70 Electric Sightseeing Vehicles Launch in HCMC on April 12

A new way to explore Ho Chi Minh City

70 electric vehicles, ranging from 5 to 14 seats for sightseeing and tourism in Ho Chi Minh City’s downtown area, will commence on 12/04/2024. This was announced by a representative from the implementing company, on April 3.

Specifically, an inauguration ceremony for the new electric vehicle service aimed at tourists will be held on the morning of April 12 at the Saigon Bus Station – September 23 Park.

In its first phase, 70 electric vehicles will be deployed to serve tourists. Operating hours are from 6 AM to midnight daily, with the pilot program running from the second quarter of 2024 until the end of 2025.

These electric vehicles promise to bring a new way to get around Ho Chi Minh City to its citizens, especially tourists since the most popular ways to explore the city so far are cars, buses, and other types of tours like Ho Chi Minh sightseeing tours by motorbike. 

Stastics & standards

According to the operating company, drivers of these electric vehicles will wear traditional Áo Bà Ba uniforms and are trained in communication skills and basic knowledge to engage with tourists. They are also required to hold a driving license of class B2 or higher, as per Vietnamese law.

The vehicles are manufactured in Vietnam with American-standard battery technology, German engines, and Toyota ECU control units, making their cost twice as much as standard electric vehicles. Additionally, these vehicles feature doors, tempered glass windows, passenger seats with safety belts, and are equipped with an automatic payment system, eliminating the need for cash transactions.

Routes & expected price

The operation area is designated along specific routes within the Ho Chi Minh City central area boundaries, including two main corridors as follows:

Route 1 (District 1 & District 4):

Ben Nha Rong – Khanh Hoi Bridge – Ton Duc Thang Street – Nguyen Binh Khiem – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Hoang Sa – Hai Ba Trung – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Nguyen Van Cu – Vo Van Kiet – Calmette Bridge – Doan Van Bo – Hoang Dieu – Nguyen Tat Thanh – back to Ben Nha Rong.

Route 2 (District 5 & District 6):

Nguyen Van Cu – Nguyen Trai – Nguyen Tri Phuong – Hung Vuong – Hong Bang – Nguyen Thi Nho – Le Quang Sung – Pham Dinh Ho – Thap Muoi – Hai Thuong Lan Ong – Vo Van Kiet – Nguyen Van Cu.

Previously, the pilot project for using four-wheeled electric vehicles for sightseeing and tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, specifically in districts 1, 4, 5, and 6, was approved by the city’s People’s Committee.

As proposed by the operating company, ticket prices are expected to range from 10,000 to 50,000 VND, depending on the distance. A full-day rental will cost 100,000 VND; while hiring for a single trip will range from 70,000 to 250,000 VND. These rates are subject to change. AN Tours Vietnam will update the official pricing in their latest post on the launch day of the electric vehicles – April 12, 2024.

The introduction of electric vehicles as outlined in the new project will help meet the transportation needs of residents, especially tourists. These electric vehicles will also connect with other modes of transport, such as buses and bicycles, aiding in the development of public transit.