How To Get Around Vietnam: Detailed Transport Options

Are you planning to spend your holidays in this dragon-shaped country? Do you wish to explore multiple cities or regions? Vietnam boasts numerous must-see destinations, from the northern mountains to the Mekong Delta, with a variety of transportation options. If you still need to decide how to get around Vietnam, this article provides useful information about transport in Vietnam to help you organize your trip. Let’s get started!

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 06-11-2024

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1. Getting Around By Plane

Vietnam stretches over 2000 km, making travel by land or rail time-consuming. Flying is a fast and convenient option for long distances within the country. Major cities and popular tourist destinations from the north to the south are well served by airlines.

Tourists frequently fly from Hanoi to Hue, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The Da Nang-HCMC and Hanoi-HCMC-Phu Quoc routes are also popular. Domestic flights usually take up to two hours, but many are shorter. For instance, the flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc is only 45 minutes.

Vietnam Airlines, the national airline, is the most well-known. Bamboo Airways is also appreciated for the quality of its services and punctuality, while Vietjet and Jetstar are more "low-cost" carriers. The price of economy class tickets varies on average between 100 and 200 US dollars per person, depending on the time and route, but (with 20–25 kg of luggage allowed).

>>> Learn more about Vietnam's airports - full list & detailed information

2. Train Travel In Vietnam

You can travel long distances by TGV in Vietnam. But you should know that this acronym is humorous because it stands for "High Vibration Train"! Rail travel is not necessarily as fast as a bus, and sometimes it costs more than flying.

That being said, the journey by train is an interesting and even moving experience. This means of transport dates back to the colonial times of French Indochina, about a hundred years ago.

Popular and recommended routes include those from Hanoi to Sapa, Ninh Binh, Hue, and Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City. Night trains offer comfortable, air-conditioned sleeping berths, allowing travelers to rest and save on hotel costs while traveling overnight.

>>> Related: Train Travel Vietnam: Complete Guide and Routes in 2024

3. Buses Go Almost Everywhere In Vietnam

Vietnam is a country where bus transportation is very popular and economical to get around. There are several types of buses in Vietnam, ranging from local buses to luxury buses.

• Local buses

Local buses allow you to travel within cities or cover short distances to the suburbs. They are often crowded with locals and uncomfortable during rush hour. This means of transport is more suitable for foreigners who have already spent a few months in Vietnam and are familiar with the traffic conditions.

However, they are suitable for short trips around the city and for budget travellers. Local bus prices vary by route and city, but they are often the cheapest option, costing between 6,000 and 30,000 VND (about $0.22 to $1.24).

• Sleeper buses

Sleeper buses are a popular choice for travelers in Vietnam, offering a balance between comfort and cost for city-to-city journeys.

Top bus companies include Phuong Trang (Futa Bus), The Sinh Tourist, and Hanh Cafe. Ticket prices depend on the distance but are generally cheaper than domestic flights. However, bus trips can take longer than flights, particularly to far-off destinations.

In addition, some companies provide premium options like "Limousine," "VIP", and private cabins. These upscale buses feature WiFi, electrical outlets, reclining seats, air conditioning, and sometimes onboard meals and toilets.

>>>Discover Vietnam's stunning beaches this summer on our '2-Week Getaway from Halong to Phu Quoc Island' tour!

• Tourist buses

When it comes to tourist buses, especially in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, they are designed for visitors who want to see as many sights as possible within a limited time. The "Hop On Hop Off" service, for example, allows you to stop at famous sites and board another bus from subsequent rotations at your convenience. This is particularly handy for those unfamiliar with the city, as they can simply follow the suggested stops, especially when the weather is not ideal.

4. Take A Taxi Or Motorbike Taxi

For city trips in Vietnam, motorcycle taxis, known as "xe om," are highly recommended. These scooters, driven by experienced locals, are the most convenient and economical way to navigate the often congested streets of major cities. Riding a xe om offers a chance to experience authentic Vietnamese life up close.

In big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, Hai Phong, and Can Tho, transport apps like Grab Bike and Gojek are very popular. These apps help you avoid scams and get around easily, offering options for both motorcycles and cars. 

Before using these apps, make sure your phone is unlocked for foreign SIM cards and that you have a stable internet connection. You can easily buy a local SIM card at one of the many cell phone stores in the city. 

>>>You can learn about network operators in Vietnam that provide high-quality and affordable networks through our "Best Vietnam Sim Card" guide.

5. Explore On Wheels: Ride A Bike Or Rickshaw

For short distances, getting around with non-motorized, very ecological means of transport is a real pleasure. Cycling is particularly popular in the countryside and on the outskirts with small alleys. Rickshaws can also be found in tourist cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hue. It is the ideal mode of travel to visit historic centers and discover local life at a slow pace.

6. Getting Around By Boat

Although Vietnam is serviced by a solid collection of road and rail networks, the country's coast and ample rivers see the necessity of, and indeed offer the opportunity for, regular boat travel. In Halong or the Mekong Delta, a day trip or hotel boat is highly recommended. You can even take an international cruise to Cambodia.

To the north, a trip on a small boat to "Halong Bay on Land" (Ninh Binh-Tam Coc) or visiting the Perfume Pagoda near Hanoi are activities that many tourists enjoy. In Halong Bay (Gulf of Tonkin), you can take one-to-three-day cruises on various beautiful junks with comfortable cabins facing the sea, which offer you some delightful memories. These cruises are a must. 

The Mekong Delta in the south, known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, with its canals, rivers, and riverbanks, enables various boat outings that demonstrate the lush, green vegetation and everyday living scenes in the area. You can also sail from the south to visit the islands of Phu Quoc and Con Dao. Furthermore, you can travel to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which is about 200 km (equivalent to 5h30 minutes of driving) from Ho Chi Minh City.

>>>Read more: 11 Best Halong Bay Cruises

7. Self-Drive Adventures in Vietnam

Due to the sometimes chaotic traffic, and the poor condition of some of Vietnam's roads, renting a private car is not really a good choice for foreign travelers. In addition, there is the difficulty of communicating with the traffic officers, who crisscross the country in their beige uniforms. A wiser alternative is to rent a car with a private driver.

If you still want to get behind the wheel, the motorcycle or scooter is ideal for moving around the city or suburbs in complete freedom. You must have an International Driver's Permit and your passport to rent one of these two-wheelers, and it is strongly recommended to be covered by travel insurance.

Caution is required when driving slowly because a skid on gravel can quickly happen due to lack of experience. Many Western travelers end up in the hospital as a result... It is also advisable to avoid places where traffic is too heavy, especially during rush hour, if it is the first time you travel by motorcycle in Vietnam. To travel through the countryside or the mountains of the country over several hours, it is better to call on a driver and a local guide.

>>>Curious about the cost of traveling through Vietnam? Dive into our full article on 'Vietnam Travel Cost' for all the details!

8. Get Around With Kampá Tour

If you have limited time, a tailor-made trip organized by a local English-speaking travel agency is the best way to discover Vietnam's must-see sites. You can plot your own itinerary and visit at your own pace. The tour operator allows you to optimize your time according to your preferences, favoring your favorite places with maximum comfort. You benefit from the advice of a professional guide, carefully chosen by the agency, and the provision of a private vehicle with a competent driver to enhance your experience traveling through Vietnam.

For more information on how to get around Vietnam, do not hesitate to contact us!

>>> Learn more about:

• Vietnam visa: formalities and updated news
• Vietnam Tourist Map: Comprehensive Guide to Vietnam Map & Regions