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I'll be traveling from Australia to India via Vietnam. The flight with VietJet has a long stopover in Vietnam, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City. Will there be enough time to go out and explore a bit? Also, the airline says I need to take my checked-in bags with me.

Additional Details:

  • Indian Passport
  • Aus PR
  • Flight Arriving in Vietnam at 06:20, leaving Vietnam at 19:15 (same day)
  • Stopover time: About 13 hours.

Question:

  • What can I do during that time?
  • Do I have to take my checked-in bags with me?
  • If yes for the 2nd question, is there any place to store them, like a locker?

Note: Other answers on the site are quite old and stuff may has changed.

Nigel Fds
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1 Answers1

12

Yes, you've got plenty of time. In your shoes I would get a day-use hotel room near the airport, so you can also freshen up and/or take a nap, and then go explore the city. You will need an Vietnamese e-visa, but this is quite straightforward to apply for online.

  1. Downtown HCMC (Saigon) is only a few km away from SGN airport, although traffic can be terrible, so allow at least an hour to travel between the two plus another hour for immigration and security. Check Wikivoyage for things to see, do and eat.

  2. VietJet is a low-cost carrier, but they do offer baggage "Check-Thru" service for some flights. I'm not sure if Australia to India is covered though, this should have been offered when you bought your tickets?

  3. SGN has left luggage service, but your best option is to book a cheap hotel and leave your bags there. It's hot and humid all year around in HCMC, you'll definitely want a shower after sightseeing during the day.

lambshaanxy
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