Transportation
See an overview of transport options for travellers within Vietnam, as well as information on domestic flights, train travel, local buses and ferries.
Vietnam transportation offers many different ways to get around and visit attractions. You can ride a motorbike yourself, fly straight from one point to another, or take the train or bus to admire the sights along the way.
There are multiple means of Vietnam transportation for you to choose from while traveling in this Southeast Asian country. In the cities, there are many taxis, buses and cyclos while in the countryside, motorcycling and cycling are often the means to pick. You can usually get where you want to go with ease and comfort, which makes your Vietnam travel as convenient as ever.
1. Vietnam transportation system: How to travel through Vietnam?
Vietnam is an S-shaped country with over 1,700 kilometers of travel distance from the Northern to the Southern region. To travel across the country, you can choose one of the following 2 means of Vietnam transportation:
1.1. By plane
For those short on time, flying is the most convenient way to travel. It is worth noting that going by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can take up to 30 hours; therefore, it is more advisable that you take a flight that lasts an hour or two so that you have more time to spend on your tour.
The ticket prices for domestic flights are surprisingly reasonable and there are daily flights to all the top destinations of the country. Vietnam Airlines is the national airline while VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines and Pacific Airlines all offer affordable deals on short-haul flights around the country.
1.2. By train
The train is a means of transportation that you should choose if you want to relax in your seat and admire the scenery along the way. The Northern and the Southern regions are connected by a 2,600-kilometer track under the management of Vietnam Railways. The train goes all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to the Chinese border in the North. There are four seat classes for you to choose from: soft seat, hard seat, soft sleeper and hard sleeper.
You can buy train tickets at the train station counters a few days or even months before your departure, depending on the route. You can also buy the tickets through many travel agents or Vietnam Railways’ official website. Note that tickets for children under 6 years old will be free, while children aged 6-10 will receive a 25% discount.
2. How do you get around in Vietnam with comfort?
Currently, the demand for tourism is ever increasingly high with many attractive destinations and tours. Below are some popular means of Vietnam transportation that you can consider:
2.1. By motorbike – A popular means of transportation in Vietnam
As the most popular means of Vietnam transportation, the motorbike is suitable for traveling short distances in both rural and urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City. It is also a solid option for adventurous travelers who enjoy long-distance biking and breathtaking views. New bikers should be careful on the streets of Vietnam and observe the local people’s driving style, which you may find strange at times.
2.2. By car – A convenient means of Vietnam transportation
Car rental is becoming a new trend for travel enthusiasts. This means of Vietnam transport is loved by many people because of its convenience and comfort, because you can go wherever you want without any constraints. You can also change your itinerary on the spot to suit the weather conditions or your interests.
2.3. By bus – The best public transportation in Vietnam
The bus is becoming more and more popular as a means of Vietnam transport, especially for budget travelers in the big cities of Vietnam.
Most buses start running quite early in the day, from 5 am or 5:30 am until 9:30 pm or 11 pm. The next bus usually comes 15-20 minutes after the last one. Sometimes at rush hour, there is a bus every 5-10 minutes, so tourists can have a lot of options to manage their schedule.
2.4. By taxi – A Vietnam transportation service to try
Compared to traveling by plane and train, going by taxi will help you have much more control in terms of time and ensure your safety. It is safer to sit in a taxi driven by well-trained drivers with many years of professional experience than to steer the car yourself. This means of Vietnam transportation is even more suitable if you enjoy watching the sights through a window.
2.5. By cyclo – A local transportation in Vietnam for sightseeing
First appearing in 1939, the cyclo was a popular means of Vietnam transportation in the old era. In the early years of the 20th century, only the aristocracy and the rich could afford to use cyclos to travel, which were only present in big cities at that time such as Saigon, Hanoi and Hue.
A cyclo is not like a motorbike or taxi. It is much slower. The passenger will feel like they are constantly swaying left and right while watching the streets along the way. It is these simple things that make many international tourists fall in love with this tranquil vehicle because it gives them a feeling of relaxation and fun. Some people even fall asleep on their ride.
