You step out of your door, walk about six minutes, tap your ticket and you are inside the station. Fifteen minutes later you are in the heart of Saigon without touching a single congested road. That is the kind of trip CityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien is chosen for as a starting point. CityHouse wrote this guide in three legs along Metro Line 1, each with minutes and distances so you can plan easily.
NEST Metro Thao Dien, a home close to the station
NEST Metro Thao Dien is at 53A Vo Nguyen Giap, An Khanh Ward (former District 2), about 550 m from Thao Dien Metro Station, a walk of around 6 minutes. Thao Dien is quiet, green and compact enough that you find coffee, food and an unhurried pace as soon as you step outside. The NEST space is cozy, minimal and friendly, suited to business travelers, short city breaks and anyone who wants a stay that is easy to connect from.
CityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien
Close to Thao Dien Station for exploring the city without a car.
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Riding the Metro in a minute
Tickets and fares depend on distance, so check the HCMC Metro app before you go. Avoid the morning and evening rush if you want a more comfortable ride.
The legs at a glance, measured from Thao Dien Station
- Leg 1, around Thao Dien: on foot, no need to board.
- Leg 2, Tan Cang Station (Landmark 81 SkyView): 1 stop toward the center, plus about 10 to 15 minutes on foot.
- Leg 2, Van Thanh Station (Van Thanh Park): 2 stops toward the center.
- Leg 3, Ba Son Station: 3 stops.
- Leg 3, Opera House Station: 4 stops.
- Leg 3, Ben Thanh Station: 5 stops, roughly 12 to 15 minutes on the train in total.
These figures are for reference, so check the timetable and station maps in the HCMC Metro app before you go.
Leg 1, right in Thao Dien: start on foot
Before boarding, give the morning to Thao Dien. Walk the small streets around Xuan Thuy, sit in a coffee shop with greenery, have a slow breakfast, then move on. Many expats choose to live here, so you will find varied food, from Vietnamese dishes to European ones. You can walk a loop from your stay and then on to the station, since the two are so close.
Leg 2, the first two stops: Landmark 81 SkyView and Van Thanh Park
Just one stop takes you to the Landmark 81 area. Get off at Tan Cang Station and walk about 10 to 15 minutes to the city's tallest tower, where Landmark 81 SkyView occupies floors 79 to 81. If you prefer green space, go one stop further to Van Thanh, where Van Thanh Park is a breathing space in the middle of the city: shade trees, walking paths and the unhurried rhythm of local life.
What is at Landmark 81 SkyView, and what do tickets cost?
According to online ticket pages, SkyView is open roughly 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, with last entry around 8:30 to 9:00 pm depending on the platform. The observation deck on floors 79 to 81 offers panoramic city and river views. Some packages include VR “Top of Vietnam”, the SkyTouch glass bridge, souvenir photos and Miwaku Coffee Lounge.
According to Traveloka when the source was prepared, these are reference prices for SkyView with one VR session and a photo. Klook displays prices in each country's currency, and package contents differ. Klook says children at or below 100 cm are free, while those 140 cm and above pay the adult rate; some tickets need at least two hours' advance booking. E-vouchers may need exchanging for paper tickets at basement B1. Confirm price, opening hours and refund terms at checkout.
Leg 3, into the center: Ba Son, Opera House and Ben Thanh
When you want the core of the city, ride a few more stops. Ba Son Station brings you to the riverside, where you can stroll and catch the breeze. Opera House Station is right beside the Municipal Theatre and the Dong Khoi and Lam Son area. Ben Thanh Station is the familiar end of the line, from where you can walk into Ben Thanh Market or out to Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Heading this way, you will feel Saigon change pace: busier, with more architectural lines.
Three ways to spend a day without a car
If you only have half a day: Breakfast in Thao Dien, one stop to Landmark 81 SkyView, then back. Compact, with little transit.
If you have a full day: Morning in Thao Dien, midday at SkyView or Van Thanh Park, afternoon into the center via Opera House or Ben Thanh, and back in the evening on the same line.
If you like the river: Combine the Metro with the Water Bus to see the city from the water at the end of the day.
Back at NEST Metro Thao Dien: go far, still have a place to return to
What we like most about this way of travelling is that you never worry about the way back. Step on the train, get off at Thao Dien and walk a few minutes to a cozy, friendly corner to rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is CityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien from Thao Dien Metro Station?
About 550 m, a walk of around 6 minutes.
How long does it take from Thao Dien to Ben Thanh Station?
About 5 stops, roughly 12 to 15 minutes on the train in total, not counting walking and waiting time.
Where can I buy Landmark 81 SkyView tickets?
At the counter or online via Klook and Traveloka. From CityHouse NEST Metro Thao Dien, it is one stop plus a walk.
What time should I ride the Metro to avoid crowds?
Avoid the morning and evening rush hours.
Can I do all three legs in one day?
Yes, if you split them into morning, afternoon and evening and leave a rest in the middle.
