Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a huge place and although the centre can be navigated on foot reasonably easily, venturing further afield can be hot and thirsty work.
For the brave, a motorcycle taxi, or Xe Om, is a great way to see the city; travelling without a roof means you can take in a lot more of the city, provided you haven't clenched your eyes shut in fear. Since December 2007 all Xe Oms carry spare helmets for their passengers so this is now safer than it was. Be prepared to haggle for your fare though!
For the rest of us, taxis are a cheap, cool and comfortable. Escape from the heat and the noise of the city; a journey across the centre can cost as little as $1-2.
Be careful to go with a good brand like Vinataxi, Mai Linh or Vinasun though, as there are a few shady operators who fiddle their meters.
While superficially attractive, beware of motorcycle or moped travel. The traffic conditions are quite surreal and while vehicles dance round each other amazingly in the crowded streets, the accident rate is very high. A trip to a local hospital will often reveal dozens of grisly pictures on display of crash victims as shock publicity for road safety. Also minimise use of Cyclos particularly if you are carrying valuables.When seated passengers rear ends are firmly lodged in the back of the seat by virtue of the design of the Cyclo when mobile.
This position makes you vulnerable to theft with little chance protect yourself or your goodies.
Vina Taxi have the best drivers with Mai Linh and Taxi Vinasun, particularly the latter, being distant second and third for safe driving.
Would certainly agree with some of comments here. We got stung with a huge taxi bill. Just came off bus from Phnom Penh and got whisked into a taxi. For a five minute taxi ride had to pay the equivalent of $15. Our fault really for not getting used to dong currency / agreeing price in advance. Driver fiddled the meter.
Is this your business?