Amid the familiar rhythm of traffic congestion, the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line is more than a new transport option. For many foreign visitors, it provides a rare chance to relax and view the city from a different perspective.
Valerie Darling, a Russian national born in 1993, arrived in Vietnam just before the Covid 19 pandemic and ended up staying longer than planned. Over time, she developed a strong attachment to the country and later chose to return.
“I missed Vietnam and the people here,” she said, adding that she is now studying Vietnamese and plans to stay long term.
Valerie experiences a journey on Metro Line 1 (Photo: Provided by Valerie Darling).
Having followed the metro’s development from its construction phase, Valerie said she had eagerly awaited its launch. When it opened in 2024, she queued for hours to take her first ride.
She described the experience as rewarding, praising the system’s cleanliness, modern design and clear organisation. Simple details, such as the ease of buying tickets and helpful staff, left a strong impression.
“The staff were very enthusiastic. They guided me through everything,” she said.
Travelling by metro in Ho Chi Minh City gives her a sense of comfort (Photo: Provided by Valerie Darling).
Comparing it with metro systems in Russia, she noted that while Ho Chi Minh City’s network is smaller, the above ground sections offer a distinctive experience.
“In Russia, the metro mostly runs underground. Here, you can see the whole city when the train runs above ground. That really surprised me,” she said.
For Valerie, metro journeys have become more than transport, offering moments to read, relax and escape the heat and rain in a city constantly on the move. She hopes the wider public transport network, particularly buses, will continue to expand to improve connectivity.
Another Russian visitor, Kishamor, who has spent four months in the city, shared a similar impression after trying the metro for the first time.
“A friend told me the metro here is very convenient and will expand further, so I wanted to try it,” he said.
Kishamor enjoys travelling on the elevated metro in Ho Chi Minh City
He described the system as clean, comfortable and efficient, especially compared with the city’s often congested streets.
“No traffic jams, faster travel and cool air, that is what I like most,” he said.
He also highlighted the accessibility of the system, noting that clear signage in English and symbols made navigation straightforward.
Kishamor said the system in Ho Chi Minh City feels familiar to him.
Accustomed to the metro in Saint Petersburg, Kishamor said the experience felt familiar but more open, particularly when travelling above ground.
“I like looking at the city through the window. It feels very different from underground travel,” he said.
A Spanish groom travels to collect his bride by metro. Photo by Manu.
Beyond transport, Metro Line 1 is gradually becoming part of the city’s social fabric. Last year, images of a Spanish groom, Manu, wearing an ao dai and travelling on the metro with his wedding party drew widespread attention online.
Set against a modern station backdrop, the scene reflected a blend of tradition and modernity, highlighting the metro’s growing role in everyday life.
As well as easing travel, Metro Line 1 is contributing to a more positive image of Ho Chi Minh City, one that balances rapid development with accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere.
