How to Spend a 14-Hour Layover in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Last Updated on November 9, 2026 by Tina

Planning a long layover in Ho Chi Minh City? Here’s how I spent almost 14 hours exploring Saigon, including transport, food, things to do, eSIM tips, and my total expenses.

A long layover doesn’t always have to mean sitting at the airport for hours. If you have enough time between flights, you might be able to leave the airport and explore a little of the city.

That was exactly what I did during my October 2026 trip. I had almost 14 hours between flights in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, so instead of spending the entire day at the airport, I decided to explore some familiar places, discover a few new ones, and enjoy some Vietnamese food before flying back to the Philippines.

I had visited Ho Chi Minh City before, back in 2019, so this wasn’t my first time in the city. However, it was interesting to see how much I could fit into a long layover, even with the heat, humidity, and a sudden downpour.

If you’re wondering how to spend a 14-hour layover in Ho Chi Minh City, here’s my experience, including the places I visited, how I got around, what I ate, how I stayed connected, and how much I spent.

A quick note: This is a personal account of my layover on October 3, 2026. Transportation policies, opening hours, and other travel arrangements can change, so check the latest information before your trip.

Watch My Ho Chi Minh City Layover Vlog

Want to see what my Ho Chi Minh City layover looked like? Watch the video below as I explore the city, visit local spots, and make the most of my time between flights!

 

Is a 14-Hour Layover in Ho Chi Minh City Enough Time to Explore?

In my experience, yes, provided you plan carefully and leave enough time to return to the airport.

My flight arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at around 8:30 AM. I was able to leave the airport at approximately 9:30 AM, giving me most of the day to explore. My connecting flight to Manila was scheduled for 11:25 PM.

I returned to the airport at around 7:30 PM, which gave me several hours before departure. I was glad I didn’t push my sightseeing too late because the immigration queue at the airport was long.

Keep in mind that your usable time will depend on how quickly you clear immigration, whether you need to collect and recheck your luggage, traffic conditions, and your airline’s check-in requirements.

If you have a similar layover, I’d recommend planning a manageable itinerary rather than trying to see every attraction in the city. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you have time to eat, take breaks, and deal with unexpected delays.

How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the City Centre

After leaving the airport, I took public transportation into the city.

Taking Bus 152

I used Bus 152, which connects Tan Son Nhat Airport with the Ben Thanh area and other stops along its route.

During my visit in October 2026, the bus was free under Ho Chi Minh City’s temporary free-public-bus programme, which was scheduled to run from July 1 through December 31, 2026. This was a welcome saving, although you should check the current fare and payment requirements if you’re travelling at another time.

Bus 152 is a budget-friendly option if you want to explore the city without spending too much on airport transfers. However, it won’t take you directly to every attraction, so you’ll need to walk or use other transportation for the rest of your itinerary.

If you’re travelling with a lot of luggage or arriving during a busy period, a taxi or ride-hailing service might be more convenient.

My tip: Check the latest route information and your intended stop before boarding. If you have a connecting flight later that day, allow plenty of time for traffic on your return journey.

Staying Connected During My Ho Chi Minh City Layover

One thing I wanted to test during this trip was my travel eSIM connection. I had complimentary eSIMs from Kovitel and Roamvaya to try, and I used the opportunity to see how they performed during a real layover.

Having mobile data is useful when you’re exploring a city on a tight schedule. You can check maps, look up attractions, find restaurants, communicate with people, and arrange transportation without constantly searching for Wi-Fi. And with an eSIM, you don’t have to spend time buying a physical SIM card at the airport or going through the SIM registration process using your passport details. You can simply install the eSIM before your flight and activate it once you land, so you’re connected and ready to go!

Kovitel: For Travellers Visiting Vietnam

Kovitel is worth considering if you’re travelling only within Vietnam and want a Vietnam-focused eSIM.

I installed the Kovitel eSIM on my phone in less than five minutes while I was outside the airport. It was a straightforward process, and I was able to use it for navigation during my time in Ho Chi Minh City. I was also able to use it as a hotspot for my other phone.

If Vietnam is your only destination, a country-specific eSIM like this is a convenient option to consider.

Get your Kovitel Vietnam eSIM here

Roamvaya: For Backpacking Around Southeast Asia

Roamvaya is another option, particularly if you’re visiting multiple countries in Southeast Asia and want a regional data plan rather than arranging a separate eSIM for every destination.

My experience was a little less straightforward at first but I eventually got it working while I was at Highlands Coffee. After that, I was able to use it during my time in Vietnam, and it continued working when I returned to the Philippines.

For travellers moving between countries, having a regional plan can be convenient because you may not need to switch to a different travel data plan at every border. Just make sure your chosen plan covers all the countries on your itinerary.

Get your Roamvaya eSIM here

Disclosure: Kovitel and Roamvaya provided complimentary eSIMs for testing. This article contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. My observations about the installation and performance of these eSIMs are based on my own experience during this trip.

My Ho Chi Minh City Layover Itinerary

Once I was in the city, I started exploring. I had a few places in mind, including some I remembered from my 2019 visit, but I didn’t want to rush through the entire day.

Here’s how my layover unfolded.

1. Highlands Coffee: A Coffee Stop to Start the Day

My first stop was Highlands Coffee, where I ordered a drink and a chocolate croissant.

Vietnam is famous for its coffee culture, and stopping at a local coffee shop seemed like a fitting way to begin my day in Saigon. It also gave me a chance to sit down, cool off, and get ready for several hours of walking.

If you’re planning your own layover, a coffee stop is a good opportunity to check your maps, review your itinerary, and make sure your phone is ready for the day.

2. Saigon Central Post Office and Book Street

After coffee, I made my way towards the Saigon Central Post Office.

The post office is one of the city’s well-known landmarks, with distinctive architecture that makes it a popular stop for visitors. It’s also close to other attractions in the central area, making it easy to combine with a short walking tour.

During my visit, the area was busy with tourists. I also noticed that Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon was still undergoing renovation, just as it had been during my previous visit in 2019.

Nearby, I walked along Book Street, a pleasant place to browse books and enjoy a quieter change of pace from the surrounding streets.

These attractions are convenient to visit together, especially if you’re short on time and want to see some of central Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognisable sights.

Travel tip: Check current access arrangements and opening hours before visiting. Renovation work and crowd levels may affect your experience.

3. Box Market: A Break from the Heat

As the day went on, the heat and humidity became more noticeable.

I stopped at Box Market, partly because I needed to use the toilet and wanted somewhere to sit down and rest. By this point, I was already feeling the effects of walking around in the hot weather.

Ho Chi Minh City can feel particularly exhausting when you’re walking outdoors for several hours. Even if you’re used to tropical weather, the combination of heat, humidity, and city traffic can take its toll.

Taking a break indoors helped me recharge before continuing my itinerary.

If you’re exploring during a layover, don’t underestimate the importance of rest stops. You don’t need to be sightseeing every minute to make good use of your time.

I also stopped to withdraw cash during the day. I used a VPBank ATM, which did not charge me a withdrawal fee on that occasion. However, ATM fees can vary by bank, card issuer, and transaction, so don’t assume the same will apply to every traveller.

4. Lunch: Vegetarian Noodles and Spring Rolls

For lunch, I had a bowl of vegetarian vermicelli with spring rolls and a Coke. The meal cost ₫65,000 in total.

I was happy to sit down for a proper meal after spending the morning walking around the city.

There are plenty of places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, ranging from street-food stalls to cafés and restaurants. If you have dietary preferences, it’s worth checking the menu before ordering or using a translation app to communicate what you need.

After lunch, I continued exploring, although the weather was making the day a little more challenging.

5. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and April 30th Park

After lunch, I walked back to the post office to buy some postcards. I wasn’t able to get them earlier because I didn’t have enough cash with me. The post office accepts card payments, but there’s an additional fee of around 3%, so I decided to pay in cash instead. Aside from the postcards, I also bought an embroidered painting as a souvenir for ₫180,000.

After buying the postcards, I headed outside to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon to take a few photos. The cathedral was still undergoing renovations during my visit, so visitors weren’t allowed inside.

From there, I walked over to April 30th Park and found a bench where I could sit for a while and take a break. It was nice to slow down a bit after walking around the city.

When it started raining, I decided to head towards Co.opmart. I wanted to buy some Vietnamese coffee to bring home, so it was a good opportunity to do a little shopping before calling it a day.

6. Co.opmart: Buying Vietnamese Coffee to Take Home

On my way to Co.opmart, the rain started getting heavier, so I took shelter at a nearby bus stop. Once the rain stopped, I continued walking to Co.opmart.

I purchased three packs of Trung Nguyen coffee for a total of ₫286,500. Shopping at a supermarket was a practical way to buy packaged products to bring home, rather than purchasing everything from tourist-oriented stalls.

If you plan to buy coffee or other packaged goods, check the weight and packaging carefully, especially if you’re travelling with only cabin baggage. Remember to check your airline’s baggage rules and any relevant customs requirements for the country you’re entering.

7. Ben Thanh Market: Shopping and Souvenir Hunting

Ben Thanh Market is one of the best-known markets in Ho Chi Minh City and a popular place to shop for souvenirs, clothing, coffee, and other local products.

I also noticed that some vendors initially quoted prices that seemed quite high, but when they saw me walking away, they would often lower the price to try to convince me to buy.

Bargaining is common in many market settings, although the experience can vary from stall to stall. If you’re shopping here, it helps to have a rough idea of what you’re willing to pay and to politely walk away if the price doesn’t suit you.

On this particular day, I wasn’t really in the mood to haggle, so I didn’t spend much time negotiating.

8. Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Cafe Apartment

When I arrived at the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building, it was still bright outside. I took a few photos, but I also wanted to see the building illuminated at night, so I decided to explore the nearby Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Cafe Apartment first.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of the city’s most recognisable pedestrian areas. The wide boulevard is lined with buildings, shops, cafés, and other businesses. It’s a popular place to walk around, especially in the late afternoon and evening when the area starts to come alive.

I also made my way to the Cafe Apartment, a building known for its collection of cafés and small businesses. It’s quite an interesting place to visit and a popular photo spot for anyone wanting to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s café culture.

I spent some time exploring the area and taking photos. Once it started getting dark, I decided it was time to head back to the People’s Committee building.

9. Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building at Night

I returned to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building to see it illuminated at night, and it was worth coming back for.

The building’s architecture looked even more striking with the lights on, giving it a completely different look compared to when I first saw it earlier in the day.

I took a few more photos before finally wrapping up my sightseeing around the city and heading back to the airport.

10. Dinner Before Returning to the Airport

After taking my photos, I started walking towards the bus stop for Bus 152, which I planned to take back to the airport. Luckily, there was a Pho24 restaurant just a short distance from the bus stop, so I decided to stop there for dinner before heading back.

I ordered chicken pho and a Coca-Cola. There was a funny little misunderstanding when I placed my order. The cashier pointed towards the drinks fridge, and I thought she was referring to the Coke I had asked for. But when my meal arrived, I realised I had also been given a coconut instead of Coke!

Apparently, the coconut was sitting beside the canned drinks in the fridge, which explained the confusion.

It was an unexpected little moment and a fun way to end my day in Saigon. After dinner, I headed to the bus stop to catch Bus 152 back to the airport.

Returning to Tan Son Nhat Airport

I left the city at around 7 PM and arrived at Tan Son Nhat Airport at approximately 7:30 PM for my 11:25 PM flight to Manila.

Since this was a connecting flight, I had already received my boarding pass for the Ho Chi Minh City to Manila leg when I checked in at Colombo. My checked-in luggage was also automatically transferred to my next flight, so I didn’t have to worry about collecting my bag or checking in again in Ho Chi Minh City.

This made things much easier. When I got back to the airport, I just freshened up and headed straight to immigration.

The immigration queue was quite long, so I was glad I had returned with plenty of time to spare. After a full day of exploring the city, it was finally time to head home!

If you’re planning a similar layover itinerary, make sure to check whether your luggage will be transferred automatically and whether you can get your boarding pass for your connecting flight at your point of origin. This can save you a lot of time when you return to the airport.

My Total Expenses for a 14-Hour Layover in Ho Chi Minh City

One of the advantages of exploring independently is that you can decide how much to spend. I used public transportation, walked between attractions where practical, ate at local establishments, and bought a few souvenirs.

Here is a breakdown of my expenses during the layover.

My total spending was ₫780,500, excluding transportation and the complimentary eSIMs.

Bus 152 was free during my visit under the city’s temporary free-bus programme. Your own expenses will depend on the exchange rate, food choices, shopping, transportation, and whether you decide to visit paid attractions.

If your goal is simply to leave the airport, enjoy some Vietnamese food, walk around the central area, and buy a few souvenirs, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot on sightseeing.

Practical Tips for a Long Layover in Ho Chi Minh City

Before you plan your own itinerary, here are a few things I learned from my experience.

1. Check Your Transit and Entry Requirements

Make sure you are eligible to enter Vietnam before leaving the airport. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, passport, and circumstances.

I encountered a delay while trying to complete the digital arrival card because the OTP took time to arrive over the airport Wi-Fi. Immigration did not ask me for it when I passed through, but that was my personal experience and should not be taken as confirmation that the form is unnecessary for everyone.00

Check the latest official requirements before travelling, and complete any required forms before your flight if possible.

2. Download Maps and Prepare Your Phone

Having access to maps and mobile data makes navigating an unfamiliar city much easier. I tested both Kovitel and Roamvaya during this trip, and having a working connection was useful for finding my way around.

If you’re using an eSIM, check that your phone supports eSIMs and is carrier-unlocked. Install it while you have reliable Wi-Fi, follow the provider’s activation instructions, and make sure you understand when the plan’s validity begins.

3. Prepare for Heat and Humidity

Ho Chi Minh City was hot and humid during my visit, and I also experienced heavy rain.

Bring water, wear comfortable walking shoes, and take breaks indoors when necessary. An umbrella or lightweight rain jacket may be useful depending on the forecast.

Don’t try to fit too many attractions into your day. A relaxed itinerary is more enjoyable than rushing from one place to another.

4. Keep Some Cash Available

Although digital payments are common in many places, cash can still be useful for smaller purchases and some local businesses.

I withdrew cash during my visit and found a VPBank ATM that did not charge a withdrawal fee on that transaction. However, fees and ATM availability vary, so check the terms of your own bank card and always review any fee information displayed before confirming a withdrawal.

5. Leave Plenty of Time to Return to the Airport

Traffic can be unpredictable, and airport queues can take longer than expected. I returned around four hours before my flight, and the immigration queue was long.

Choose a return time that gives you a comfortable buffer instead of relying on the shortest estimated journey time.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

If you’re leaving the airport during a long layover, check whether your travel insurance covers your circumstances and any activities you plan to do. Keep your passport, boarding details, and essential documents secure while exploring.

Is It Worth Leaving the Airport During a 14-Hour Layover in Ho Chi Minh City?

For me, yes.

I had enough time to revisit some familiar places, explore the central area, enjoy Vietnamese coffee and food, buy souvenirs, and test my travel eSIMs. It was a full day, and the weather was tiring at times, but I was glad I used the opportunity to see the city instead of remaining at the airport.

Of course, a long layover isn’t automatically an invitation to go sightseeing. Your decision should depend on your entry eligibility, luggage arrangements, airport transfer time, and comfort with the risks of travelling into the city between flights.

If you have almost 14 hours in Ho Chi Minh City and want to explore independently, I would focus on a few attractions in the central area, leave room for meals and rest, and return to the airport well ahead of departure.

And if you’re travelling around Southeast Asia, consider arranging mobile data before you arrive. Kovitel is worth considering if you’re staying in Vietnam, while Roamvaya may be more convenient if you’re visiting multiple countries in the region. Compare the available plans and check country coverage before purchasing.

Have you ever left the airport during a long layover? I’d love to hear where you went and whether you think it was worth it!

More Vietnam Travel Guides

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you might also enjoy my earlier travel stories and guides:

• Read my earlier Ho Chi Minh City travel experience
• Explore more travel stories on I Went Anyways

Thanks for reading, and happy travels!

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I received complimentary eSIMs from Kovitel and Roamvaya to test during my trip. If you purchase through my affiliate links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.