International Schools Near Grand Marina: BIS, ISSP & AIS Guide

For expat families relocating to Ho Chi Minh City — and for Vietnamese families who want an international curriculum for their children — school location is often the deciding factor when choosing a home. Sitting in Ba Son, District 1, right beside the city centre and a major transit hub, Grand Marina Saigon falls within a reasonable reach of several of the city's leading international schools. This guide walks through the nearest options, the curriculum each follows, and realistic commute times — a use-case the main Location & connectivity page doesn't cover in depth.

Which international schools are near Grand Marina?

The three most frequently mentioned international schools around Grand Marina are BIS (District 3), ISSP (Binh Thanh) and AIS (Thu Thiem), each following a different curriculum.

Grand Marina is located at 2 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 — beside the Saigon River and only about 250 m from Ba Son metro station. This central position gives families access to a range of international education options across neighbouring District 1, District 3, Binh Thanh and the Thu Thiem area across the river.

• BIS (British International School) — District 3 area, English National Curriculum with IGCSE/A-Level.
• ISSP (International School Saigon Pearl) — Binh Thanh, near the Saigon Pearl/Vinhomes cluster, an American-curriculum early-years and primary school.
• AIS (Australian International School) — with a campus in the Thu Thiem area, Australian curriculum and IB.

This is a reference list based on the schools cited on the project site; curriculum names and campuses can change from year to year, so families should confirm intake ages, fees and availability directly with each school.

How long is the actual commute from Ba Son?

Most of these international schools are roughly a 10–25 minute drive from Grand Marina in normal traffic, though peak hours can extend that noticeably.

Because it sits right in the heart of District 1, Grand Marina has the advantage that almost everywhere inside the city is a short distance away. That said, HCMC is well known for congestion around 7–8 am and 5–6 pm, so the real school-run time should be judged at peak hours, not just by the map.

The figures above are indicative for normal traffic conditions; families should drive the route themselves at school-run hours for an accurate read. One plus for Ba Son is that the Thu Thiem area across the river connects via the Thu Thiem Tunnel (~2 km) and the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge, making AIS more convenient to reach than from most other inner-city districts.

If you'd like to know which residences offer the best views and suit your family's daily school run, let us advise you based on your specific needs.

Does Ba Son metro make the school run easier?

Metro Line 1's Ba Son station next to the project reduces car dependence along the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien corridor, although most international schools still call for some private or bus transport.

Ba Son metro station is only about 250 m from Grand Marina, and Line 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien) is now in commercial operation. For older students or extracurricular activities along the metro corridor (An Phu/Thao Dien is roughly 5–8 minutes away), it's a safe, congestion-free way to travel. You can read more in Metro Line 1 Ba Son Station: Walk Times & Value Impact.

For younger children in early years or primary, most families still prefer a private car or the school bus for safety; the metro is a better fit for secondary students or for parents getting around during the day.

Why does Thu Thiem matter for families considering AIS?

The 657-hectare Thu Thiem New Urban Area directly across the river from Grand Marina is concentrating education and lifestyle amenities, including an AIS campus, which can shorten the school run.

Grand Marina looks directly across to Thu Thiem — a fast-developing 657 ha new urban area connected via the Thu Thiem Tunnel and the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge. As infrastructure and amenities there continue to mature, access to schools, services and green space for Ba Son residents is expected to improve. For the full picture, see Thu Thiem New Urban Area: What It Means for Grand Marina.

Note that this is planning and progress information for reference only; the extent and timing of completion depend on the relevant parties' plans and are not a promise.

Beyond schools: international hospitals matter too

Alongside schools, families often prioritise being near international hospitals, and Grand Marina is also within a reasonable radius of FV, UMC, Vinmec and FMP.

For families with young children, proximity to quality international healthcare brings the same peace of mind as good schools. From Ba Son, hospitals such as FV (District 7), UMC (District 5), Vinmec Central Park and the FMP clinic are all conveniently close. See International Hospitals Near Grand Marina: FV, Vinmec, FMP for a complete view of the family-friendly amenities around the project.

Which Grand Marina residences suit families?

Families with school-age children typically choose 2- or 3-bedroom units in the Lake, Lagoon, Cove or Sea towers, depending on budget and space needs.

Grand Marina has four towers — Lake (Marriott brand), Lagoon, Cove and Sea (JW Marriott) — with a wide range of unit types. A few suggestions for families:

• 2BR (~70–90 m²): suits a family with one or two children; indicative pricing from around VND 35 billion.
• 3BR (~110–140 m²): generous space for larger households; indicative pricing from around VND 60 billion.
• Dual-Key: flexible for multi-generational living or a combined live-and-rent setup.

Every unit is handed over fully fitted to Marriott standard (Poggenpohl/Boffi kitchens, Miele/Gaggenau appliances, Daikin VRV air-conditioning, smart home), alongside amenities such as the infinity pool, Kids Club, outdoor playground and a Mommy & Baby lounge that work well for families with children. Prices, areas and unit counts are indicative and change with each sales phase.

These are Vietnam's first branded residences; if the concept is new to you, read What are branded residences? to understand the difference in value.

Every family has its own school priorities and budget — rather than guessing, get the latest price list and floor plans matched to your plans.