Nguyen Dan, Vietnam's most luminous celebration, falls on Saturday, 6 February 2027 — opening the Year of the Goat. For visitors fortunate enough to arrive during these days, Saigon transforms: its avenues bloom with golden apricot branches, the Saigon River carries the scent of incense from family altars, and the city's restless rhythm softens into something quietly reverent. This guide is everything you need to plan your Tet 2027 visit with grace.

When is Tet 2027? Dates, duration and what to expect

Tet 2027 officially begins on Saturday, 6 February 2027 (mùng 1, the first day of the lunar new year), continuing through Sunday 7 February (mùng 2) and Monday 8 February (mùng 3) — the three most sacred days. The Vietnamese public holiday typically extends to a seven-to-nine-day national break, meaning offices, schools and many local businesses close from approximately 5 February (Tet Eve, known as Giao Thua) through 13 February.

This is the Year of the Goat (Đinh Mùi in the Vietnamese lunar cycle), traditionally associated with gentleness, artistry and quiet prosperity. The atmosphere in Saigon during Tet is unlike any other moment of the year — softer, more familial, and quietly festive.

What is Tet, really?

Tet Nguyen Dan — "Festival of the First Morning of the First Day" — is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture, comparable in significance to Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year combined for a Western audience. It marks the arrival of spring, the renewal of the family bond, and the honouring of ancestors. Families return from across Vietnam (and from overseas) to gather, to clean and decorate the home, to settle debts, and to welcome the year ahead with auspicious words and gestures.

For visitors, Tet offers a rare invitation into the most intimate side of Vietnamese life — provided you arrive with awareness of what is open, what is closed, and how to participate respectfully.

Saigon during Tet: atmosphere and what changes

Ho Chi Minh City during Tet feels remarkably different from the city you might know in October or June. The famously dense motorbike traffic thins to a fraction of its usual flow on mùng 1 and mùng 2 as residents retreat into family homes. Streets are swept, shops shuttered with red couplets pasted on their gates, and the air carries the fragrance of pomelo blossoms, fresh paint and burning sandalwood.

Most local restaurants, traditional markets and family-run cafés close from Tet Eve until at least mùng 4 or 5 — though hotels, international restaurants, convenience stores (Circle K, FamilyMart, GS25) and major tourist attractions remain open. For comprehensive guidance on staying safe and comfortable during this quieter period, see our tips for tourist safety in Saigon. Travellers staying in District 1 — the safest base for visitors — will find the most amenities open during the holiday window.

The 6 Tet experiences every visitor should plan for

1. Nguyen Hue Flower Street (Đường Hoa Nguyễn Huệ)

From approximately 3 February through 9 February, the Nguyễn Huệ pedestrian street is transformed into Saigon's most spectacular floral installation — over 100 metres of curated displays celebrating the Year of the Goat. Free, open day and night, photographable from any angle. Arrive after 7pm for the magical illuminations; mornings are quieter for unhurried photos.

2. Saigon River Tet fireworks

Saigon's biggest fireworks display lights the river at midnight on Tet Eve (5 February), typically launched from the Saigon River area in District 1 and a secondary site near Thủ Thiêm. Rooftop venues such as Chill Sky Bar and the riverside Bonsai Cruise booking decks offer privileged views — book several weeks ahead. Free public viewing from Bến Bạch Đằng Park and the Thủ Thiêm pedestrian bridge.

3. Pagoda visits — Vĩnh Nghiêm, Giác Lâm, Thiên Hậu

Vietnamese families visit pagodas during Tet to pray for fortune, health and family unity for the coming year. Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda in District 3, Giác Lâm in Tân Bình (the oldest in HCMC), and Thiên Hậu Temple in Cholon are the three most atmospheric for visitors. Modest dress required (shoulders and knees covered). Burning incense and tying red paper wishes are welcome rituals tourists may quietly join.

4. Bến Thành holiday market

While the traditional Bến Thành Market partially closes on mùng 1, the night market reopens by mùng 3 and bustles back to full energy by mùng 5 — selling seasonal Tet sweets, lucky red envelopes, and dried fruit gift boxes that make exceptional souvenirs.

5. Cultural walking experiences

A self-paced or guided heritage walking tour through District 1 during Tet reveals the city in rare stillness — the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the colonial-era boulevards photograph beautifully without their usual traffic. For deeper immersion, our concierge can arrange unique cultural experiences including private calligraphy sessions and Tet flower-arrangement workshops.

6. Family meals at heritage restaurants

A handful of beloved Saigonese restaurants honour the holiday by serving traditional Tet menus rather than closing. The atmosphere is family-led, the dishes hand-prepared, and reservations essential.

Tet food: the dishes that define the holiday

Tet cuisine is rich, symbolic and prepared days in advance — every dish carries meaning of prosperity, longevity or family wholeness.

• Bánh chưng / Bánh tét — the cornerstone of Tet. Square (chưng, northern) or cylindrical (tét, southern) sticky-rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves, filled with mung bean and pork belly, slow-boiled overnight. Symbolises earth, ancestry and family abundance.
• Thịt kho hột vịt — caramelised pork belly braised with duck eggs in coconut water. A southern Tet staple eaten across the three days. Best paired with pickled mustard greens (dưa cải chua).
• Canh khổ qua nhồi thịt — bitter melon stuffed with minced pork. The name khổ qua literally means "bitterness passing" — eaten in hope that the hardships of the old year depart with the gourd.
• Mứt Tết — sugared candied fruits and seeds (coconut, ginger, lotus seed, kumquat) served to guests with hot jasmine tea.
• Xôi gấc — vivid red sticky rice from gấc fruit, served on the family altar and at celebratory meals for its auspicious colour.

To experience traditional Vietnamese cuisine at its source, the heritage venue Cục Gạch Quán traditional Vietnamese serves a refined Tet menu by reservation. For a broader F&B map, our Thảo Điền dining guide covers contemporary venues that remain open through the holiday, and our exploration of Saigon café culture highlights independent spots that welcome quiet morning visitors during the slower Tet days.

Cultural etiquette: what to wear, what to avoid

Wear: Red, yellow, or warm tones bring good fortune. Avoid black or all-white outfits on mùng 1 — these colours carry mourning associations. Smart-casual is perfect; conservative dress (shoulders and knees covered) is essential for pagoda visits.

Avoid on mùng 1:

• Sweeping or cleaning indoors (you'll sweep away good fortune)
• Breaking glass or ceramics (signals discord)
• Crying, arguing, or speaking of death or illness
• Asking for change or money lending

Welcome rituals tourists can join:

• Wishing locals Chúc Mừng Năm Mới ("Happy New Year") or An Khang Thịnh Vượng ("Peace, health, prosperity")
• Accepting lucky red envelopes (lì xì) graciously if offered; with both hands and a smile
• Visiting pagodas and tying a red wish-paper to the wish tree

Practical tips for tourists during Tet

• Banks and ATMs: Bank branches close from Tet Eve to mùng 4. ATMs operate but may run out of cash by mùng 2 — withdraw VND for the holiday period two days ahead.
• Transport: Grab and Be ride-hailing services run with reduced supply and elevated surge pricing (~1.5x to 2x normal). Pre-book airport transfers a week ahead. For arrival logistics see our Tân Sơn Nhất airport transfer to District 1 guide.
• Shopping: Vincom, Saigon Centre, Takashimaya and Diamond Plaza remain open with reduced hours. Local markets close from mùng 1 to mùng 3; some reopen earlier.
• Embassies and government offices: Closed for the full national holiday. Plan around this if you require consular services.
• Pharmacies: Major chains (Pharmacity, Long Châu) remain open at reduced hours. Carry any prescription medication you need.
• Cash etiquette: Carry crisp, new bills in small denominations if you wish to give lì xì — old or wrinkled notes are considered inauspicious.

For first-time visitors, our Vietnam travel guidebook 2026 offers wider context on country-level travel essentials, from visa rules to seasonal weather.

Why book your Tet 2027 stay at The Myst Dong Khoi

The Myst Dong Khoi remains fully operational throughout Tet 2027, with all amenities — restaurant, bar, spa, and 24-hour concierge — open every day of the holiday. Our 108 boutique rooms are dressed with traditional Tết décor: golden apricot branches in the lobby, calligraphy scrolls bearing blessings of fortune, and lì xì envelopes offered to every guest on mùng 1.

Our location at the quiet end of Hồ Huấn Nghiệp Street places you four minutes' walk from the Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street and within five minutes of the Saigon River fireworks vantage at Bến Bạch Đằng. As a Michelin Guide Hotels & Stays inducted boutique — and the 2025 World Luxury Hotel Awards Global Winner for Luxury Cultural Hotel — we are positioned to make your Tết visit both seamless and meaningful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome the Year of the Goat with us

Stay at The Myst Đồng Khởi during Tet 2027 — five minutes from the Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street, four minutes from the Saigon River fireworks vantage, and surrounded by the quietest, most photogenic heritage corner of District 1. Our concierge speaks fluent English and will arrange flower-street walks, pagoda visits, calligraphy sessions, and private dining tailored to your travel rhythm.

→ Explore our rooms and Tết stay packages

→ Book direct for our best Tết 2027 rates

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

Tucked into a quiet stretch of Hồ Huấn Nghiệp Street in District 1, The Myst Dong Khoi has become one of the few independent boutique hotels in Ho Chi Minh City to earn a place in the Michelin Guide Hotels & Stays. The recognition arrives quietly — there is no champagne fanfare, only a single line on the guide.michelin.com listing — yet it confirms what guests have been telling us since 2017: that small details, considered design and warm Vietnamese hospitality matter more than chain-scale amenities. For travellers searching the Michelin Guide for an authentic Saigon stay, this page explains what the recognition means, and what awaits at our heritage tower by the river.

What the Michelin Guide Says About The Myst Dong Khoi

The Michelin Guide editors' description of our hotel is brief, factual and observant — three qualities we have always tried to embody. Their published listing reads:

The Myst Dong Khoi cuts an impressive figure in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. Standing at the banks of the Sông Sài Gòn, this luxury hotel is a modernist tower whose windows and balconies stud the facade in an unusual pattern, while bursting forth with leafy plants.

The interiors are richly decorated with objets d'art, hardwood flooring, stained glass and wrought-iron accents in rooms inspired by local homes, the finest of which feature serene balconies for taking in the buzz of Saigon below.

There's a gym, a spa, and a rooftop swimming pool, as well as a coffeehouse, a bar, and the Nest, the Myst Dong Khoi's locally inspired restaurant.

— Source: Michelin Guide Hotels & Stays

Why a Michelin Guide Listing Matters for a Saigon Boutique Hotel

The Michelin Guide Hotels & Stays programme expanded into Southeast Asia gradually, with Vietnam joining its global directory only recently. Inclusion is curatorial rather than competitive — properties are selected by Michelin's anonymous editors based on character, design, location and the quality of guest experience. There are no scores, no badges to chase. A hotel is either in the guide, or it isn't.

For a 108-room independent boutique in District 1 — surrounded by international chain towers — making the list is meaningful for a particular reason: it signals that Michelin's editors saw the same thing our team works to protect every day. The unhurried rhythm. The art on the corridor walls. The Saigon-Chợ Lớn-Gia Định inspired interiors. The view of the river from the rooftop pool. None of these are advertised; they are simply present.

A Walk Through The Myst Dong Khoi — Heritage Tower by the Saigon River

Our building was conceived by Vietnamese architect Nguyễn Hoà Hiệp, whose work has earned international design recognition for translating local vernacular into contemporary form. The façade — those windows and balconies that Michelin's editors noted "stud the facade in an unusual pattern" — was inspired by the irregular geometry of Saigon's old alleyway houses (hẻm). Inside, the lobby reveals a more direct heritage gesture: salvaged Marseille roof tiles, wrought-iron beams and a five-tonne ship's anchor recovered from the former Bason shipyard, which once stood a kilometre downriver before being dismantled in late 2015.

The result is a building that reads as quiet on the outside and layered on the inside. Guests who walk the corridors slowly tend to notice things — the abacus on a bathroom door, the Champa arch over a sofa, the patterned terrazzo on a stair landing. Nothing demands attention. Everything rewards it.

Rooms Inspired by Local Homes

The Myst Dong Khoi has 108 rooms across six categories, ranging from the 40 m² Dong Khoi Balcony Room (from USD 150 per night) up to the 70 m² Myst Suite (from USD 350 per night). Each room features a private balcony, a deep-stone bathtub set against the window, hardwood flooring and locally sourced art. The signature touch is the Saigon Minibar — a small refrigerator stocked with herbal teas, sugarcane juice, coconut water and other drinks rarely found outside Vietnam, complimentary to all guests.

The most-booked categories tell their own story. Our Verdant Calm Balcony and Dong Khoi Balcony rooms together account for more than a third of all stays, suggesting that guests come looking for the same balance Michelin's editors observed: serenity above the buzz, with the city always within reach. The two Suite categories — Saigon Signature and The Myst Suite — extend the same idea with corner-window views and longer balconies overlooking the river or Đồng Khởi Street.

→ View all six room categories

The Nest, Bason Café and ROOTY Bar — Dining the Michelin Editors Noted

Michelin's description ends with a quick survey of our food and drink spaces, and each carries a different kind of memory of Saigon. The Nest, on the 12th floor, serves Local Fusion and Western cuisine with a 45-label wine list, set within a glass-walled garden room that overlooks the Saigon River. Bason Café on the ground floor takes its name and its anchor motif from the demolished shipyard outside our front door; its Vietnamese drip coffee is among the strongest in District 1. ROOTY Bar on the 15th floor opens onto a 24-metre infinity pool — the cocktails are Saigon-inspired, the sunset is included.

Honoured Twice in 2025 — Michelin Guide and World Luxury Hotel Awards

The Michelin Guide listing arrived alongside another recognition: in 2025 The Myst Dong Khoi was named Global Winner — Luxury Cultural Hotel at the World Luxury Hotel Awards, and Country Winner (Vietnam) — Luxury Art Boutique Hotel. The pairing matters to us because the two organisations look at different things — Michelin editors observe the property as travellers do; the World Luxury Hotel Awards are voted on by guests who have stayed. Earning recognition from both, in the same year, suggests we are getting the small things right.

Read more from Silverland Hospitality: Inside the Michelin Guide Hotel in Saigon.

Plan Your Stay at The Myst Dong Khoi

If you are visiting Saigon — for the first time or the fifteenth — we would be glad to welcome you. Direct reservations through our website include our best available rate, a complimentary welcome drink (try the nước shiso), and free airport pick-up for stays of three nights or more. Our reservations team is available by phone or email; for tailored stays we recommend reaching out directly.

→ Discover our rooms and packages

→ Reserve direct for our best rate

Frequently Asked Questions

Recognition matters less than what guests carry home — a slower morning by the river, a quiet chess game with the concierge, the nước shiso welcome that turned a long flight into a soft landing. The Michelin Guide is, for us, a small affirmation that these small things are seen. We hope you will come and find yours.

Crafted by Silverland Hotels.

If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City – whether it is for your first time exploring, for business, for leisure or for a romantic getaway- choosing the right means of transportation from the airport to District 1 is the first step to a smooth and enjoyable stay.

With a distance of only 6-9 km, this route is not considered too far, but factors like traffic density, time, and the means you choose will determine how quickly you can get to the city. The article below will be a comprehensive guide on transportation options from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1, from luxury to economical options, along with useful tips and practical information to make your journey in Saigon easier.

Why Choose District 1?

District 1 is the cultural and commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s home to many of the city’s iconic landmarks, French colonial architecture, luxury shopping streets, fine dining restaurants, and of course, elegant boutique hotels like The Myst Đồng Khởi. Whether you’re staying for a few nights or a longer visit, District 1 is where you’ll feel the city’s vibrant energy, rich history, and undeniable charm.

Just a few steps away, you can reach Nguyen Hue walking street, City Theater, Ben Thanh market, or Bach Dang wharf - destinations not to be missed in Saigon.

Quick Overview: Airport to City Centre

Option 1: Private car from hotel – 5-star experience with The Myst Dong Khoi

If you want to start your day off right and conveniently, then a private airport transfer from The Myst Dong Khoi is the ideal option. As one of the leading 5-star boutique hotels in District 1, The Myst Dong Khoi offers an airport transfer service that reflects the hotel’s signature attention to detail.

Reasons to choose hotel shuttle:

• No waiting after a long flight 
• Personalised service – staff holding a welcome sign with your name at the arrivals hall 
• Door-to-door luggage assistance 
• Direct transfer to the hotel lobby – no queuing or waiting.
  

How to Book:

• Add pickup when booking directly on the official website
  
• Or contact the hotel via email, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger before arrival
  

✨ Tip: Guests booking suites or special packages may enjoy complimentary round-trip airport transfers.

Option 2: Grab, Be, or Xanh SM – Flexible, easy to use

Apps like Grab, Be and Xanh SM are top choices for tech-savvy travelers. With intuitive interfaces, these platforms allow you to book a car or motorbike with just a few taps.

How It Works:

• Download the Grab, Be or Xanh SM app before your flight
  
• Use airport Wi-Fi or a local SIM card to book
  
• Choose pickup point (usually Column 18 for Domestic Terminal or Column 12 for International Terminal)
  
• Select your vehicle type (car or motorbike)
  
• Pay with card (in the app) or cash
  

Advantages:

• Transparent pricing
  
• Avoids haggling
  
• Clean, air-conditioned vehicles (especially GrabCar Plus or BePremium)
  

Estimated Fare:

• 150,000 – 250,000 VND (~$6–10 USD)
  
• Travel time: 30–50 minutes
  

Note at the airport: Drivers are not allowed to wait right in front of the terminal. You will meet them at the pick-up lanes clearly designated in the app

Option 3: Traditional Taxi – Vinasun or Mai Linh

• You can find many taxis parked right at the airport exit. 
• Prioritize two reputable companies:
  • Vinasun (white car with red and green stripes). 
  • Mai Linh (green car)

Fares & Duration:

• 180,000 – 250,000 VND (~$7–11 USD)
  
• 30–60 minutes depending on traffic

Avoid unlicensed taxis or unofficial drivers in the terminal. Politely decline the offers and go straight to the official taxi queue with uniformed staff.

Safety Tip:

Always make sure the meter is turned on before the car starts moving. If the driver refuses, choose another car.

Option 4: Airport Bus #109 – Budget Friendly & Clean

If you are traveling light and want to save money, airport bus #109 is a reliable, clean and economical option to get to District 1.

Details:

• Frequency: 15–20 minutes/trip. 
•  Operating hours: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM the next day. 
•  Ticket price: 20,000 VND (~$0.80 USD). 
•  Stops near Ben Thanh Market and Pham Ngu Lao Western Quarter, 23/9 Park 
• Pickup location: Column 18 (Domestic Terminal) or Column 12 (International Terminal)
  • Look for the bright yellow bus says "Airport Shuttle Bus 109"
    

Note: Luggage space is limited. This option is best for solo travelers with backpacks or small suitcases.

Option 5: Public Bus #152 – Cheapest Route to the City Center

Bus 152 is suitable for those who want to save maximum and have experience taking buses in Vietnam; popular with locals and students

• Ticket price: 6,000 VND + 6,000 VND per suitcase (~$0.50 USD total). 
•  Operating hours: 5:15 AM – 7:00 PM. 
• Stops along Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh and Pham Ngu Lao streets. 
• How to find the bus: Exit the terminal and walk past Burger King (International Terminal) or turn right after the car lane (Domestic Terminal) to look for the blue bus sign.
  

Note: Staff does not speak English, the ride is longer, bumpier and less air-conditioned. Best suited for adventurous travelers on a budget.

Tips to Prepare for the Ride

•  Buy 4G SIM (Viettel, MobiFone, Vinaphone at the airport or use eSIM in advance) - Prices start at 150,000 VND (~$6 USD)
• Have some cash ready (some drivers won't accept cards)  
• Write down your hotel address in Vietnamese to give to the driver.  
• Avoid rush hour: Travel before 7:30 AM or after 7:30 PM for the fastest journey.  
• Pack light – especially if you're using a bus or motorbike taxi.

Where to Stay After Landing: The Myst Đồng Khởi – Tranquility in the Heart of Saigon

After moving from the airport, The Myst Dong Khoi welcomes you with a relaxing space, imbued with the breath of Saigon heritage. Nestled on Ho Huan Nghiep Street, just a few steps from Nguyen Hue walking street, The Myst Dong Khoi opens up a sophisticated and private resort space - where you feel the breath of an old Saigon in every detail.

Why The Myst is So Unique:

• Artistic design with heritage imprint: Each room is a carefully selected space Carefully selected, displaying old Saigon artifacts and soft organic materials.
• • Rooftop Pool & City View Bar: Enjoy signature cocktails and watch the sunset over the Saigon River at Rooty Bar. 
• Afternoon Tea & Cultural Rituals: Complimentary afternoon tea, a fully stocked minibar, and even goodnight cookies with a short story.
• Elegant tranquility: Wooden bathtubs, private balconies and attentive housekeeping make for a memorable stay. 
• Free airport transfers: Book directly through The Myst's website to enjoy free airport transfers, depending on your room type or package.

Final Thoughts: From the Sky to Saigon’s Side Streets

Getting from Ho Chi Minh Airrport to District 1 can be easy and comfortable if you choose the right means of transport. And once you arrive in the center, let your vacation begin at the place of memories and emotions – The Myst Dong Khoi, where you not only stay, but also feel a very unique Saigon.

Book a room at The Myst Dong Khoi today to enjoy complimentary airport transfers, afternoon tea and authentic Saigon hospitality at one of Vietnam's finest boutique hotels.

Discover how safe Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) really is for travellers in 2026, from crime and scams to health tips and cultural etiquette… Here's everything you need to stay safe and enjoy Vietnam’s most vibrant & dynamic metropolitan.

A city of contrast and charm

Ho Chi Minh City, which is also known to locals as Saigon, is a riot of colour, energy and sound. Motorbikes whizz past colonial boulevards, the smell of street-food mingles with the buzz of modern cafés, and a thousand stories unfold in every corner.

But amid the chaos, many first-time visitors wonder “Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit in 2026?” The answer from governments, travel experts, and locals is a reassuring “YES”, with a few caveats.

Overall safety - Reassuring but street-smart

Smartraveller advisory classifies Vietnam under “Exercise normal safety precautions” the same rating given to much of Europe, whereas the Vietnam Tourism Board calls it “one of the safest countries in the world for travellers.” Meanwhile, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) has listed Vietnam among the Top Ten safest destinations for 2026. So the baseline is good. Still, no city is risk-free and Ho Chi Minh City’s dangers tend to be the familiar ones of big-city life like pickpockets, traffic, and occasional scams.

Petty crime in Ho Chi Minh City

Incidents of serious crime are rare, but petty theft does occur. Snatch-and-grab thefts by motorbike are the most common. Markets like Ben Thanh in downtown, Binh Tay in Chinatown or busy night streets such as Bui Vien, Nguyen Hue pedestrian boulevard can be tempting targets for quick-handed thieves. Thus, stay safe is important, here are the tips:

• Carry bags cross-body and on the side away from traffic.
• Keep phones and cameras secure when taking photos near the street.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery.
• Store passports and valuables in your hotel safe.

Traffic challenge is a beautiful organised chaos

Saigon’s streets are famous for their seemingly lawless flow of motorbikes. BHTP describes it as “chaotic to Western eyes”. Cars and motorbikes may come from everywhere, the roads are packed from dust till dawn, it is difficult to find the crossings for pedestrians, and even if you can find one, traffic may not even stop for you to walk through. It sounds scary, doesn't it? But here are our important tips for safer mobility:

• Use licensed taxis like Vinasun (white car, green logo) or Mai Linh (a very obvious green car), still remember to confirm the meter is running before the ride starts.
• Master the hailing apps like Grab or Be (similar to Uber or Lyft) which would identify clearly how much you have to pay for the ride.
• Cross streets slowly and predictably because drivers will navigate amazingly around you. Pedestrians may find crossing streets an adventure — but a calm, steady pace is the key to safety.
• Seriously avoid renting and riding a motorbike unless you have experience and a valid international driving license.

Scams and over-charging

Vietnamese hospitality is legendary, but a handful of scammers target unsuspecting visitors. Common schemes include rigged taxi meters, inflated restaurant bills, and “friendly” locals offering services like shoe shining, fruit stalls, fresh coconut… at sky-high prices. And so to avoid unnecessary troubles, we would suggest you to:

• Book rides via hailing apps or ask your hotel Front Office to call a taxi.
• Always ask the price before ordering or buying.
• Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres to avoid card skimming.
• Politely decline unsolicited offers for tours or “help” with currency exchange. A simple “Không, cảm ơn” (“No, thank you”) will usually end the conversation.

Health & Hygiene: Simple Precautions, Big Difference

Ho Chi Minh City boasts excellent private clinics and hospitals, but basic health habits remain your best protection. According to the Vietnam Tourism Board website “It’s wise to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small medical kit. Avoid tap water and eat at busy food stalls where turnover is high’. More over, you should also be mindful in below acts:

• Use bottled water and avoid ice in street drinks if unsure.
• Apply repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.
• Have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
• During high pollution days, consider wearing a mask outdoors.
• From June to November, Saigon experiences the rainy season. During this time, you may expect short, intense downpours and occasional street flooding. Also, keep an umbrella handy and avoid riding motorbikes during heavy rain.

Laws & Cultural Etiquette

Vietnam’s laws are strict and ignorance is no defence. Drug offences carry severe penalties, including the death sentence. It’s also illegal to photograph military facilities or engage in political protests. Besides, here are some tips on cultural do’s and don’ts:

• Dress modestly in temples and religious sites.
• Remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Be polite. Vietnamese people appreciate soft tones and respectful gestures.

Behind the traffic and the noise lies a city of remarkable kindness, where locals help visitors cross the street and a smile is often the best safety net.

Ho Chi Minh City is no more dangerous than other big cities in the region. It is arguably friendlier though the biggest risks are minor and avoidable.Come prepared, stay alert, and you’ll discover a city that feels alive in every sense: from the noisy streets to the quiet colonial lanes as well as rich historical destinations in town.

Where to Stay Safely in Ho Chi Minh City

For peace of mind and comfort, choose centrally located hotels in either Ben Thanh ward or Ben Nghe ward, which are close to major attractions and with reliable security. In case, you seek a boutique luxury experience, you might consider:

• The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel - a romantic 5-star haven evoking Saigon’s heritage with modern elegance.
• A chain of Silverland Hospitality hotels - the 4-star properties blending Vietnamese hospitality, top notched design and international comfort.

Both offer central locations, 24-hour security and personalized service, ideal bases for exploring the city safely. Moreover, book directly on the websites for always’ best prices and benefits like free airport pick-up, early check-in, late check-out and so on.