Vietnam Transport & Getting Around

Transport & Getting Around

Vietnam has three international airports located at Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. Direct flights are available from many countries and form an integral part of Vietnam's established tourism industry. Internal flights between these and other airports are also available for those looking to move about quickly.

For those traveling on a budget, long and short range bus services provide a cheap and convenient way to move about and take in the countryside at the same time. These can be booked at the many travel agents located within the cities or through the reception desk of your hotel. On most routes you will find a mixture of both conventional buses and 'sleeper' buses available, with the later offering travelers more room to stretch out on long trips.

The best way to see Vietnam while traveling, though, is aboard the Reunification Express train service that runs between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The landscape along the way varies between built-up city, urban, rural and deep forest, with the stretch between Da Nang and Hue along the coastal mountain range particularly breathtaking. Again there are a number of travel options available, ranging from economy seats to 6 and 4 person sleeper carts, with the cost increasing accordingly. Some lines include privately run luxury carriages for those seeking the option.

Within the cities of Vietnam, taxi cars, cyclos (bicycle-powered carriages) and for the brave, motorbike taxis or "xe-ohms" are all readily available. Driving yourself is not normally recommended as traffic is chaotic and requires experience to navigate successfully. Helmets must be worn by law when on motorbikes and operators usually carry a spare for passengers. In rural areas vehicle hire is sometimes available, though more often than not comes with a driver's services included in the cost, so simply being a regular passenger of an operator service is the better option.