Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 Complete Travel Guide (2026 Latest Version): Which Stations Are Worth Visiting? How to Enjoy the Final Destination Suối Tiên Theme Park?

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1: Do Travelers Really Need to Take It?

After nearly 20 years of anticipation, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro — Metro Line 1 — finally began operation at the end of 2024! This blue line runs from Bến Thành in the city center northeastward to Suối Tiên, with a total length of 19.7 kilometers, marking a major milestone in the city's transportation modernization.

However, for tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City, the most pressing question is surely: Is this metro practical for travelers? Do I need to ride it? This article will provide an honest and practical guide to riding the Ho Chi Minh City Metro in 2026.

We must honestly say: if it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City and your itinerary mainly focuses on attractions in District 1, you may not really need to ride the metro. The most iconic sights of Saigon (such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Coffee Apartments, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, etc.) are mostly concentrated in Districts 1 and 3. Within these areas, walking or using Grab for a ride remains the most convenient and flexible transportation options.

3 Truly Worthwhile Metro Scenes

If any of the following three situations apply to you, Metro Line 1 will be your great helper: First, to experience the new face of Ho Chi Minh City: take the fresh metro, glance at Saigon River and the city skyline from the elevated tracks, feeling the city’s modern pulse. Second, to visit Cây Tràm District (Thảo Điền): this European-style “rich neighborhood” is full of stylish cafes, high-end French restaurants, artisan shops, and lush streets; taking the metro can perfectly avoid the bridge congestion. Third, to go to Suối Tiên Theme Park: if you’re bringing kids and want to visit this huge Buddhist-themed water park with giant Buddha statues, water slides, croc ponds, and roller coasters, taking the metro directly to the end station is the fastest and cheapest way.

Practical Information: Ticket Prices, Operating Hours, and How to Ride

Here’s a quick overview of basic info for riding Metro Line 1:

[Operating Hours] 05:00 – 22:00 daily (extended to 23:00 on Fridays to Sundays)

[Frequency] Every 5 to 10 minutes

[Single Ticket Price] Calculated based on distance, approximately 7,000 to 20,000 VND (about NT$9 to NT$26)

[Ticket Purchase Methods] ① Ticket vending machines at stations (cash only) ② Ticket counters ③ Ho Chi Minh City Metro official App QR code

[Number of Stations] Total 14 stations (3 underground, 11 elevated)

Tip: Stations are equipped with elevators for wheelchair and stroller access. All stations have public restrooms and ticketing windows.

4 Key Stations and Nearby Attractions You Must Know

The Metro Line 1 has 14 stations, but for travelers, the most tourist-valued are the following four stations:

1. Bến Thành Station — The starting point of the city center

This is the starting station of Line 1 and a future interchange hub for multiple metro lines. The station is underground and very large. If you stay in District 1, this is usually your starting point for riding the metro. Nearby attractions include: Bến Thành Market (1-minute walk), Saigon’s most iconic traditional market; Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum (5-minute walk), with colonial French architecture; and Win Royal Spa (10-minute walk at 48 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm), a perfect place to enjoy authentic 100-minute Vietnamese head and four-hand massages after exploring downtown, for total relaxation.

2. Opera House Station — French Romantic District

Also located underground, the Opera House Station’s exit is in Saigon’s most upscale commercial and sightseeing area, full of French-style architecture and high-end boutiques. Nearby attractions include: Saigon Opera House (just outside); Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street (2-minute walk), lively at night with many restaurants and bars; and Coffee Apartments (3-minute walk), an artsy coffee hub in an old converted building.

3. Thảo Điền Station — European-style Affluent Area

Thảo Điền is a well-known expatriate community in Ho Chi Minh City, filled with stylish independent cafes, high-end French restaurants, craft shops, and lush streets. Previously, traveling over the bridge from District 1 often caused traffic jams, but now the metro gets you there in just over 10 minutes. The most notable spot is Bonjour Cafe The Art (40 Thảo Điền, Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2HXk6SzqYFQ8VNjd8), the most popular trendy coffee shop in Thảo Điền, with walls covered in greenery and decorated in bright red French style, a top Instagram check-in spot. Additionally, the area offers many international cuisines, from authentic Italian to exquisite Japanese dining.

4. Suối Tiên Station — The End of the Line Fantasy Park

The terminal station of Line 1. Previously, reaching this nearly 20 km away theme park in the city was expensive and often jammed with traffic by taxi. Now, it takes only about 30 minutes by metro. Suối Tiên Cultural Theme Park is a massive park themed around Buddhism and Vietnamese mythology, with features like giant Buddha statues, water parks, crocodile ponds, and roller coasters; its style is quite unique and very suitable for families or those seeking quirky attractions. Address: 120 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Thủ Đức, HCMC. Opening hours: 07:30 – 17:00 daily.

Conclusion: Worth Riding, But Timing Matters

Although currently only one line operates, the Ho Chi Minh City Metro isn’t necessarily a must for travelers confined mostly to District 1, but it indeed brings a whole new way to get around this city. If you have some time, consider spending around NT$20 on a ticket, drill underground, and enjoy a new elevated perspective of lively Saigon! After exploring trendy cafes in Thảo Điền or spending a whole day at Suối Tiên Park, don’t forget to return to District 1 and visit Win Royal Spa (48 Lê Thị Hồng Gấm) for authentic Vietnamese head and full-body massage, to fully relax your body and mind!