I was shocked as banh mi at HCMC airport costs 5 times normal price

By Mi Xu November 8, 2024 | 03:16 pm PT

A loaf of banh mi from street-side stalls usually costs around VND15,000-20,000, but I had to pay five times more when ordering it at an eatery inside Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCMC.

While waiting at the airport for my flight this week, I bought a banh mi filled with cold cuts, pork floss, cucumber, and cilantro for VND74,000 (US$2.91).

I was shocked by the high price, but I did not have much choice since my flight would not land in Da Nang until almost noon, and I had not had time to have breakfast at home.

I asked some companions to join me for breakfast at the airport, but they all declined, likely due to the prices.

Besides banh mi, a cup of traditional coffee was also over VND50,000, nearly five times what you'd pay at a sidewalk cafe. A bowl of pho bo (beef noodle soup) cost over VND100,000, with a special bowl that includes all the toppings priced at nearly VND200,000.

Do you think it's worth spending $3 for a simple loaf of bread?

*This is a reader's opinion, which is personal and does not necessary match VnExpress's viewpoints.