Foreign tourists like what they see of HCMC metro

Lucia of Spain, who said she arrived in HCMC during Christmas and plans to stay for the New Year, accidentally discovered the new metro line while searching for directions on Google Maps, and decided to use it to visit some locations in the city.

At the entrance to Ben Thanh Station, she and her boyfriend had a "half-laughing, half-crying" moment when they spent nearly 15 minutes arguing about directions to District 7 station since neither knew there was only one metro line.

"At the ticket machine at the entrance of Ben Thanh Station, there was a map showing around 11 metro routes, and I thought all the lines were already operational," Lucia said.

A metro employee then explained to her that only the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien line is operational.

Lucia and her boyfriend read information on HCMC urban railway map at the entrance to Ben Thanh Station, December 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong

Instead of stopping at District 7 as they had planned, the two decided to take the metro to Thao Dien, a neighborhood known for its expatriate community.

Her first impression of the Ben Thanh underground station was that it resembled the metro systems she had seen in Beijing, China.

Lucia always uses public transport when traveling because it is cost-effective and allows her to experience local life.

Navigating metro maps can be a hassle in many countries, but people who have used the HCMC metro said finding directions is currently straightforward since there is only one line.

For Annee and Christopher, a French couple accustomed to using the metro at home, HCMC was a surprising experience because of its crowded trains.

"Every train was packed," Christopher said, adding that he and his wife could not find seats.

But they found the metro convenient.

The couple felt "lucky" to visit HCMC at a time when the first metro line is up and running and offering free tickets for one month until Jan. 20, 2025.

Annee (L) and Christopher stop at Ben Thanh station after moving from Ba Son station on HCMC metro, December 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong

On their first day in the city Annee and Christopher took the metro from Ba Son Station to Ben Thanh Station, where they visited Ben Thanh Market and other attractions in District 1.

"Traveling by metro in HCMC is very easy because there is only one operational line, and Google Maps makes it simple to locate the stations," Christopher said.

American tourist Rhoi Fajardo said the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line reminded him of metro systems he had used in South Korea.

Rhoi Fajardo (R) and his girlfriend pose for photos at HCMC metro's Ben Thanh station. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong

"I was in HCMC a few years ago and saw the metro line under construction. The completed project is even more convenient and beautiful than I imagined."

He and his girlfriend chose the metro to enjoy the view of the city from above.

A city Department of Tourism official said the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line is a catalyst for tourism development as it connects cultural, historical and amusement places.

The metro reduces congestion on the roads and offers tourists a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the city, he added.

Travel agencies in HCMC have also acknowledged the positive impact of the metro line on tourism