How To Get Around In Vietnam? Vietnam Transport Types Guide

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Vietnam is one of the few nations that tourists can reach through various modes of transportation, including air, road, and water. Tourists may now pick from a broader range of ways of transportation in Vietnam. “How to get around in Vietnam” will no longer be tricky with the information below.

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By rail

Vietnam is among the few Southeast Asian countries with a functional train system of 2500 km length. At the best time to travel in Vietnam, rail travel is a great choice for memorable experiences.

The railway system in Vietnam was built during the French colonial period. However, they are all maintained and upgraded every year to ensure quality for visitors. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to get to know and chat with local people on the same route.

The cost of a railway ticket is also deemed cheap compared to the time and effort required by tourists. Rail tickets are set, albeit various classes have varied pricing. Vietnamese railways serve numerous courses, and train tickets in Vietnam are classified into four distinct categories that increase in price.

For some recommendations, select the greatest level within your means because the rough seat carriages of the lesser class may be unpleasant. There are both hard-berth and soft-berth cabins aboard the train for travelers to remain overnight, with six and four berths, respectively.

Learn more: Vietnam 14 day itinerary, Vietnam 10 day itinerary, Vietnam 1 week itinerary, 3 week Vietnam itinerary

How To Get Around In Vietnam? Vietnam Transport Types Guide
(Source: Internet)

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By plane

An airplane is the means of transport that will take you to your desired destination in the shortest time compared to all other means. For the interior of Vietnam, you can easily travel from the north to the south in just a few hours.

Traveling by plane is ideal for those who do not have leisure time or who have to take care of their children. Flights save time and give additional services to meet your demands. In addition, you can reference Vietnam Holiday Packages 2023 (17 days) for a well-planned trip.

The aspect that causes many individuals to contemplate travel by airplane is the fact that airfares may be rather pricey. However, you may avoid this by traveling during a less congested season or by waiting for airline bargain promotions.

Some famous airlines in Vietnam are Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Jetstar, and Bamboo Airways.

How To Get Around In Vietnam? By plane
(Source: Internet)

By sleeper bus

Some told staying on a bus for a long time may make you uncomfortable. That is because you have yet to try sleeper buses in Vietnam. There are many sleeper cars, affordable to high-end, for every location you want, especially the best places to visit in Vietnam.

However, since the seat size is made for Asians, it can become relatively small for foreigners. But don’t worry; many bus companies provide limousines with comfy seating, power outlets, and individual TVs for each seat. The price is higher than the usual Bus but worth it.

Travel in Vietnam by sleeper bus
(Source: Internet)

By car

Travelers should note that international driving licenses are not accepted in Vietnam. So self-driven in Vietnam is not an option for foreign tourists. On the other hand, you can hire a car and a driver for a group traveling. This can help you save a lot, and you can visit any destinations you want.

However, ensure that the driver understands some English to speak with you, and remember to obtain some basic information about the driver’s experience, age, and car brand. Before signing your automobile rental contract, make sure you understand the terms. In the agreement, there should be detail about your itinerary to avoid any unwanted inconvenience.

Travel in Vietnam by car
(Source: Internet)

By bike

Cycling around towns is a beautiful way to view the sites, and you shouldn’t have to pay much for the pleasure, especially outside the prominent tourist areas. While you can buy a nice bike in Vietnam, if you want to go on a long-distance cycling trip, you need to carry your own bike and all the essential supplies and tools. Mountain bikes are most suited to the country’s varied terrain.

If you want to change transportation, you can always take your bike on the train or bus lines corporation. Some open-top tour buses may accept bikes for free, provided they are packed and placed in the luggage hold; otherwise, you will have to pay for an extra seat. Various firms provide specialized bicycle excursions if you wish to discover Vietnam from the saddle.

Explore Vietnam with a bike
(Source: Internet)

By local transportation

Xe om

Xe om is usually understood as motorbike taxis in Vietnam. Motorcycles are the most common mode of transportation in Vietnam. As a result, you may move quickly through the city center on this vehicle at a very affordable price. More important, you need to ask the price to move between two destinations before you hoop into Xe om because some drivers may take a higher price than usual.

Vietnam local transportation - Xe om
(Source: Internet)

Cyclo

Cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) are a primary means of transportation in many communities throughout Vietnam. Before boarding a cyclo, you should vigorously bargain for the price of your chosen location.

Vietnam local transportation - Cyclo
(Source: Internet)

Technology vehicles

The most significant difference between technology transportation and motorbike taxi is that you will arrange a trip using an app on your phone. Thus, you will have information about the driver, license plate, itinerary information, and the amount you have to pay. In addition, you can travel by car or motorbike through famous travel apps in Vietnam, such as Grab, Be, and Gojek.

How to get around in Vietnam
(Source: Internet)

Bus

The government is gradually updating the national bus network, replacing rickety old vehicles with air-conditioned versions, particularly on more popular routes. However, you need to know the correct number of buses you need to get on to get to your destination. Typically, a bus ticket for one way only costs an average of 5 thousand dongs. However, during peak hours, the bus will be very crowded.

How to get around in Vietnam? You can use bus
(Source: Internet)

Taxi

Taxis are a reasonable prices transport option in Vietnam, and they are available at the most prominent tourist attractions. Taxis with meters are inexpensive by international standards. It can be even cheaper if you share in a group. You should only use approved or reliable taxi services. National cab firms with good reputations include Mai Linh, Vinasun, and others.

Taxi in Vietnam
(Source: Internet)

How long would it take to get around in Vietnam?

RouteDistanceAirBusRail
Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City1730 km2 hours~36 hours35 hours
Hanoi – Ha Long160 kmN/A4 hours7 hours
Hanoi – Danang770 km1:20 hours ~15 hours ~18 hours
Hanoi – Hue669 km1:10 hours12 hours13 hours
Hanoi – Ninh Binh94 kmN/A1:30 hours1 hours
Hanoi – Nha Trang1300 km1:50 hours30 hours~40 hours
Hanoi – Phu Quoc2087 km2 hoursN/AN/A
Ho Chi Minh City – Danang958 km1:20 hours20 hours17 hours
Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang430 km 1 hours8 hours9 hours
Ho Chi Minh City – Da Lat307 km50 minutes6 hoursN/A
Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc450 km1 hoursN/AN/A
Hue – Da Nang100 km4 hours2:30 hours2:30 hours
Da Nang – Nha Trang500 km1 hours13 hours10 hours

Frequently asked questions about how to get around in Vietnam. (FAQs)

  1. What’s the best way to get around in Vietnam?

    The best way to get around in Vietnam is using Bus. Traveling by Bus helps save money and time. Moreover, you can get almost anywhere in Vietnam. There are Sleeper buses, minivans, tourist buses, and municipal buses in Vietnam.

  2. What are the public transports in Vietnam?

    Public Bus in Vietnam has a system in town. Every province in Vietnam has at least one bus station. With a very cheap ticket, This is the most economical option if you want to move within a close radius.

You know how to get around in Vietnam. Moving to Vietnam is becoming easier for international travelers. So, what are you waiting for if you have not seen this place? Find out more about Vietnam travel tips with FTrip.

Reviewed by

Diep Van

Phone: +84901166884

Email: diep.van@ftripvietnam.com

Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!


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