Getting Around Thuan An
Thuan An sits in Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, and its transport options reflect that position: a mix of local Binh Duong services, HCMC buses that reach across the provincial boundary, and the usual Vietnamese lineup of taxis, ride-hailing apps and motorbike taxis. There is no rail, metro or tram network serving the city, so visitors rely on road-based transport for everything. The good news is that the practical essentials — buses, taxis, Grab and rented two-wheelers — are all easy to find and inexpensive.
Buses and Public Transport
Thuan An has a municipal bus network, with local routes operated within Binh Duong Province by Becamex Tokyu Bus Co., Ltd. On top of that, Ho Chi Minh City's public bus network extends into Thuan An, so you can ride between the city and HCMC districts and major bus terminals without changing to a different system.
Local routes are geared toward connecting the places people actually travel between day to day: industrial parks, residential areas and commercial centres within Thuan An, plus links onward to Thu Dau Mot. Useful hubs to know include Aeon Mall Binh Duong, the gates of VSIP 1 Industrial Park, and the area around Vietnam National University – HCMC.
- Fares: typically 6,000–15,000 VND (roughly US$0.25–0.60), paid in cash to the conductor when you board.
- Hours: buses generally run from about 5:00–5:30 AM until 9:00–10:00 PM.
- Frequency: every 15–30 minutes on popular routes, but only every 45–60 minutes on less-frequented ones — worth checking before you commit to a quiet line.
- Accessibility: limited. Buses have steps for boarding and no ramps or designated wheelchair spaces.
- Planning: route maps and schedules are published on local Binh Duong transport websites and mobile apps. Google Maps' public transport option also shows routes, bus numbers, times and real-time vehicle locations, which is often the simplest way to plan a trip.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are plentiful and straightforward. The reputable licensed operators are Vinasun (white cars with green and red stripes) and Mai Linh (all green). You can hail them on the street or pick them up at stands. Before getting in, check the branding, make sure the meter is running, and note the driver ID displayed in the car.
Fares typically start with a base charge of 10,000–15,000 VND plus 12,000–15,000 VND per kilometre; a short ride usually comes to 50,000–100,000 VND. Payment is in cash, in Vietnamese dong.
Ride-hailing is the other mainstay. Grab dominates the market with GrabCar and GrabBike, and its fixed upfront fares make costs predictable before you book. Be and Go-Jek are also popular alternatives. You can pay either in cash or through a linked card.
Motorbike Taxis and Other Local Transport
There are no tuk-tuks or jeepneys here. The local specialty transport is the Xe Om — a motorbike taxi — which is a common way to cover short distances quickly.
Renting a Vehicle
Self-driving a car is possible in principle but awkward in practice. You legally need an International Driving Permit plus a valid national driver's licence, and rental companies often insist on providing a local driver for foreigners anyway. For most visitors, a chauffeured car rental is the more practical option.
Motorbike and scooter rentals are widely available from guesthouses, hotels and rental shops in both Thuan An and Ho Chi Minh City. An IDP is officially required, though some shops will accept a national licence or simply a passport as a deposit — be aware that riding without the proper licence invalidates most insurance. Expect to pay around 100,000–250,000 VND (US$4–10) per day, and remember that helmets are mandatory. Some accommodations and inns also rent out bicycles for local exploring.
If you do drive yourself, note that traffic runs on the right, helmets are compulsory for all motorcyclists and passengers, and drink-driving laws are strict. Roads are generally paved, but heavy traffic is common and smaller roads can be potholed, while main highways are usually in good condition. Parking is available at malls such as Aeon Mall, at major attractions and in some public spaces, though street parking is chaotic.
Walking and Cycling
Thuan An is not a walker's city in the European sense. Dedicated pedestrian areas are limited, and sidewalks are often uneven, crowded, or taken over by vendors. There are few dedicated bike lanes, so cyclists share the road with motorbikes and cars. Main highways such as Highway 13, along with the main access streets inside industrial parks where truck traffic is heavy, are unsafe and unpleasant for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Where you do walk, crossing the street takes a particular technique: move slowly and predictably, avoid sudden movements, and make eye contact with drivers so they can read your intentions.
Getting In from the Airport
Thuan An has no airport of its own, so arrivals come through Ho Chi Minh City's airport and continue overland. The reference material does not detail a dedicated airport bus or train link to Thuan An, so plan on the road options described above: a metered taxi from one of the reputable operators, or a ride-hailing car booked through Grab, Be or Go-Jek with a fixed upfront fare. HCMC's public bus network does extend into Thuan An, which makes a bus connection possible for travellers on a tight budget, but for a first arrival with luggage a taxi or ride-hailing car is the simpler choice.
Practical Tips
- Carry small-denomination dong for bus fares and short taxi rides.
- Use Google Maps' public transport mode to check bus numbers, timings and real-time locations before setting out.
- Stick to Vinasun and Mai Linh for street-hailed taxis, and confirm the meter is running.
- Book Grab, Be or Go-Jek for fixed fares and no haggling.
- Wear a helmet on any motorbike, whether you're driving or a passenger — it's the law.
- Avoid walking or cycling along Highway 13 and industrial park access roads.