How To Get Around In Vietnam?
How to Get Around in Vietnam?
There are several transport options for getting around during your stay in Vietnam: plane, train, bus, car, motorcycle, bicycle, boat, cyclo… Each mode of transport offers its own charm and a unique experience. Choose the means of transport that suits you based on your time, needs, budget, and itinerary in Vietnam. Here are the means of transport used by travelers in Vietnam:
Traveling by Plane
The plane is the fastest and most efficient way for long distances. However, it is also the most expensive compared to other means of transport. Vietnam has 22 airports, including a dozen international airports. Domestic air transport is provided by three companies: Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways, which offer numerous daily flights connecting major cities and tourist destinations.
Vietnam Airlines: Vietnam Airlines is a state-owned company with the best aircraft and service quality. It operates almost all domestic routes with Airbus and Boeing aircraft, except for some short routes with ATR 72 or Fokker planes. Baggage allowance includes 23kg checked luggage and 10kg cabin luggage. Vietnam Airlines is known for fewer unexpected changes and cancellations, except for bad weather conditions, and is appreciated for its quality of service and punctuality.
Vietjet Air: Vietjet Air is the first low-cost airline in Vietnam, operating almost all domestic routes with a high flight frequency. Baggage allowance is 7kg in the cabin, with additional baggage packages available starting from 20kg. Vietjet Air often offers the most attractive prices, but flight times are frequently modified, and changes or cancellations can occur without notice.
Bamboo Airways: Bamboo Airways offers good service and serves main routes between major airports such as Hanoi, Danang, Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Prices vary, and some tickets include 20kg of checked luggage, while cabin luggage allowance is 7kg for all ticket classes. Bamboo Airways is appreciated for its service quality and punctuality.
Traveling by Train
The train is a safer and more comfortable means of transport compared to buses and cheaper compared to planes. Traveling by train offers panoramic views and the beauty of the country, such as rice fields, villages, sand dunes, and mountain ranges. Overnight trains allow you to save on hotel costs. However, trains are slow and can be uncomfortable with limited networks. The Vietnam Railway Corporation manages the trains, while some premium wagons are operated by private companies like Chapa Express and Livitrains. These private wagons offer more comfort with two to four berths per cabin.
Traveling by Bus
Vietnam's road network has improved in recent years, making bus travel more comfortable. Buses are the cheapest and most economical long-distance transport, with city buses, provincial buses, luxury tourist buses, and sleeper buses available. Tourist buses from companies like Phuong Trang and The Sinh Tourist offer reasonable prices, while luxury options like Dcar Limousine provide more comfort with air-conditioned buses and Wi-Fi.
Traveling by Private Car
A private car is the fastest, most flexible, and comfortable means of transport in Vietnam, ideal for families or groups. Car rentals with drivers are available, though drivers often speak little to no foreign languages. Self-driving is possible with an international driving permit, but it is less common due to the need for a Vietnamese driving permit and the challenging local driving conditions.
Traveling by Taxi and Moto-Taxi
Taxis are widely available in major cities, with reputable companies like Mai Linh and Xanh SM. Moto-taxis (Xe Om) are also common and can be found everywhere. Mobile app-based taxi services like Grab, Gojek, and Be offer convenient and often cheaper alternatives to traditional taxis, with upfront pricing and driver information available in the app.
Traveling by Bicycle
Bicycles are a pleasant way to explore the countryside or mountains, providing peaceful landscapes and environmentally friendly transport. Bicycles can be easily rented at affordable prices, and some homestays or hotels offer free use of bicycles to their guests.
Traveling by Boat or Ferry
With a dense river network and over 3,000 km of coastline, water transport is significant in Vietnam. Ferries and speedboats connect various islands and mainland locations, offering popular routes such as Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island and Hoi An to Cham Island. Cruises in Ha Long Bay or the Mekong Delta provide relaxing and scenic experiences, with various durations available from day trips to multi-night stays on board.
For more detailed information on specific transport options, refer to the links and resources here