America's Time magazine has included the metro line in Ho Chi Minh City in its list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025.
Metro Line 1 seen from above. Photo: Tuan Anh
In her description of the metro line, author Kait Hanson wrote:
"After 12 years of construction, the first urban railway in Vietnam’s largest city was inaugurated in December 2024. The launch of this transport system marks a major achievement for the megacity, long known for its traffic-clogged streets. Now, travelers can escape the noisy motorbikes and congested roads to reach popular attractions like the Saigon Opera House, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the bustling backpacker haven of Bui Vien Street with its vibrant nightlife."
The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien line, also known as Metro Line 1, spans nearly 20 kilometers and includes 2.6 kilometers of underground tracks, 3 underground stations, and 11 elevated stops. With a total investment of over VND 43.7 trillion (USD 1.72 billion), the line is equipped with 17 trains, each capable of carrying up to 930 passengers, including 147 seats and 783 standing spaces.
A visitor watches the sunset at An Phú Station, with a view overlooking the Saigon Bridge and Landmark 81. Photo: Khuong Nguyen
Passengers who purchase single-ride tickets with cash will pay between 7,000 and 20,000 VND, depending on the distance. For cashless payments, the fare ranges from 6,000 to 19,000 VND. Since its inauguration, Metro Line 1 has become a popular mode of transportation among Ho Chi Minh City residents. Even the stations themselves have turned into popular check-in spots, such as the lotus skylight area at the central Bến Thành Station, fashion photoshoots at An Phú Station, and the beautiful sunset views at An Phú and Thảo Điền stations. Rooftop cafés near the metro stations have also seen an increase in visitors who come to enjoy the view.
This marks the seventh year Time magazine has released its list of the World's Greatest Places, based on criteria such as Relevance, Impact, Innovation, and Success. The list features a wide range of destinations, including hotels, cruises, museums, and parks, divided into two categories: places to stay and places to visit.
Other Asian destinations on the list include the Zebun Nessa Mosque in Bangladesh, the Nintendo Museum in Uji, Japan, the Beijing Library in China, the Eagle Hunter Cultural Center in Mongolia, and the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum in Bhutan.
A unique skylight at Bến Thành Station. Photo: Tuan Anh
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Thank You Letter from the SMCC – CIENCO4 Joint Venture