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Means Of Transportation In Vietnam: 2024 Update For Travelers
Means Of Transportation In Vietnam: 2024 Update For Travelers
Vietnam's transportation systems offer travelers several ways to reach every corner of the country. Traveling by air, land, and water is easy and affordable.
For long distances, taking a flight or train is the best option. For shorter journeys, you can rent a car, taxi, bus, motorbike, and more. Vietnam's transportation on water is also well-developed due to its long and beautiful coastline.
This article will provide all the information you need about transportation in Vietnam. Depending on your demands, preferences, and travel budget, you can choose the option that makes your trip comfortable and enjoyable.
Transportation to travel across Vietnam
Airplanes: The most convenient way for long-haul trips
Air travel is the most convenient way to make long-haul trips in Vietnam. While it’s also the most expensive option, flights are often the best choice for those with limited time. Vietnam boasts a well-built network of domestic flights, with several airlines and airports serving travelers.
Daily direct flights connect cities and provinces at affordable prices. Airfares typically range from around 1 million to 4 million VND (approximately $42-160) per passenger for one-way tickets. If you’re lucky, you might find even cheaper fares. Remember that prices during holidays, weekends, or peak seasons tend to be higher.
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In addition to Vietnam Airlines (the flag carrier), you can purchase tickets from other carriers such as Vietjet Air (a renowned low-cost airline), and Vietravel Airlines. Many of these airlines offer online check-in services at various airports, saving you time.
Note: Pacific Airlines temporarily suspended operations from March 18, 2024.
Trains: Sitting still and sightseeing all the way
If you have time and want to admire Vietnam’s beauty at a moderate speed, no transportation would be better than a train. Vietnam Railways manages a 2,600-kilometer track connecting the North and the South.
You have four seat options: soft seat, hard seat, soft sleeper, and hard sleeper. The prices range from about 1 million to 1.6 million VND ($42-66) one way between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling between these two big cities at an average speed of 40km/h takes around 30 hours.
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Tickets can be purchased online via Vietnam Railways’ official website or directly at the railway station counters for a few days or more before your departure. Kids under 6 years old won’t be charged. They will share the same seats with accompanying adults. Those aged 6-10 will get a 25% discount.
Sleeper buses: Flexible and less crowded
Sleeper buses are an emerging transportation option in Vietnam thanks to various routes, services, flexibility, and easy access. They are available for long-distance and medium trips, covering hundreds to thousands of kilometers. The prices depend on the bus company, the route, and the seat class. They can vary from $10 to less than $40.
Sleeper buses offer not more than 40 seats, so there’s no need to worry about crowds. You can easily book the service via the company’s official website, hotline, or directly at its counters. In addition, you can be picked up from your place and dropped off by transit vehicles, which is very convenient.
One disadvantage is that you cannot expect much space on a bus for dozens of people. Moreover, there is no restroom, so you must use public WCs at stop stations.
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Transportation to go around in Vietnam
Buses: The cheapest public transportation in Vietnam
Buses are popular in the big cities in Vietnam. They are also available in other provinces, but you must wait quite long to catch one. Buses often start running early, from 5 or 5:30 AM, and stop serving from 10 or even 11 PM. In the big cities, you can catch a bus every 5-15 minutes. It can be 20-30 minutes in the countryside.
Public buses are the ideal means of transportation for budget travelers in Vietnam. The prices are surprisingly cheap. For a ride within the city, you need to spend only under $0.3.
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Private cars: Convenient and comfortable
A rented car is a great transportation choice for a small group wanting to take control of their journey. They can go wherever they like and flexibly change the itinerary if needed.
Using a rented car, you will have a private space to talk and have fun together along the way. In Vietnam, it is not difficult to rent cars. Just remember to make a contract with the rental shops.
The average prices range from 1-2 million VND (around $40-80) per day, depending on the shops, whether you need a 4- or 7-seat car, the time of day, etc. They will be more expensive on weekends or holidays.
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Taxi services: Take you to anywhere you want
Calling a taxi is a good option if you need to travel a short distance around one destination in Vietnam. It is better and safer than driving alone, especially in crowded and busy cities like Hanoi or Saigon.
To avoid scams, contact reliable Vietnamese taxi brands such as Vinasun or Mai Linh. You can check the price in advance on the Internet and with the taxi driver to ensure it is reasonable.
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Another choice is the tech-based taxi services like Grab, Be, Xanh SM, etc., which are super convenient to book via mobile apps.
Motorbikes: Free to explore every part of Vietnam
Motorbikes are the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam. They are suitable for adventurous tourists who love freedom and thrilling experiences. You can rent a motorbike at a rental shop for about $6-12 per day. There are motorbike rental shops in almost every city and tourist attraction in Vietnam.
Remember always to wear a helmet, remove the key when not in use, and not park your motorbike unattended. You will also get a parking ticket if you leave your motorbike in a parking lot.
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Bicycles: A sustainable transportation
Many places in Vietnam are perfect for discovering on a bicycle, such as Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Mekong Delta, and more. On two-wheeled journeys, you can easily find and reach the “hidden gems” of Vietnam, from small villages to big cities. You will enjoy every moment slowly and relaxingly. You can improve your health and contribute to protecting the environment.
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Rental fees are only one or some US dollars a day. You can rent bicycles at rental shops, homestays, or via a mobile app. Currently, TNGo is the most popular app for public bicycles in many famous destinations in Vietnam.
Ferries: Transportation on water
Ferries are a fast means of transportation to beach and island destinations in Vietnam, such as Vung Tau and Phu Quy Island. You can avoid traffic jams and admire the elegant beauty of Vietnam’s sea.
For instance, a ferry takes only two hours to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau. The average cost is around $10. You should buy tickets at the reliable company’s counter or website.
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Note: The prices are listed at the writing time and for reference only.
When traveling in Vietnam, you have a variety of transportation options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. In addition to the previously mentioned modes of transportation, you may also want to consider trying a cyclo or utilizing the services of traditional motorbike drivers ("xe om"). It's advisable to negotiate prices upfront before finalizing any bookings. We hope that regardless of the transportation option you choose in Vietnam, you have a fantastic and memorable experience!