Vietnam is a popular destination to visit in Southeast Asia. However, transportation in Vietnam, especially traffic, can be inconvenient and difficult to understand. There are a lot of motorcycles everywhere, and sometimes it seems like there are no traffic rules. Everyone is a little crazy, especially during rush hour. You may see motorcycles riding on the sidewalk or in a prohibited direction. It is also very often to see that the lights are not respected. Priority on the light as well as that of pedestrian passage practically does not exist.
Driving in Vietnam as a foreigner is therefore an adventure. Fortunately, there are many other options for getting around Vietnam. Whether long or short journeys, you will have the choice between the plane, the train, the bus, the taxi, the moto-taxi, or even traditional means (bicycle, pedicab, boat, etc.).
Which ones do you choose? It all depends on your time, itinerary, budget, flexibility, and sense of adventure.
With limited time, going from the North to the Center and/or the South by plane makes perfect sense. For more remote destinations such as the high mountains of the North, taking the train or renting a car with a driver are the best options. If you have more time and patience than money, the bus system may be a possibility. And if you were born to be wild, you might just get on a motorcycle.
After all, below is an overview of your transportation options in Vietnam.
1. Plane
If you are trying to choose a plane, bus, or train in Vietnam, we strongly suggest flying for your long distance trips. This is certainly the way to get to your destination the quickest.
With this mode of transportation, you can get to most cities in the country in about two hours, which makes flights to and around Vietnam a great choice for travelers who are short on time.
In the domestic air transport market, Vietnam Airlines remains the largest and best airline in Vietnam. Its domestic flights are quite dense and cover the largest cities in the country. Its services are of good quality and the price is reasonable whether for domestic, regional or international journeys.
There are also low-cost airlines Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Jetstar Pacific Airlines which offer cheaper but less regular flights.
Furthermore, in Vietnam, the cities are rather well served by airlines. There are twenty-two national and international airports, spread across the 3 regions from North to South of the country.
Most international flights arrive at Noi Bai (Hanoi) and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City) airports. And they are a hub for traveling to other cities in Asia.
Please note that for internal flights, checked baggage must not exceed 20 kg for economy class (and 30 kg for business class). The maximum weight for hand luggage is 7kg. In case of overweight, it is possible to pay for the extra kilos at a cost of around 2 USD/kg. Baggage fees and policies vary by airline. Low-cost carriers usually charge extra for baggage or preferred seats.
To arrive in Vietnam by international flight, you will need a visa or may be eligible for a visa waiver to enter the country.
>> Read more: Guide about Vietnam International Airports
2. Train
In Vietnam, the train is a safe and cheap means of transportation. In addition, traveling by train in Vietnam is also one of the best options to enjoy the beauty of the country: Rice fields, small Vietnamese villages, mountain ranges, buffaloes, and much more. Those are all the things you'll miss if you travel by plane!
Trains in Vietnam stop at all major tourist destinations between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Ninh Binh, Hue, Danang, Nha Trang, etc. They are generally more expensive than buses but are more comfortable to travel long distances because they have sleeper cabins.
However, it remains relatively long, dilapidated, quite noisy, and vibrates quite a bit although the national rail system has continued to be improved in recent years. For the North – South journey from Hanoi to Saigon, it takes 29 to 32 hours by train over 1,730km.
Traveling by train from North to South is, therefore, a choice for those who wish to explore the country while mixing with the locals for a most authentic experience.
Vietnam railway lines
The Vietnamese railway network is made up of the following lines:
- Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue – Danang – Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City: This is the main line that connects Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) over a total distance of 1,730 km, about 29 and 33 hours of travel time.
- Hanoi – Lao Cai (Sapa): This is the most popular route, as many travelers come to discover the wonders of the Northern high mountain region (Sapa, Bac Ha, Ha Giang). The distance is 280 km, about 8 hours travel time.
- Hanoi – Dong Dang (Lang Son province): This line goes North to Dong Dang and connects Hanoi and Beijing (6 hour's journey)
- Hanoi – Hai Phong: A relatively short road to Vietnam's largest port, 2.5 hours journey
- Hanoi – Halong: This route is mainly served by freight trains.
- Hanoi – Quan Trieu (Thai Nguyen)
Map of the railway network in Vietnam
Types of seats
Vietnamese trains have different levels of comfort and prices generally vary depending on the distance traveled and the comfort level chosen. Here are generally the seats offered by all trains:
Soft or hard berth
6 berth cabins with soft/hard bunk beds.
The VIP wagons have cabins with 4 beds, sometimes 2 beds.
For night trains, there are berths with bunk beds on journeys that last at least 8 hours: Hanoi – Lao Cai (Sapa), Hanoi – Hue, Nha Trang – Saigon, etc. This is practical if you do not don't have much time to travel, or if you want to save money because it saves you a night in a hotel.
Special wagons with more comfortable and luxurious compartments are available mainly on the three lines, namely Hanoi – Lao Cai (Sapa), Hanoi – Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang. They belong to private companies such as Livitrans Express, King Express, Fansipan, Sapaly, Victoria Express, Violette Express…
Warning: Food can be bought on the train but, often, it is not of high quality. You should plan to bring something to eat throughout the trip. Also, take warm things in your bag because sometimes the air conditioning on the train is too strong.
3. Car
Although the speed and roads in Vietnam leave something to be desired and the traffic remains chaotic, the car is the quickest (and safest) means of transport to reach different destinations.
According to local law, foreign travelers are not allowed to drive in Vietnam. To have a Vietnamese driving license, you must have a business visa or work permit in Vietnam. It is therefore preferable to go through an agency to rent a car with a driver.
Make sure the driver knows enough English for you to communicate and get specific information about the age and make of the car to avoid any surprises. Also, be sure to specify air conditioning if this is important and clearly indicate where and when you want to go before you leave.
If you are traveling with a baby, ask your partner to prepare a car seat in the car, even if it costs extra, but it is very necessary to ensure the safety of your baby. You are advised to book in advance as baby car seats are not always available.
4. Buses
If your trip to Vietnam lasts long days and you don't mind the discomfort, traveling around Vietnam by bus is the right choice, especially for independent travelers. You can almost travel anywhere in Vietnam by bus. There are different types of buses: minibuses, local buses, tourist buses, and sleeper buses for long journeys.
Most buses are in good condition. But it's good to know that the ride can be a little bumpy at times or the driver likes to honk a little too much. Additionally, tall Westerners may feel uncomfortable on local buses specially designed for Vietnamese. Furthermore, the departure and arrival times are not super strict. So it may take a little longer, or they leave later than they said. But that’s part of the journey!
The best bus options for travelers are Limousine buses and sleeper buses. This service is increasingly popular for budget travelers, especially “Open Tour” or “Open Bus” buses in the South and Central regions of Vietnam. They run regularly and reliably between major destinations such as Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Mui Ne, and Ho Chi Minh City. They are air-conditioned buses and are equipped with reclining seats or beds, so you can lie down and sleep quite comfortably.
5. Taxi
In Vietnam, you will find numerous taxi companies. For many travelers, a taxi is the easiest way to get around quickly and safely in the cities or sites they visit.
Generally, you will pay the amount shown on the meter at the end of the journey. It is also possible to negotiate the price of the package journey in advance. The price remains very reasonable: Count around 13,000 dongs (0.5 dollars) per kilometer.
Like everywhere in most countries in the world, alongside honest taxis, there are also fake taxis lurking around everywhere. Therefore, it is advisable to be careful of tampered with meters (some meters are manipulated in such a way as to accumulate charges more quickly than expected). To avoid taxi scams, only use recognized agencies, of which, here is an exemplary list:
Mai Linh Taxi 024 38 33 33 33 (Hanoi) and 028 38 38 38 38 (Saigon)
Taxi Group 024 38 53 53 53 (Hanoi)
G7 taxi 024 32 32 32 32 (Hanoi)
Taxi VinaSun 028 38 27 27 27 (Saigon)
Saigon Taxi 028 38 23 23 23 (Saigon)
6. Motorcycle and scooter
Since the public transportation network is not yet developed, motorcycles and scooters are the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam (Approximately 45 million motorcycles are plying across Vietnam and are an integral part of the life of the inhabitants).
If you want to move around cities more quickly, you can use a motorcycle taxi. This costs much less than a regular taxi. It is easy to find a motorcycle taxi (xe om) anywhere in town at a particularly reasonable price.
Many travelers appreciate this mode of transport because it allows them to live a unique experience of immersion in local traffic.
For the more courageous, it is possible to rent a motorbike, a Vespa, or a scooter in almost every city. Traveling alone in Vietnam by local transport would be an exhilarating experience. In the company of your local friends or guides, you will be more excited when you travel on adventurous routes and pass through small lanes. You will be able to enjoy the local experience and not have to worry about getting lost.
Note: For your safety, you must know the highway code and traffic flow of the country. Check the motorcycle very carefully before renting and remember that Vietnam has a helmet law.
7. Grab taxi
Mobile app-based taxis (car and motorbike), including Grab, Gojek, Be and Xanh SM, are now available in several Vietnamese cities, including Saigon, Hanoi, and Danang. They are leaders in the chauffeur-driven transport vehicle market in Vietnam.
Via these applications, you can see the distance and prices of taxis before booking. Additionally, driver information and support center contact is available at the click of a button. You can also pay in advance with your card or e-wallet.
8. Cycle rickshaw
For traditional and ecological means, you can take a cycle rickshaw ride in many cities such as Hue, Hoi An, Saigon, or even in the old quarter of Hanoi.
Once popular among the rich and noble, you can now pay a small price, go to many places, and take your time to take in all the views. Traveling with a rickshaw has also been hailed by many as one of the world's unique means of transportation that is worth experiencing.
Going around town in Vietnam with a rickshaw is fun. You won't be sitting in a stuffy box and you won't have to worry about sun or rain: The rickshaw has a foldable roof for the bad weather, and you will have friendly drivers to take you to different corners of the city.
As this means of transport is mainly used by tourists drivers tend to charge exorbitant amounts, negotiate with patience, and set the price before boarding.
9. Bicycle
Whether you're an avid cyclist or just enjoy pedaling from time to time, Vietnam will rekindle your love for this mode of transportation. Cycling gives you the great pleasure of being able to ride freely and as you wish, allowing you to get away from city centers and get off the beaten track to fully immerse yourself in the heart of picturesque and calm countryside regions.
Several sites can be pleasantly explored by bicycle: the Mekong Delta, the countryside of Hue and Hoi An, the Phong Nha Ke Bang Park, Halong Bay on land, the region of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, Ba Be Lake, and even certain corners of Hanoi.
You can easily rent bicycles in these places. Rentals are usually around 40,000-80,000 VND per day (around $2-4). Several hotels in Hoi An, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau even provide free bicycles to their guests.
10. Boat
Once in Vietnam, the most likely place for you to go on the water is Halong Bay, where dozens of traditional boats ply the waters, taking tourists to see the magnificent karst island formations. Day trips and one-night or two-night Halong Bay cruises are possible with a full range of junks, from standard to luxury.
Consider your choice of boat carefully or work with a reputable travel agency. There have been a few incidents with boats on Halong Bay, so it is not a place to take risks or take shortcuts.
In the South, traveling by boat is also a common option in the Mekong Delta, where tourists can travel in both sampans and cruise ships for shorter or longer journeys. The former can sometimes be comfortable and sometimes less so, the latter is comfortable.
For travelers visiting both Cambodia and Vietnam, a popular route between the two countries is the fast boat from Phnom Penh to Chau Doc. Of course, you can also travel the Mekong on a river cruise aboard luxury boats, for a duration of 3 to 8 days.
Related articles:
>> Top 9 cruises in Lan Ha Bay
>> Travel to Halong Bay: Complete Guide
>> Visit Bai Tu Long Bay - Travel Guide 2024
02 Comments
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Bonjour Marie Christine Nos conseillers en voyages sont toujours prêts à vous aider à personnaliser votre circuit autour de Hanoi et Ninh Binh grâce à l'adresse suivante Email que vous avez commenté. Meilleures salutations,
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