Transport in Vietnam
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Trustpilot 5-star ratedTransport in Vietnam
Most Vietnamese people get around on a motorbike. The cheapest way to travel is with an Open Bus Ticket while the fastest is certainly to fly. Vietnam has a good selection of budget airlines and flights can often be cheaper than taking a train. Trains, while longer and more expensive than other modes of transport, are very comfortable and often offer unbeatable views along the way.
Motorbikes
The most popular mode of transport is motorbike. In fact, one of the most popular ways to travel from the North to the South is by buying or renting your own set of wheels. This is certainly the most immersive way to explore Vietnam, but isn’t necessarily the fastest, most convenient, or safest.
The Open Bus Ticket
Arguably the best way to travel in Vietnam is with the Open Bus Ticket. This hop-on-hop-off system allows you to purchase one ticket valid for up to 10 stops over a month and simply schedule yourself on a specific bus a day ahead of time. The ticket can take you from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, visiting all the major hubs along the way. Stops can include Mu Nei, Nha Trang, Dalat, Hoi An, Hue and Phong Nha. Most journeys are made by sleeper bus, with fully reclined beds. This transport option is very cheap and usually convenient, but is not always the most comfortable.
Domestic Flights in Vietnam
Vietnam has great domestic flight routes, making travel across the country quick and easy. You can also get some fantastic deals when you book early or if the airline is having a sale. Interestingly though, flying out of Vietnam is often cheaper than flying domestically.
If you know you are planning to fly between destinations while in Vietnam, keep an eye on flight prices as they can vary wildly and you don’t want to get stuck with a last minute pricey flight and no time to take a bus. The most popular routes, between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang, will generally be the cheapest and most frequent.
Private Transportation
This is the most convenient way of getting around. We can send our drivers right to your hotel for a seamless pickup. Private transportation vehicles are clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Your driver is a local who can expertly navigate Vietnamese streets and highways.
Frequently asked questions
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- Can I Take Public Buses Around Vietnam?
Taking public buses involves some planning ahead. City buses generally charge visitors more than locals. It can also be tricking relying on public maps or your phone, assuming you’re able to use your phone in Vietnam. Buses can be a good option for long-haul drives between major cities. There are nicely appointed, air-conditioned buses that travel to and from each province.You can also find buses to nearly every major tourist destination. Overnight buses are a popular option for longer road trips — they come with bunk beds and window curtains so you can get some sleep.
- Is Vietnam Bike Friendly?
From a visitor’s standpoint, Vietnam is not a bike-friendly destination. You will see plenty of people using bikes to get around, but traffic patterns in cities are too hectic for most visitors to feel comfortable peddling around.
- What are Roads in Vietnam Like?
Roads in Vietnam, especially major highways, are quite modern and well-maintained. Cars drive on the right. Because of their affordability, motorbikes are more popular than cars, and floods of motos flow down every street. Traffic is typically very congested in major cities, and it’s almost always a relief to have someone else driving — private transportation or taxis are heavily recommended.
- What Are Taxis Like in Vietnam?
Taxis are everywhere in major visitor destinations. It’s important to stick to licensed taxis and reliable companies. Mai Linh and Vinasun are both highly regarded taxi companies with reliable meters, but you should still double check and make sure the meter is running. There are many taxis that try to take advantage of passengers, especially foreigners. Some taxis have meters that are easily manipulated to display an inflated fee. If you find yourself being overcharged, feel free to insist on paying only a reasonable amount.
Most taxi drivers won’t speak much more than a few words of English. Always make sure to have the address written down to avoid any confusion. It’s easiest to keep cards from your hotel with you so you can easily show your driver where you’d like to be dropped off.
- Which Vietnam Destinations Offer Domestic Flights?
Private transportation is the most convenient way of getting around Vietnam.
We can send our drivers right to your hotel for a seamless pickup. Private transportation vehicles are clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable. Your driver is a local who can expertly navigate Vietnamese streets and highways.