Metro Line 1, stretching 19.7km with 14 stations, is Vietnam’s first-ever urban rail line. — Japan Connect
ON any given weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s not uncommon to spot couples dressed in flowing ao dai, posing near ticket gates or in the sleek metro cars, smartphones held high to capture the perfect shot.
But this isn’t a traditional landmark or riverside park – it’s Ben Thanh Station, the starting point of Metro Line 1, Vietnam’s first-ever urban rail line.
Since its opening on Dec 22, Metro Line 1 has become a surprising crowd-puller – not just as a means of transport, but as a hotspot for selfies, dates and even day trips.
Stretching 19.7km with 14 stations, the elevated and partially-underground line snakes from the bustling Ben Thanh Market area in District 1 all the way to Suoi Tien in the city’s northeast, with around 2.5km of the route beneath ground level.
“It’s the new place to be,” says Linh, a 27-year-old from Hanoi who flew in with her partner just to try the line.
“It’s not just about getting from A to B – it’s the experience. It’s clean, smooth and it feels like a glimpse of the future.”
And Linh isn’t alone.
Since its launch, the metro has attracted not only curious locals, but also visitors from other parts of Vietnam.
For many, it’s a novelty – a chance to ride on something long promised but never realised until now.
Metro Line 1 may be a Vietnamese achievement, but behind its polished platforms and punctual service is a distinctly Japanese signature. — Japan Connect
Japan’s touch, Vietnam’s pride
Metro Line 1 may be a Vietnamese achievement, but behind its polished platforms and punctual service is a distinctly Japanese signature.
Built with support from Japan’s Official Development Assistance (Oda), the project was backed by a substantial 196.6 billion yen loan.
Japanese firms played key roles: the metro cars were manufactured by Hitachi in Yamaguchi prefecture; the tunnels beneath Ho Chi Minh’s soft soil were dug by Shimizu Corp and Maeda Corp; and the elevated tracks came courtesy of Sumitomo Corp.
Even Tokyo Metro pitched in, helping train drivers and creating operational plans.
It’s the kind of cooperation Vietnam’s leaders are eager to highlight.
At the opening ceremony, Nguyen Minh Vu, Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Deputy Minister, praised the metro as both a symbol of progress and of the strong ties between his country and Japan.
“This metro will enrich lives,” he declared.
Adding a local flourish, the skylight at Ben Thanh Station, crafted with help from Sumitomo Mitsui Construction, was designed in the shape of a lotus – Vietnam’s national flower.
With a population nearing 10 million and a motorbike culture fuelling clogged streets and rising emissions, the need for mass transit is urgent. — AFP With more metro lines planned, Ho Chi Minh City could soon have a fully integrated urban rail system – something unthinkable just a decade ago. — Japan Connect
Sleek solutions for old problems
Beyond the buzz and photo ops, the metro addresses some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most pressing urban headaches: traffic congestion, air pollution and road safety.
With a population nearing 10 million and a motorbike culture that fuels clogged streets and rising emissions, the need for mass transit is urgent.
The hope is that Metro Line 1 will inspire a broader shift in how residents move around the city – away from bikes and cars, and onto rail.
“It’s a step towards a cleaner, more organised city,” says Phuong, a transport researcher in the city. “People are excited now, but it will take time for it to become part of everyday commuting.”
Still, the enthusiasm is palpable.
With trains arriving every few minutes, crisp announcements and air-conditioned comfort, many locals are already saying this is the best public transport system in the country.
Ho Chi Minh City residents crammed into train carriages on Dec 22, as the traffic-clogged business hub celebrated the opening of its first-ever metro line after years of delays. — AFP
Setting the pace
Ho Chi Minh City is not alone in embracing rail. In recent years, several South-East Asian nations have launched similar projects – often with Japan lending a helping hand.
Indonesia, for instance, opened the Jakarta MRT North-South Line in 2019, also with Japanese funding and technical support. That success has led to further collaboration, with construction now underway on the East-West Line.
Japan has also invested in expanding Patimban Port, Jakarta’s key maritime gateway, to ease congestion and drive trade.
Further afield, Japan’s Oda programmes span everything from digital infrastructure in Cambodia to biodiversity conservation in Malaysia, and even tuberculosis control in Thailand.
But it’s in transport that their presence is often most visible – and appreciated.
“Japanese quality” is a common refrain among Vietnamese riders.
As Linh from Hanoi puts it, “We have elevated trains in our city too, but this feels different. It’s quieter, smoother – it’s like being in Tokyo.”
More than just aid
Japan’s investment in South-East Asia isn’t just altruistic.
As its own population shrinks and ages, the country sees the region – young, dynamic, and growing fast – as a vital economic partner.
Oda projects are as much about building long-term goodwill as they are about development.
With Metro Line 1, that strategy seems to be paying off.
The line has captured the imagination of the public, and with several more metro lines planned, Ho Chi Minh City could soon have a fully integrated urban rail system – something unthinkable just a decade ago.
For now, though, the metro remains as much a destination as a mode of transport.
“It’s funny,” laughs Minh, a university student snapping photos on the platform. “A few years ago, we dreamed of having a metro. Now we come here just to hang out. Who knew riding the train would be this cool?” — Japan Connect/AFP
