Transportation in Vietnam – A Guide to Getting Around in Vietnam
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam, with its unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is a true gem on the world map. Vietnam is easily accessible from major international airports. Travellers typically arrive in Hanoi, the northern capital, or the bustling Ho Chi Minh City in the South. The country’s transport options are plentiful and affordable, featuring a variety of buses, trains, and domestic flights that make exploring Vietnam’s diverse beauty convenient. In our experience, navigating Vietnam is effortless, and this guide highlights the best transport choices for every budget. Whether you’re seeking economical travel or a more luxurious experience, Vietnam’s transport system caters to all, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
travelling to and around Vietnam
How to get to Vietnam
Flights to Vietnam: The easiest and best transportation to Vietnam is by plane, with regular flights to Vietnam from most International Airports. Primary hubs for international flights in Vietnam are Hanoi, Noi Bai Airport) and Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Singapore is the only country offering direct flights to Da Nang International Airport. To compare flights to Vietnam between the best airlines, visit flight tickets to Vietnam.
Travel to Vietnam by Road: Travelling to Vietnam by road is only possible from neighbouring Cambodia and Laos. The only international rail connection to Vietnam is from China.
How to travel Around Vietnam
Vietnam’s diverse and affordable transport options, including buses, trains, motorbike taxis, and domestic flights, make exploring the country convenient and enjoyable. Road transport is the best way to experience the scenic beauty of Vietnam, a key reason why many return to this picturesque country.
Airport Transfers: Travel stress-free to and from any Vietnam airport to your hotel with a private transfer service. The driver will meet you at a designated spot so you don’t have to haggle with taxis. Check out the recommended Vietnamese transport options: Hanoi Private Airport Transfer and Saigon Airport to Ho Chi Minh Transfer.
Flying in Vietnam
Local flights in Vietnam provide a convenient way of travelling between different destinations. However, it’s important to note that not every region has an airport. Some key domestic airports include Hanoi, Vinh, and Hue, each significant for its historical context. Danang is a crucial gateway to nearby attractions, mainly the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An. Additionally, Qui Nhon and Nha Trang are celebrated for their stunning beaches, making them popular for beachgoers and vacationers.
Dalat offers a cooler climate in the Central Highlands, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest metropolis, features a significant airport for extensive travel options. Phu Quoc Island and extraordinary Con Dao also have an airport, making it easy for visitors to enjoy its tropical paradise. Utilizing these flights can enhance your travel experience in Vietnam by facilitating smoother transitions between diverse landscapes and cultures.
Transportation in Vietnam
How to travel around Vietnam: Several transportation options are available in Vietnam, including flights, taxis, and minibuses, also known as limousines. Bicycles or scooters are also a great way to explore the countryside, small towns, and villages. Various transport options are widely available in all regions.
For the cheapest way to travel Vietnam, visit 12Go, Klook, Viator, or GetYourGuide to view bus, boat, and train schedules beforehand. These sites offer options throughout Asia and will save you the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.
Instead, use a taxi scooter or a regular taxi and go to 12Go, which offers many affordable options. Grab is also a popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam that offers cheap rates. Once you arrive at the Vietnam airport, Install the Grab app on your mobile phone. Do not miss out on the most Unique Places to Visit in Vietnam.
Buses in Vietnam
Vietnam buses are available throughout the country and vary from ordinary short-distance buses and long-distance travel to overnight sleeper buses.
Hop On Hop Off Buses: The Vietnam Hop On Hop off bus is an excellent way of sightseeing in Vietnam City and its popular attractions at your own pace. Millions of trusted reviews can help you find the perfect activities. The hop-on, hop-off buses run every 30 minutes and even include night tours. That way, you can explore the parts of the city that interest you.
Long-distance bus travel Transport options in Vietnam
Travelling long distances in Vietnam can be comfortable with the right bus company. Our Vietnam to Cambodia red bus experience from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh was great. Bus Transport in Vietnam is convenient, as most buses have large reclining seats and air conditioning. However, our experience with the Giant Ibis bus from Phnom Pehn to Siem Reap was terrible. Their small, narrow seats couldn’t recline, and we were uncomfortable throughout the seven-hour journey. Consider a taxi or small bus – check your options with Klook.
Vietnam Sleeper Buses
Sleeper buses in Vietnam offer comfortable long-distance trips to destinations like Sapa, Ha Giang, and Da La. With a sleeper bus, one can arrive at your destination well-rested. Similar to overnight trains, sleeper buses have become a preferred travel option for many people visiting Vietnam. Sleeper buses in Vietnam are one of the most popular travel options for long-distance trips to Sapa, Ha Giang, and Da Lat, and they are a great alternative to overnight trains.
Night Bus Vietnam
By taking a night bus in Vietnam, you’ll save money on accommodation costs and arrive at your destination more relaxed, giving you more time to explore. The only negative thing is that the bus driver only stops once (mainly after 5 hours), even if you need to use the loo. That’s the reason I prefer trains or minibuses.
To compare the night buses in Vietnam, check out the following options:
Bus from Sapa to Ha Giang
The Quang Nghi Bus operates several routes, including Ha Giang – Hanoi, Ha Giang – Sapa, Ha Giang – Ha Long, Ha Giang – Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang – Dong Van/Meo Vac. The Sapa to Ha Giang bus takes about 6 hours and departs from 431 Dien Bien Phu Street in Sapa town.
One can choose between departures at 7:30, 10:00, 16:00, and 19:00 with two types of Limousine buses: Sitting Limousines with 14 seats and Sleeper Limousines with 34 berths. The journey by bus from Sapa to Ha Giang takes approximately 6.5-7 hours. Quang Nghi Bus is a leading transportation company in Vietnam known for providing safe and high-quality passenger transportation services.
Train travel in Vietnam
Exploring Vietnam by train provides a unique perspective on the country’s diverse scenery and culture, making it an unforgettable mode of transportation. From the rhythmic clattering of the wheels to the gentle sway of the carriage, every moment on the train invites you to relax and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings.
While train tickets may be more expensive than bus tickets, the experience is well worth it. Inside the train, you can unwind in spacious seating for a more leisurely journey. As you glide along the tracks, vistas of lush rice paddies, towering mountains, and picturesque villages drift by, creating a captivating backdrop that enhances your travel experience.
Vietnam Railways and its subsidiaries, Hanoi Railways and Saigon Railways, own the railway network from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Noi, covering a distance of 1,726km. Therefore, one can travel to most cities in Vietnam by Train. For information on each region and town, visit the Best of Vietnam Travel Guide.
Although shaky sleeper trains might not be for everyone, we had a fantastic experience and slept well. I found that Vietnam Sleeper trains are one of the best transport options in Vietnam and an experience you don’t want to miss. They will save time and money and allow one to arrive at your destination well-rested.
Vietnam Train Tickets: Train travel in Vietnam is relatively safe and suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups. Take advantage of the best deals with Klook, 12Go, Viator, and GetYourGuide, making your travel experience more accessible. For the Best train tickets in Vietnam, visit Train Tickets Vietnam.
Overnight Trains in Vietnam
We had a great time in Hanoi on the overnight train from Hanoi to Hue, which was a wonderful experience. What’s more, the Hanoi to Hue Train route, also known as train route from Hanoi to Da Nang is known as one of the most scenic routes in the world.
Vietnam Train Tickets: Train travel in Vietnam is relatively safe and suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups. Take advantage of the best deals with Klook, 12Go, Viator, and GetYourGuide, making your travel experience more accessible. For those who want luxury, Anantara has developed the Vietage, which provides luxury travel journeys through Vietnam. For Vietage routes, prices, what to expect on these luxury trains, and bookings, visit Vietnam luxury trains.
To book train tickets in Vietnam, check out the following train routes.
- Hanoi to Sapa Sleeper Train: Travel conveniently aboard a deluxe train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa). Choose between a shared or VIP air-conditioned cabin, which includes complimentary water and snacks.
- Da Nang – Hue Train Ticket: The scenic route lasts about 2.5 hours.
- A scenic train ride from Da Nang via Hai Van Pass to Lang Co beach and Hue.
- Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang train route: The journey takes about 8.5 hours (from Saigon to Nha Trang).
- Hanoi to Hai Phong: The journey from Ha Noi to Hai Phong or Hai Phong to Hanoi Train takes 2.5 hours.
- Train or Bus travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
Dong Hoi Transport
Transport in Dong Hoi options:
- Flights to Dong Hoi: Dong Hoi Airport is just 6km from the city centre and offers convenient flights to and from HCMC and Hanoi, making your travel plans smooth and hassle-free.
- Buses: The Dong Hoi bus station is conveniently located on Tran Hung Dao Street, about 1km west of the post office. Several local buses are available in the morning to prominent cities like Vinh, Da Nang, and Hue. Travellers of open-tour bus companies can easily find a bus at the cafés on Ly Thoung Kiet, which makes transport in Vietnam very comfortable.
- Trains: The train station is approximately 3 km west of the river and connects the city to the north and south.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Da Nang, Hanoi to Nha Trang, and Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. To plan your journey, refer to the Vietnam Train Map and quickly purchase tickets from Vietnam Railways for train stations across Vietnam as per the following Vietnam Train Map.
Dong Hoi Transport
Transport in Dong Hoi options:
- Flights to Dong Hoi: Dong Hoi Airport is just 6km from the city centre and offers convenient flights to and from HCMC and Hanoi, making your travel plans smooth and hassle-free.
- Buses: The Dong Hoi bus station is conveniently located on Tran Hung Dao Street, about 1km west of the post office. Several local buses are available in the morning to prominent cities like Vinh, Da Nang, and Hue. Travellers of open-tour bus companies can easily find a bus at the cafés on Ly Thoung Kiet, which makes transport in Vietnam very comfortable.
- Trains: The train station is approximately 3 km west of the river and connects the city to the north and south.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Hanoi to Hue, Hanoi to Da Nang, Hanoi to Nha Trang, and Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. To plan your journey, refer to the Vietnam Train Map and quickly purchase tickets from Vietnam Railways for train stations across Vietnam as per the following Vietnam Train Map.
Vietnam grab
Grab in Vietnam is one of the best. Honestly, I don’t think any other Country has such a tremendous service. As soon as you arrive in Vietnam, download the Grab app from the Google Play store, and you’re settled. Grab is easy to use, and you can book a ride anytime. It is very much the same as Uber in other countries.
Motorbike and Easy Rider Options
Experience the Hai Van Pass, one of the world’s top ten most stunning coastal roads in Vietnam, with a Motorbike Tour. Mister T Easy Rider Tours is an incredible transport experience in central Vietnam. The entire day motorbike tour will reward you with breathtaking scenery and great food with an experienced driver and guide. For a once-in-a-lifetime, value-for-money experience, Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour, or a Hai Van Pass by US Army Jeep experience on four wheels.
Cycling in Vietnam
The beautiful country of Vietnam offers tremendous opportunities for cycling, thanks to its stunning landscapes and peaceful countryside. While some accommodations provide complimentary bicycles, they may sometimes be good. However, you can easily rent a bike from many places. Here are some of The Best places to Cycle in Vietnam.
The Best Vietnam Booking Resources
- Everything you need to know to Plan your Trip to Vietnam (best things to do).
- For specials on the best hotels and other Vietnam Accommodations, visit Booking.com.
- Hostels and Budget rooms: Hostelworld
- Book a Vietnam Cooking Class with Cookly, a Small Group Street Food Tour in Hanoi or Street Food Tour in Saigon.
- Take out affordable Travel Insurance for Vietnam with SafetyWing.
- Compare transport options for Trains, Buses, Ferries, and Flights between 12Go, CheapOair, and Travelstart.
- Buses and Trains with Klook
- For a range of amazing Trips and Tours (and transfers), go to Klook, Viator, 12Go, GetYourGuide and G-Adventures.
- Cooking Classes with Cookly
- Altogether, Vietnam and Cambodia Tours and other fantastic Trips with GAdventures with endless options!
Tip: Vietnam and Cambodia, with their intertwined histories, are close, so it’s a compelling choice to visit both. After immersing yourself in the beauty of Vietnam, I highly recommend extending your travels to Cambodia. This will also allow you to experience the diverse, stunning destinations of Cambodia.
Travel from Vietnam to Cambodia
How to Get to Cambodia from Vietnam? There are a few transportation options available from Vietnam to Cambodia. You can travel by Air, Road, or Riverboat.
- By Air: Flying from Vietnam to Cambodia – Flights from Vietnam to Phnom Penh are cheaper than flying from Vietnam to Siem Reap. So, head first to charming Phnom Penh, then to Siem Reap.
- Mekong Delta: By travelling along the Mekong, you can experience the country’s landscapes and cultures guided by the Mekong River’s flow and at the same time, save the flight costs.
- By Road: You have choices – for transfers between Hoi An and Da Nang or Da Nang to Hoi An transfers, including Da Nang: Private Transfer to Da Nang Hotels or Hoi An City. Check out Cambodia Travel Advice.
