There are multiple means of Vietnam transport for you to choose from while traveling in this Southeast Asian country. In the cities, there are many taxis, buses and cyclos while in the countryside, motorcycling and cycling are often the means to pick. You can usually get where you want to go with ease and comfort, which makes your Vietnam travel as convenient as ever.
1. Vietnam transportation system: How to travel through Vietnam?
Vietnam is an S-shaped country with over 1,700 kilometers of travel distance from the Northern to the Southern region. To travel across the country, you can choose one of the following 2 means of Vietnam transport:
1.1. By plane
For those short on time, flying is the most convenient way to travel. It is worth noting that going by train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can take up to 30 hours; therefore, it is more advisable that you take a flight that lasts an hour or two so that you have more time to spend on your tour.
The ticket prices for domestic flights are surprisingly reasonable and there are daily flights to all the top destinations of the country. Vietnam Airlines is the national airline while VietJet, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines and Pacific Airlines all offer affordable deals on short-haul flights around the country.
1.2. By train
The train is a means of Vietnam transport that you should choose if you want to relax in your seat and admire the scenery along the way. The Northern and the Southern regions are connected by a 2,600-kilometer track under the management of Vietnam Railways. The train goes all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to the Chinese border in the North. There are four seat classes for you to choose from: soft seat, hard seat, soft sleeper and hard sleeper.
You can buy train tickets at the train station counters a few days or even months before your departure, depending on the route. You can also buy the tickets through many travel agents or Vietnam Railways’ official website. Note that tickets for children under 6 years old will be free, while children aged 6-10 will receive a 25% discount.
2. How do you get around in Vietnam with comfort?
Currently, the demand for tourism is ever increasing with many attractive destinations and tours. Here are some popular means of Vietnam transport that you can consider:
2.1. By motorbike - A popular means of transportation in Vietnam
As the most popular means of Vietnam transport, the motorbike is suitable for traveling short distances in both rural and urban areas like Ho Chi Minh City. It is also a solid option for adventurous travelers who enjoy long-distance biking and breathtaking views. New bikers should be careful on the streets of Vietnam and observe the local people's driving style, which you may find strange at times.
You can find motorbike rental shops in most cities. The price depends on the type and quality of the vehicle, often ranging from VND 150,000 to 300,000/day (about $6.5 - 13). If renting for more than a week, it is expected that you leave a deposit or your passport. To be on the safe side, do not park your motorbike at places without security staff, always wear a helmet and remember to get a parking ticket if you leave the bike in a parking lot.
2.2. By car - A convenient means of Vietnam transport
Car rental is becoming a new trend for travel enthusiasts. This means of Vietnam transport is loved by many people because of its convenience and comfort, because you can go wherever you want without any constraints. You can also change your itinerary on the spot to suit the weather conditions or your interests.
In Vietnam, there are many places to rent cars. You should consider your travel needs to choose the right vehicle. After making your choice, find and contact rental shops to make a contract. It is recommended that you inspect both the contract and the car carefully.
2.3. By bus - The best public transport in Vietnam
The bus is becoming more and more popular as a means of Vietnam transport, especially for budget travelers in the big cities of Vietnam.
Most buses start running quite early in the day, from 5 am or 5:30 am until 9:30 pm or 11 pm. The next bus usually comes 15-20 minutes after the last one. Sometimes at rush hour, there is a bus every 5-10 minutes, so tourists can have a lot of options to manage their schedule.
Another plus point is that the tickets of public buses are very cheap. It only takes VND 7,000 (about $0.3) for a ride in the inner city, so tourists should only have to spend no more than VND 50,000 (about $2) for a day of sightseeing. It is much more economical than other means of Vietnam transport such as taxi or motorbike taxi.
2.4. By taxi - A Vietnam transport service to try
Compared to traveling by plane and train, going by taxi will help you have much more control in terms of time and ensure your safety. It is safer to sit in a taxi driven by well-trained drivers with many years of professional experience than to steer the car yourself. This means of Vietnam transport is even more suitable if you enjoy watching the sights through a window.
Before taking a taxi, you should take note of the following:
- Beware of ingenuine taxis, only choose reliable taxi companies that you have learned about on the Internet
- Consult the prices of taxi companies in advance to choose the right taxi depending on your route and budget
- Take a photo of the license plate or even save the driver's number in case you forget your belongings on the taxi
2.5. By cyclo - A local transport in Vietnam for sightseeing
First appearing in 1939, the cyclo was a popular means of Vietnam transport in the old era. In the early years of the 20th century, only the aristocracy and the rich could afford to use cyclos to travel, which were only present in big cities at that time such as Saigon, Hanoi and Hue.
A cyclo is not like a motorbike or taxi. It is much slower. The passenger will feel like they are constantly swaying left and right while watching the streets along the way. It is these simple things that make many international tourists fall in love with this tranquil vehicle because it gives them a feeling of relaxation and fun. Some people even fall asleep on their ride.
No matter which means of Vietnam transport you choose, for each destination that you intend to go to in Vietnam, you should plan in advance regarding where to stay in order to have the best experience.
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You can note some hotels and resorts as follows:
- Vinpearl Phu Quoc: a complex located in Bai Dai beach, Phu Quoc - a place that preserves the wild beauty of nature
- Vinpearl Nha Trang: a resort complex and attractive destination stretching on one of the most beautiful bays in the world
- Vinpearl Hoi An: a destination covered by 1.3 kilometers of the pristine Binh Minh beach and located only about 15 kilometers away from Hoi An ancient town
- Vinpearl Da Nang: a wonderful destination with magnificent architecture, diverse utility services and super-beautiful views in the “worth-living” city
Vietnam transport is often a concern for many international tourists before their first trip to this beautiful country. Fortunately, with the above many means, you will surely be able to get around with ease and comfort.
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