Vietnam Transportation

Thanks to economic development in the last 20 years, transportation in Vietnam has been improved to encourage the development of tourism. Many new roads, bridges and airports have been built in recent years which make getting around Vietnam much easier. With the good transportation system, you can enjoy your holiday in Vietnam more. 

How to access Vietnam?

As the Long Thanh International Airport has not been finished, there are only two official international airports in Vietnam. The first one is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and the second one is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Most foreign travelers access Vietnam through these two international airports.

Between Vietnam to Europe, there are Vietnam Airlines and Air France (to Paris). 

Travelers from other countries in Europe and North America normally will have a flight to Bangkok (Thailand) and then Vietnam. In the near future, there will be direct flights between Vietnam and America and other countries in Europe.

How to get around in Vietnam?

There are many ways to get around. Each option has its own advantage and disadvantage which will be listed in the following:

By plane

To save time and effort, travelers normally choose to travel by plane for long distance. They often choose to fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue or Danang or Nha Trang or Phan Thiet and vice versa.

Advantage:

- Safe

- Save time and effort 

- Enjoy spectacular scenery from above

Disadvantage:

- Frequent delays (if you choose to fly with Vietjet Air)

Vietnam Airlines 

By train

You can travel from the north to the south of Vietnam by train. The Unification Express offers a wide

Range Of Choices From Third-Class Hard Seat To Air-Conditioned Cushioned Seats To Sleeper Beds.

Advantage:

- Enjoy the scenery across the journey

Disadvantage:

- Slow, dirty and noisy (except for High-Class Train)

- Must book in advance

Sapa night train

By Taxi

Going by car is the most accessible way in Vietnam. In the past 3 years, the development of Grab and Uber in Vietnam makes getting around cities easier and cheaper. It is very easy for you to get in a taxi or a car in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City just by downloading Uber/Grab App from App Store or Google Store.

Advantage:

- Easy to access

- Cheap

Disadvantage:

- Frequently stuck in traffic jams in rush hour

- Can be more dangerous with traffic

Taxi in Hanoi

By local bus

Local buses in Vietnam are not recommended if you are not going with locals. To get on the bus, you must go to the bus station in the town center. Buses only leave when it is full of passengers. It means you will not have a comfortable seat. In addition, it is often old and dirty and sometimes unsafe (pickpocket, impolite drivers, high speed, etc.)

There are still high-class buses (Limousine cars) to travel from Hanoi to Sapa or Hai Phong but you must book in advance.

Advantage:

- Cheap

Disadvantage:

- Uncomfortable

- Unsafe

Local Bus in Vietnam

By car/van

A car/van is the most comfortable vehicle for your trip to Vietnam. Nowadays, most of the car and van in Vietnam are good and new and that is easy for you to book your tour operator to arrange the car with a guide or without a tour guide.

Advantage

- Comfortable

- Convenient

Disadvantage

- High price

Private Van

By cruise

In the recent years, traveling by cruise has become more and more popular especially the Halong Bay Cruise and Mekong Cruise. You can choose which cruise based on your budget from a 3 star to a 5-star cruise.

Advantage:

- Comfortable

- Unforgettable experience

- Standard service

Disadvantage:

- Quite expensive

- Not suitable for people with seasickness

Halong Bay overnight cruise