Flights San Francisco (SFO) - Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

About flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the busiest international airport near SFO city center. The airport is located 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco. Ho Chi Minh City International Airport is the largest airport in Vietnam. The airport is situated four miles north of District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

Over 20 airlines fly the SFO-SGN route daily. Major airlines flying from SFO to SGN include Singapore Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, United Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, and Japan Airlines.

The flight distance between the two cities is 7,838 miles via direct flights. However, connecting flights take a bit longer, depending on the connecting cities. Direct flights along the SFO-SGN route take about 18 hours 20 minutes. However, most airlines servicing flights along this route offer flights with at least one connection, while some have two links. Flights with two connections take over 25 hours.

Direct flights get travelers to Singepore faster. However, few direct flights are traveling to SGN each day. There are layovers in cities such as Tokyo, Shanghai, and Seattle. Over 20 flights leave from San Francisco for Ho Chi Minh City each day.

Public transportation, parking, and rideshares at SFO and SGN

SFO has six long-term parking options charged either hourly or daily. There are ride-sharing pick-up points at every terminal, for passengers traveling with Uber or Lyft. Shuttle buses are also available to take travelers to various drop-off points of SFO.

All terminals in SFO have parking lots. The parking is charge either per hour or daily. The airport has efficient public transport at each terminal. On top of this, every terminal at SFO has a car rental desk.

Practical information

Drivers in Vietnam need to have either an International Driving Permit or a Vietnamese Driver's License. National drivers licenses and IDP must not be expired. Foreigners must also possess valid passports with at least six months validity when they arrive at the airport, as well as concrete proof of their return travel and other necessary documents before getting into Vietnam. Driving cars in most parts of Vietnam is not permitted by foreigners.

SGN is 14 hours ahead of SFO. Both SFO and SGN experience different weather conditions, with San Francisco experiencing relatively mild weather in June and July. Ho Chi Minh City experiences hot average monthly weather conditions. The rainy season comes from May to November, and January, February, and March are the driest months in the city.

Top travel tips

The high season appropriate for traveling to Ho Chi Minh City is spring and autumn in December through to February. This season gives the best clear skies and warm days. During these seasons, rain is minimal, and temperatures are milder. Travelers moving from San Francisco need to convert their currency into Vietnamese Dong. The exchange rate is 1 VND to 0.00004 USD, or roughly 25 USD for 500,000 VND, around the price of a meal for five at an international restaurant. Ho Chi Minh City's official language is Vietnamese, which is spoken by the majority of the city's population. Therefore, travelers from the United States moving into Ho Chi Minh City may have difficulty communicating with just English to locals. However, hotel workers and waters generally know enough English.

Greetings in San Francisco may be relaxed, however, greetings in Ho Chi Minh City are very formal. According to the city's culture, it's regarded respectful to typically greet each group member rather than welcoming them all at once. One is required to greet the oldest person first and then the rest in the hierarchy of age. Touching the head or feet of another person is seen to be very rude.

What to see in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon River

This river, with its continually running motor-canoes and ferries, is one of the most fascinating attractions in the city. Besides, the river bears the best seat at The Deck for sunset cocktails.

Fine arts

Travelers must have a glimpse of the local art scene at the city museums. This is a daunting mix of French and Chinese architectural styles.

Gia Long Palace

This site revives inspiration in those with historical sensibilities. The palace offers exciting insight into thousands of political events that shaped the city ancient and modern history.

Ancient traditional Vietnamese medicine museum

This six-story building features a tremendous collection of Vietnamese potions and architecture. The site dates back to the early Stone Age.

Read more about Ho Cho Minh City

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