Vietnam Transportation Guide – Best Ways to Travel Around

Posted By: John Lewisohn / Vietnam Travel Guides

Learn the best ways to travel in Vietnam, flights and trains to buses and motorbikes. Find out whether to use Grab or taxis and the best travel routes for your itinerary.

Vietnam is a diverse and well-connected country, making it easy to travel between its major cities, stunning coastlines, and picturesque mountain regions. Whether you prefer the speed of flights, the comfort of trains, or the adventure of motorbiking, this guide will help you navigate Vietnam’s transportation system efficiently.

1. Flights – The Fastest Way to Travel Long Distances

If you’re traveling between major cities or north to south, flights are the quickest and most convenient option.

Fly across Vietnam in just hours—fast, convenient, and comfortable! — Fly across Vietnam in just hours—**fast, convenient, and comfortable**! - (Source: Collected)

1.1. Major Airports in Vietnam

✈️ Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) – Hanoi (Northern Vietnam).

✈️ Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) – Ho Chi Minh City (Southern Vietnam).

✈️ Da Nang International Airport (DAD) – Da Nang (Central Vietnam).

✈️ Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) – Phu Quoc Island.

1.2. Best Airlines for Domestic Travel

✔ Vietnam Airlines – Full-service airline, reliable with excellent service.

✔ Bamboo Airways – A newer airline offering both economy and premium services.

✔ VietJet Air – Budget airline with frequent discounted flights.

✔ Pacific Airlines – Another low-cost option for domestic routes.

Travel Tip: Book flights at least 1-2 months in advance to get the best fares, especially during peak travel seasons (Tet holiday, summer months).

Enjoy a scenic train journey across Vietnam, passing mountains, beaches, and countryside! — Enjoy a **scenic train journey** across Vietnam, passing mountains, beaches, and countryside! - (Source: Collected)

2. Trains – A Scenic and Comfortable Option

Vietnam’s train system is an affordable and scenic way to travel, particularly along the coastline Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

2.1. The Reunification Express (Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City)

The Reunification Express runs Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at major cities like Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

⏳ Duration: 30+ hours for the full journey, but shorter segments (Hanoi to Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang) are popular.

Seat Classes: Soft seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers.

2.2. Best Train Routes for Tourists

✔ Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) – An overnight train to reach the mountains of Sapa.

✔ Hanoi to Da Nang – One of the most scenic coastal train rides in Vietnam.

✔ Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang – A beautiful seaside journey.

Travel Tip: Book soft sleeper cabins for long journeys for the most comfort. Tickets can be booked via Baolau.com or 12go.asia.

Affordable and convenient, Vietnams buses connect cities and towns with ease! — Affordable and convenient, **Vietnam’s buses** connect cities and towns with ease! - (Source: Collected)

3. Buses – Budget-Friendly but Can Be Long

Buses are an affordable way to travel in Vietnam, but journeys can be long and uncomfortable due to traffic and road conditions.

3.1. Types of Buses in Vietnam

Sleeper Buses – Ideal for long distances, with reclining seats.

Minibuses – Faster but often crowded (used for shorter intercity trips).

Local Buses – Cheap but not tourist-friendly due to language barriers.

3.2. Best Bus Companies for Tourists

✔ The Sinh Tourist – Popular for Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City routes.

✔ Futa Bus (Phuong Trang) – Reliable for travel in southern Vietnam.

✔ Sapa Express – Best for travel Hanoi to Sapa.

Travel Tip: Book bus tickets online or at bus stations. Avoid unreliable, non-branded buses that may overcharge tourists.

Explore Vietnam like a local! Rent a motorbike and ride through stunning landscapes. — Explore Vietnam like a local! **Rent a motorbike** and ride through stunning landscapes - (Source: Collected)

4. Motorbike Rentals – The Best Way for Adventurers

Renting a motorbike is a great way to explore Vietnam at your own pace, but it’s not recommended for beginners due to chaotic traffic.

4.1. Best Motorbike Routes in Vietnam

Ha Giang Loop – A stunning 3-5 day ride through mountainous landscapes.

Hoi An to Hue (via Hai Van Pass) – A famous coastal road trip.

Da Lat to Nha Trang – A scenic route through pine forests and waterfalls.

4.2. Where to Rent a Motorbike

✔ Tigit Motorbikes – Offers long-term rentals and cross-country trips.

✔ Flamingo Travel – Reputable company in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Travel Tip: Always wear a helmet, check your insurance coverage, and ensure your bike is in good condition before starting long trips.

Need a ride? Grab is the easiest way to book taxis and motorbikes in Vietnam! — Need a ride? **Grab** is the easiest way to book taxis and motorbikes in Vietnam! - (Source: Collected)

5. Grab vs. Traditional Taxis – Which One is Better?

Vietnam has two main ways to get around cities: ride-hailing apps (Grab, Be, Gojek) and traditional taxis.

5.1. Grab (Best for Tourists)

✔ Affordable and safe – No need to bargain prices.

✔ Available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

✔ GrabBike (motorbike taxis) – A fast way to move through traffic.

5.2. Traditional Taxis (Use with Caution)

Best Taxi Companies:

✔ Vinasun – Reliable in Ho Chi Minh City.

✔ Mai Linh – Nationwide coverage.

Travel Tip: Always insist on using the meter when taking a taxi to avoid scams.

Hop in a traditional taxi for a quick and easy way to explore Vietnams cities! — Hop in a **traditional taxi** for a quick and easy way to explore Vietnam’s cities! - (Source: Collected)

6. Best Travel Routes for Different Itineraries

1-Week Itinerary:

✔ Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Ho Chi Minh City

Train or domestic flight recommended.

2-Week Itinerary:

✔ Hanoi → Sapa → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ho Chi Minh City

Mix of trains, flights, and motorbike rentals.

1-Month Itinerary (Full Vietnam Experience):

✔ Hanoi → Sapa → Ha Long Bay → Ninh Binh → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Nha Trang → Da Lat → Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Phu Quoc

✈️ Use flights for long distances, motorbikes for adventure routes.

Travel Tip: Use Baolau.com or 12go.asia to compare transportation options.

Final Thoughts

Vietnam offers a variety of transportation options, fast domestic flights to scenic train rides and adventurous motorbike trips. Whether you choose Grab, buses, or island-hopping ferries, this guide helps you navigate Vietnam like a pro.

Start planning your Vietnam adventure today!

Tags: best ways to get around Vietnam, how to travel in Vietnam, Vietnam transportation

Best Itinerary Services: 10-Day Vietnam Tour Itinerary: From North to South

Day 1-2: Hanoi – The Capital of Vietnam

Arrive in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel.
Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.
Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show.
Try local dishes like Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee.

⭐ Best Experience: A private street food tour through Hanoi’s bustling alleys.

Day 3-4: Halong Bay – A UNESCO Natural Wonder

Travel to Halong Bay for an overnight cruise.
Explore Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and floating fishing villages.
Enjoy kayaking, swimming, and a sunset dinner on board.
Return to Hanoi and fly to Da Nang.

⭐ Best Experience: Waking up to the sunrise over Halong Bay.

Day 5-7: Hoi An – The Ancient Lantern Town

Stroll through Hoi An Ancient Town, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge and old merchant houses.
Join a lantern-making workshop and take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.
Take a day trip to My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham civilization site.
Relax at An Bang Beach or visit the Marble Mountains in Da Nang.

⭐ Best Experience: Watching Hoi An light up with colorful lanterns at night.

Day 8-10: Ho Chi Minh City – The Vibrant Metropolis

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, explore Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s history.
Take a half-day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network the Vietnam War.
Enjoy the city’s nightlife with a Vespa street food tour or a Saigon River dinner cruise.

⭐ Best Experience: Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels and learning about the country’s war history.

Top 5 Must-Visit Destinations from North to South in Vietnam

Hanoi – The Cultural and Culinary Hub
Halong Bay – A UNESCO Natural Wonder
Hoi An – The Ancient Town of Lanterns
Ho Chi Minh City – The Modern Metropolis
Phu Quoc Island – A Tropical Paradise

As Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy. The city is famous for its colonial architecture, lively streets, and delicious street food.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple – A peaceful escape in the city center.
Old Quarter – Bustling streets filled with food stalls, shops, and historical landmarks.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – A must-visit for history lovers.

⭐ Best Experience: Taking a street food tour and trying Pho, Bun Cha, and Egg Coffee.

Halong Bay is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands.

A trip to Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without visiting Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – One of the largest and most beautiful caves.
Titop Island – A viewpoint offering a breathtaking panoramic view.
Floating Fishing Villages – Experience the local way of life.

⭐ Best Experience: Taking an overnight cruise and kayaking through hidden caves.

Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved old town, charming lantern-lit streets, and delicious cuisine.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Hoi An Ancient Town – Explore the Japanese Covered Bridge, traditional assembly halls, and ancient houses.
Tra Que Vegetable Village – Experience local farming life and a cooking class.
An Bang Beach – Relax on the beautiful sandy shores.

⭐ Must-Try Foods: Cao Lầu, Bánh Mì Phượng, White Rose Dumplings.

⭐ Best Experience: Taking part in a lantern-making workshop and releasing a lantern on the Thu Bon River.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic hub of Vietnam, known for its dynamic energy, skyscrapers, and historic landmarks.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office – Stunning French colonial architecture.
War Remnants Museum – A must-visit for history lovers.
Ben Thanh Market – A great place to shop and taste local food.

⭐ Best Experience: Exploring the city by Vespa at night and tasting local street food.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island, famous for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts.

⭐ Top Attractions:

Sao Beach & Long Beach – Pristine beaches with golden sand.
VinWonders & Safari – A family-friendly amusement park and wildlife sanctuary.
Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge – A romantic seaside attraction.

⭐ Best Experience: Watching the sunset at Ong Lang Beach while enjoying fresh seafood.