Vietnam transportation offers many ways to get around and see the sights. You can ride a motorbike on your own, fly directly to different places, or take a train or bus to enjoy the views along the way.
So what is the best way to travel around Vietnam? (Source: Collected)
Vietnam offers a variety of transportation options for travelers in this Southeast Asian country. In cities, you can easily find taxis, buses, and cyclos, while in rural areas, motorbikes and bicycles are often the preferred choices. Getting around is usually easy and comfortable, ensuring a convenient travel experience throughout Vietnam.
1. Vietnam Transportation System: How to Travel Across Vietnam
Vietnam, with its S-shaped geography, spans over 1,700 kilometers from the Northern to the Southern regions. When planning to traverse the country, you can choose between the following two main Vietnam transportation options:
1.1. By Plane
For those pressed for time, flying is the most efficient way to travel. A train journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can take up to 30 hours, so it’s often more practical to take a flight, which lasts just one to two hours, giving you more time to explore your destinations.
Domestic flight prices are surprisingly affordable, with daily flights to all major cities across the country. Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier, along with VietJet and Vietravel Airlines offer budget-friendly options for short-haul flights within Vietnam.
1.2. By Train
Traveling by train is ideal if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. The Northern and Southern regions are connected by a 2,600-kilometer railway managed by Vietnam Railways, stretching from Ho Chi Minh City all the way to the Chinese border in the North.
There are four classes of seats to choose from:
- Soft seat
- Hard seat
- Soft sleeper
- Hard sleeper
Depending on your comfort preference.
You can purchase train tickets at the station counters several days or even months in advance, depending on your travel route. Tickets are also available through numerous travel agencies or directly on the Vietnam Railways’ official website. Keep in mind that children under 6 years old can travel for free, while those aged 6-10 are eligible for a 25% discount.
Train Vietnam Transportation – A Safe Means of Traveling Around Vietnam (Source: Collected)
2. How to Travel Comfortably Around Vietnam
With the growing demand for tourism and many enticing destinations to explore, Vietnam offers various transportation options. Here are some popular Vietnam transportation choices:
2.1. By Motorbike – A Common Way to Get Around in Vietnam
Motorbikes are the most widely used form of transportation in Vietnam, ideal for short trips in both urban and rural areas, such as Ho Chi Minh City. For adventurous travelers, motorbiking also offers the opportunity to embark on longer journeys while enjoying stunning landscapes.
However, new riders should be cautious on Vietnam’s roads and take time to observe the unique driving habits of the locals, which can sometimes be quite different from what you’re used to.
Motorbikes – The Most Popular Mode of Vietnam Transportation (Source: Collected)
Motorbike rental shops are easily found in most cities, with prices typically ranging from VND 150,000 to 300,000 per day (approximately $6.50 to $13), depending on the type and condition of the bike.
If you plan to rent for more than a week, you may be required to leave a deposit or your passport. For your safety, avoid parking your motorbike in areas without security staff, always wear a helmet, and remember to collect a parking ticket if you leave your bike in a parking lot.
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2.2. By Car – A Convenient Way to Travel in Vietnam
Car rental is increasingly popular among travel enthusiasts in Vietnam. Many prefer this mode of transportation for its convenience and comfort, allowing you to explore freely without any restrictions. With a rental car, you can easily adjust your itinerary on the go to accommodate changing weather conditions or personal preferences.
Vietnam offers plenty of car rental options, allowing you to choose a vehicle that best suits your travel needs. Once you’ve decided on the type of car, reach out to rental shops to finalize the contract. It’s important to carefully review both the contract and the vehicle before signing.
Cars offer the most flexibility for travelers (Source: Collected)
2.3. By Bus – The Best Public Vietnam transportation
Buses are becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation in Vietnam, especially among budget-conscious travelers in major cities. Buses typically start running early in the morning, around 5 or 5:30 am, and operate until 9:30 or 11 pm. They run frequently, with buses arriving every 15-20 minutes, and even more often during rush hour, with intervals of just 5-10 minutes. This provides travelers with plenty of options to manage their schedules efficiently.
Another advantage of public buses in Vietnam is their affordability. A single ride within the city typically costs only VND 7,000 (around $0.30), meaning you can spend no more than VND 50,000 (about $2) for an entire day of sightseeing. This makes buses a far more economical option compared to other forms of transportation like taxis or motorbike taxis.
2.4. By Taxi – A Vietnam Transportation Service Worth Trying
Traveling by taxi offers greater control over your schedule and ensures a high level of safety. With experienced and well-trained drivers at the wheel, taxis provide a safer alternative to driving yourself, especially if you prefer to relax and take in the views through the window.
Before hailing a taxi, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be cautious of unlicensed taxis; stick to reputable taxi companies that you’ve researched online.
- Check taxi fare rates in advance to choose the best option based on your route and budget.
- Take a photo of the taxi’s license plate or save the driver’s number in case you accidentally leave any belongings behind.
Taxis are readily available at most major sites in Vietnam. (Source: Collected)
2.5. By Cyclo – A Classic Way to Sightsee in Vietnam
The cyclo, first introduced in 1939, was once a prominent mode of transportation in Vietnam, particularly during the early 20th century. In those days, cyclos were a luxury reserved for the aristocracy and the wealthy, who used them to navigate the bustling streets of major cities like Saigon, Hanoi, and Hue.
Today, while no longer a primary means of transport, the cyclo remains a charming and nostalgic option for tourists seeking an authentic, leisurely sightseeing experience in Vietnam.
A cyclo offers a unique experience unlike that of a motorbike or taxi. Its slower pace allows passengers to gently sway from side to side as they take in the sights along the streets. This leisurely, unhurried movement is what endears many international tourists to this charming mode of transport, providing a sense of relaxation and enjoyment. The peaceful rhythm of the ride is so soothing that some passengers even find themselves drifting off to sleep as they journey through the city.
The cyclo has played an important role in the lives of Hanoians (Source: Collected)
3. In Summary Vietnam transportation
Vietnam transportation can be a concern for many international tourists planning their first visit to this beautiful country. However, with the diverse options mentioned above, you can rest assured that getting around will be both easy and comfortable.
If you need more information about Vietnam transportation , don’t hesitate to contact us.
Wolo Tours JSC
- Address: 2nd floor – No 02, Alley 232, Yen Hoa St., Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 22:00 Vietnam time (GMT +7) (closed on Vietnamese holidays)
- Website: https://vietnamtouristservices.com
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