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Transportation

How to Get Around in Vietnam?

There are several transportation options for getting around during your stay in Vietnam: airplane, train, bus, car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, cyclo, etc. Each mode of transport offers its own charm and unique experience. Choose the means of transportation that suits you based on your time, needs, budget, and itinerary in Vietnam.

Here are the transportation methods used by travelers in Vietnam:

Getting Around Vietnam by Airplane The airplane is the fastest and most efficient way for long distances. However, it is also the most expensive mode of transport compared to other options. There are 22 airports in Vietnam, including about a dozen international airports. Domestic air travel is served by three airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, offering numerous daily flights connecting major cities and tourist destinations.

• Vietnam Airlines: This state-owned company offers the best quality in terms of aircraft and service. It operates nearly all domestic routes with Airbus and Boeing aircraft, except for some short routes with ATR 72 or Fokker planes. Baggage allowance is 23kg checked and 10kg carry-on. Vietnam Airlines' fares are generally quite high but include baggage. It is known for its reliable service and punctuality, with minimal changes or cancellations.
• Vietjet Air: A private, low-cost airline that operates almost all domestic routes, with a high flight density. The baggage allowance is 7kg carry-on, with various paid options for additional baggage starting from 20kg. Vietjet Air often offers the most competitive prices but is known for frequent schedule changes and occasional cancellations.
• Bamboo Airways: Known for good service, Bamboo Airways currently serves major routes between key airports such as Hanoi, Danang, Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The price range varies, with checked baggage sometimes included based on fare. Carry-on baggage allowance is 7kg. Customers appreciate its service quality and punctuality.

Getting Around Vietnam by Train The train is a safer and more comfortable mode of transport (compared to buses) and cheaper (compared to airplanes). Traveling by train offers the advantage of panoramic views and the opportunity to enjoy the country's beauty: rice fields, villages, sand dunes, mountain ranges, etc. Overnight trains can save you a night's hotel stay and provide an authentic travel experience. However, trains can be slow and vibrate significantly, with moderate comfort and a limited network.

Vietnam's trains are operated by the public company Vietnam Railways. Some premium carriages are managed by private railway companies like Chapa Express, Livitrains, Violette, Lotus, Lam An, Victoria, Family, Damitrans, etc. These companies rent Vietnam Railways carriages, equip them better, and sell tickets at higher prices. Private carriages are more comfortable and often offer 2-4 berth cabins. Vietnam Railways' carriages typically have 4-6 berth compartments, and you can choose your berth level. There's no special baggage weight limit for train travel. For more information, see our complete guide to traveling by train in Vietnam.

Getting Around Vietnam by Bus The road network in Vietnam has improved over recent years, making bus travel smoother. Buses are the cheapest and most economical long-distance transport. There are various types of buses: city buses, provincial local buses, luxury tourist buses, sleeper buses, etc. Most buses are in good condition.

• City Buses: Often crowded with locals and less comfortable during peak hours, it's better to use a taxi with Grab or Be.
• Provincial Local Buses: Seats are often small, and buses can be overcrowded. Drivers tend to honk excessively, and these buses make several stops en route, with limited baggage space.
• Tourist Buses: Companies like Phuong Trang, The Sinh Tourist, Tam Hanh, Thanh Buoi, Thinh Phat, Mai Linh, Hung Thanh offer reasonable prices. Bus tickets vary based on distance, and some routes offer comfortable options like Dcar Limousine or VIP buses with reclining seats and WiFi. Sleeper buses come in various types with prices depending on your choice, often equipped with WiFi, air conditioning, and sometimes toilets.

For more details, see our complete guide on buses in Vietnam.

Getting Around Vietnam by Private Car A car is the fastest, most flexible, practical, and comfortable transport option, especially for families or groups. Renting a car with a driver is charged by the kilometer or by the day, but drivers typically don't speak foreign languages, only basic English. In some regions, you can hire a guide-driver who speaks French or English, but this is more expensive and usually involves a smaller car. If traveling with a baby, pre-book car seats as they aren't always available and incur extra costs.

You can also rent a car for self-driving with an international driving permit, but this is less common due to the need for a local permit and the dangers of local traffic. No insurance will sufficiently cover self-driving.

Getting Around Vietnam by Taxi or Motorbike Taxi Taxis are a quick way to get around cities. In major cities, it's easy to find a taxi. Reliable companies include Mai Linh and Xanh SM, which you can call or use their apps. To avoid scams (rigged meters, unnecessary detours), ensure the meter is on at the start and use reputable companies like Mai Linh, Xanh SM, Taxi Group, VinaSun, Saigon Taxi, and G7 Taxi.

Motorbike taxis (Xe Om) are widespread and can be found everywhere. The average fare is about 10,000-13,000 VND/km, which doesn't change throughout the day. For tourist sites, moto-taxi tours (easy-rider) are pleasant. Wearing a helmet is mandatory, and it's recommended to bring a European-standard helmet if you plan to ride.

Technology Taxis or Motorbike Taxis App-based taxis (cars and motorbikes) are available in several cities: Saigon, Hanoi, Danang, Hai Phong, Hue, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Can Tho, etc. Apps like Grab, Gojek, and Be allow you to see distances and fares before booking. You can pay in cash or via card/e-wallet. Generally, these services are cheaper than traditional taxis, but during peak hours or rain, they can be more expensive. Grab services include GrabTaxi (official metered taxis), GrabCar (private cars with fixed prices), and GrabBike (motorbike taxis with fixed prices).

For more detailed information, see our comprehensive guide on transportation in Vietnam.