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Transportation options in Vietnam:

Transportation in Vietnam can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience. The country is known for its bustling traffic and unconventional road practices, making it a thrilling adventure for travelers.

Embracing the concept that almost everyone, everywhere is in a rush, navigating through Vietnam’s traffic can be hassle-free. However, it’s essential to brace yourself mentally for the unconventional road behaviors exhibited by the locals. Adhering to traffic rules is often disregarded, and it’s not uncommon to witness motorcycles riding on sidewalks or going against one-way traffic.

It’s worth noting that major city centers, particularly well-known ones, may showcase a semblance of sensible driving and adherence to traffic regulations. In these areas, you might encounter a collective outbreak of responsible driving. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remain calm and composed throughout your journey.

While transportation in Vietnam may seem chaotic, embracing the unique charm of the country’s bustling traffic can enhance your overall travel experience. By staying calm and adapting to the local norms, you can navigate through the streets safely and enjoy the rich cultural tapestry that Vietnam has to offer.

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🎫 Book your train / bus / ferry tickets in Vietnam online + Schedule:

(You can change your departure, arrival, date of departure…eg. Hanoi to Ha Giang, Hanoi to Cat Ba…)

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1️⃣ How to book tickets and flights for transport in Vietnam?

• • You can book tickets and flights for transport in Vietnam easily online on Baolau or 12go.asia.

2️⃣ Where to search and book international flights to Vietnam?

• • You can search and book international and cheap flights + hotels and other deals with Cheapoair.

3️⃣ What’s the most popular form of transportation in Vietnam?

• • The main transportation in Vietnam – you can use train, bus/van, plane, ferry, taxi, private vehicle/car or motorbike. In many cases you will use a combination of the above mentioned means of transport.

4️⃣ Where to search + rent a motorbike in Vietnam?

• • You can search your motorbike for Vietnam easily online on Bikesbooking.

5️⃣ How much does transportation cost in Vietnam?

• • Transportation in Vietnam is cheap. Bus or train tickets are cheap and you can book tickets easily online. There are also luxury buses, minivans and trains, this type of transportation may be more expensive.

6️⃣ What is the most cheapest option of transportation in Vietnam?

• • The most cheapest way of transportation in Vietnam are buses (tourist buses or local buses). Another cheap option is a soft or hard seat in the train of Vietnam Railways.

7️⃣ Is Grab available in Vietnam?

• • Yes, Grab is available in Vietnam, but only in the big cities (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang…) and it is very popular by tourists. But sometimes, in the big city, it is not so safe to travel on motorbike with driver of Grab.

8️⃣ What is the best option to get around Vietnam?

• • The best way for travelers, how to travel and explore Vietnam, is to travel by train, but the railway routes are limited. So, another option is to travel by bus or private vans, minivans.

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Travelers can use transfer by bus, train, taxi, ferry or plane in Vietnam.

In addition to the chaotic traffic, Vietnam offers various transportation options for travelers. The most popular mode of transportation is motorbikes, which provide flexibility and convenience for navigating through the bustling streets. Renting a motorbike is a common choice for tourists, allowing them to explore the country at their own pace.

For longer distances, Vietnam has an extensive bus network connecting major cities and towns. Buses are an affordable option and provide a glimpse into the local way of life. However, be prepared for crowded conditions and occasionally erratic driving. It is also possible to travel by private taxi/car or speedboats and ferries.

Another mode of transportation gaining popularity is train travel. Vietnam has a well-developed railway system that offers scenic journeys and comfortable cabins for long-distance travel. Trains provide a relaxed and immersive experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes between destinations.

GRAB or Go-Jek – alternative taxi services for less than half price.

• • great mobile applications and taxi, motorbike services (apps for Android and iOS)
  • you will save your credit card to your private secure account so you do not need any cash
  • you can book your ride with the application, select the location where do you want to go
  • within a few minutes the driver will pick you up, take a ride and after you get a receipt by email
  • you need to have mobile internet, buy a prepaid SIM card with 3G Internet
  • in Vietnam you can use Grab and GoJek in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (more information on websites)
  • information about Uber in Vietnam (according to media reports from February 2018, Uber pass its activities to Grab, more info)

Motorbike or scooter is the most widely used means of transport in Vietnam.

You will probably also use the services of buses, which are very widespread, also trains or taxis. If you use a motorbike for transport and Google Maps, watch out for road markings. Some small roads can be displayed as main roads, but when you get there, it can be a very difficult to pass dirt road (especially in remote areas). The traffic in Vietnam can sometimes be dangerous, personally, I’ve seen only one minor traffic accident in Hanoi, and it was only a fender bender 🙂

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1. TRAVELING ON A MOTORBIKE IN VIETNAM:

• • from 2015 you need to have international driving licence
  • the best and cheapest option for transportation in Vietnam is to rent or buy a motorbike
  • a good way only for the most experienced motorbike drivers, do not drive without any driving skills!
  • rent a motorbike costs from $7-15 / 1 day (this price applies if you rent a motorbike for 1-4 days, if you rent a motorbike for 1 month, the price is greatly reduced).
  • you will see thousands of motorbikes and confusing chaos in Hanoi motorbikes ride in the wrong direction, along the sidewalks/ pavements, on paths, etc … be careful !
  • if you do not want to drive, you can ask someone with a motorbike (mototaxi)
  • when you rent a motorbike or take a bus you will see very intersting and out of the way places
  • when you rent a motorbike, check it and take a picture in front of the dealer
  • wear a motorbike helmet, ride slowly and very carefully, the roads are dangerous in some remote areas
  • check the traffic situation in front of you, traffic in Vietnam is unpredictable
  • in mountainous areas it is better to rent a motorbike with a bigger engine
  • the most popular model is Honda, I personally tried these several times without any problem
  • take at least a basic set of tools for a motorbike
    

⚠️ Warning: In the Ha Giang province, the police have recently increased road checks due to tourists driving without a license and occasional accidents involving these tourists. You may be stopped by the traffic police, and they will request valid documents. If you don’t have the necessary documents to drive a motorcycle, including an international driver’s license for the specific type of motorcycle, you may face fines, and unfortunately, your motorcycle may be confiscated. Similar situations cannot be ruled out in other areas as well.

Where to rent or buy a motorbike in Vietnam?

You can buy or rent a motorbike mainly in the center of big cities and tourists spots. Outside the shop is a row of motorbikes and the inscription „Motorbike for sale / rent“, it is a clear signal,  there is a bike shop. Vietnamese – „Xe máy“ = Motorcycle, „Cho thuê xe máy“ = Motorcycle Rentals.

Sale/Rent of motorbikes, /certified companies + websites + expats:

you can search and book your motorbike with BIKESBOOKING.com ➜
motorbike rental (+motorbike tours)  in Hanoi+Ha Giang, Da Nang (good reference) – RENTABIKEVN.com
rent or buy motorbike in Ha Giang (good reference) – QT Motorbikes + Tours
 sale and rental of motorbikes in Hanoi (good reference) – Phung Motorbike / Tigitmotorbikes

 a good website where travelers sell motorbikes in Vietnam – Travelswop
 motorbikes for sale or rent in Vietnam (Facebook group) – Backpacking Vietnam by bike
 motorbikes for sale or rent in Vietnam (Facebook group) – Vietnam Backpacker Sales
 sale and rental of motorbikes in Vietnam – Vietnam Craigslist
 motorbikes for sale in Vietnam – Expats

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜

Motorcycles for sale or rent in Vietnam:

Brand	Information
HONDA	Favorite brand of motorcycles in Vietnam Considered reliable by travelers (Honda Win, Honda GS Neotech) Many copies from China (indicated mark in registration papers) Price based on age and use, around $500 with newer models being more expensive Parts and service available widely Good choices for traveling: Honda Blade, Honda Wave, Honda Future (semi-automatic) Honda Win: manual, cheap but not reliable, can be used to store your backpack
SUZUKI	Widespread brand of motorcycles in Vietnam Parts and service available widely Suzuki GS 125 ccm is a good choice for two people on a motorcycle Price is about the same as Honda
MINSK	Very old and considered „cool“ motorbike Suitable for very low-budget travelers More easily correctable faults but not too reliable Price ranges from $100 to $400
YAMAHA	Mio and Nuovo models dominate in Vietnam Widespread brand of motorcycles in Vietnam Stronger types of motorbikes for motocross or difficult terrain
PIAGGIO	Piaggio Vespa is a classic and stylish option for city travel in Vietnam Known for its comfortable seating and smooth riding experience Available for rent in major cities and tourist areas Ideal for exploring urban areas and coastal regions
SYM	SYM Attila and SYM Symphony are popular choices for rent Reliable and suitable for city commuting and short excursions SYM Orbit and SYM Joyride are other options available for rent

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⚠️ What you should know about traveling on a motorbike:

The government was working on accepting international driving licenses (IDP) from 2015. Unfortunately, there is no final confirmation or further instruction from the Ministry of Transport. Vietnamese driving licences are mandatory for riders of motorcycles with a capacity of over 50cc. You need A1 license for under 175cc or A2 licence for over 175cc. Currently, it’s near impossible to have a Vietnamese motorbike license if you travel on a tourist visa. You need a business visa, a work permit and/or a residence card. Then it is possible to transfer your International driving license into a Vietnamese motorbike license. In practice, the Vietnamese police rarely stop foreign tourists on motorbikes and enforce the requirement for a Vietnamese motorbike license. But, it is still a good idea to take with you an international driving license.

since 2015 in Vietnam – a new international driver’s license – get it!
if you have an accident and need your travel insurance, an international driving license is necessary
you can rent more powerful motorbike without a license – the seller is not inerested in a licence
if you have an accident and you dont have an international driver’s license and travel insurance – you pay all the costs
no insurance exists for foreign tourists for the motorbikes themselves in Vietnam
if you want to buy a motorcycle, try to look beyond the big tourist centers or certified partners
when you buy or rent a motorbike you need to get the registration papers (Blue Vietnamese registration card)
for traveling I recommend a semi-automatic motorbike

2. TRAVEL BY BUS / VAN IN VIETNAM:

• • there are different types of buses of different companies: minibuses, city buses, tourist buses, long-distance night buses
  • buses in Vietnam run almost everywhere and often, with the exception of mountain areas, I recommend you ask the people locally (Vietnamese language is sometimes necessary)
  • some buses are in good condition and comfortable, night buses are adapted for lying down
  • a cheap option of traveling in Vietnam
  • sometimes its a long drive, especially in mountain areas
  • buses often fail to comply with the exact times of departure / arrival
  • lots of drivers drive like lunatics
  • when traveling to Sapa from Lao Cai train station, you meet travel agents when leaving the train. I recommend not taking their minibuses., it is far better to go with a local bus for 1/5 of the price
  • lots of buses from Hanoi go to the various provinces, take a look at the map of Hanoi

Bus Types in Vietnam:	Description
Local City Bus	Affordable buses that operate within city limits, serving the local population for daily commuting.
Intercity Bus	Long-distance buses connecting different cities and towns across Vietnam, offering comfortable travel for passengers.
Sleeper Bus	Buses equipped with reclining seats or beds, suitable for overnight journeys between major cities, providing sleeping arrangements for passengers.
Open Tour Bus	Tourist buses that travel along popular routes, such as the north-south route, offering flexibility for travelers to hop on and off at various destinations.
Mini Bus	Small-sized buses or vans used for short-distance transportation, often used for private hire or group tours.
Express Bus	High-speed buses that provide quick and direct transportation between major cities, reducing travel time for passengers.

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How to book and buy bus tickets for Vietnam?

• • book and buy bus or train e-tickets on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜ (recommended websites for travelers and tourists, train, bus or ferry tickets + flights)
    
  • a well-known bus companies Hoang Long, TheSinh Tourist, Futabus, EcoSapa, InterBus Lines, Kumho Samco, Sapa Shuttle bus…and many other companies you will find in Baolau and 12go
    
  • the advantage of these search engines > always current timetables and ticket prices (do not rely on the advice of different travel bloggers on the internet who write the times of departing buses or trains, these information may no longer be up to date)
    
  • Baolau  is recommended in Lonely Planet, by Tripadvisor and Vietnam Airlines
  • tickets for Vietnam on Baolau and 12go.asia can only be bought online (Mastercard, Visa cards or Paypal accepted)
  • you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus

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Bus from Hanoi to Sapa + Tickets:

The fastest way is to use a day and night direct bus from Hanoi. You will find Hanoi bus stationso n the map, see the article about Hanoi. Buses depart from Hanoi to Sapa (Lao Cai) from various bus stations. You can also use several private company buses departing from other places. Prices range from $ 12-18 per ride to Sapa. Times, prices and possible reservations of some companies – eg. Sapaexpress or Sapaethnic, Sapa Shuttlebus. EcoSapa, Hoang Long, or Sapa Shuttlebus, Hung Thanh… and other buses you can book and buy tickets online on Baolau or 12go.asia.

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Bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang + Tickets:

A direct buses from Hanoi to Ha Giang town. Now, the best option is to buy a bus ticket online. From the half of 2017 it is possible to book and buy bus tickets to Ha Giang online on Baolau or 12go.asia.

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Bus from the Noi Bai Airport to Hanoi:

• • May 2016 – new bus No.86 new comfortable buses with wifi, which regularly directly connects the main railway station in Hanoi (Le Duan Street) to NoiBai Airport. The price is around $ 1.35, more info about these buses and departure times
  • public buses – No.7 ends at the station Cau Giay, No. 17 ends at the Long Bien Station, No. 90 ends at the Kim Ma station (buses run from 5 to 22 o´clock, every 15 minutes)
  • minibuses by Vietnam Airlines (the end station is at the Vietnam Airlines office in the street Quang Trung in the south of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi (Airport taxi), the price is $ 2, or when you are going to another hotel it costs $4)

3. TRAVEL BY TRAIN IN VIETNAM:

• • Vietnamese trains have been extensively upgraded or renovated
  • Vietnam Railways – are the state-owned operator of the railway system
  • a relatively cheap and safe option of transport in Vietnam
  • Vietnamese trains are mostly clean, but not too fast and some are not very comfortable (“Hard seat“ labeled)
  • high-quality and comfortable trains with sleeper cabs (4-6) marked as SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4
  • air conditioned coaches with comfortable seats (Dièu Hòa – Air-conditioned soft seats)
  • Vietnam does not have a large network coverage, but does connect north and south, Vietnam Railway Map 2024
    
  • you can also check Vietnam Train Map in Google Maps
  • you can buy snacks and also food in the trains (coffee, beer, water, snack, food …)

Train Type in Vietnam:	Description
SE	South-North Reunification Express: The main train service in Vietnam, connecting Ho Chi Minh City in the south to Hanoi in the north, with multiple stops along the way.
TN	Local Train: Slow-moving trains that operate on shorter routes, serving local communities and making frequent stops at smaller stations.
DT	Day Train: Trains that primarily operate during the day, allowing passengers to enjoy scenic views during their journey.
NT	Night Train: Overnight trains equipped with sleeper cabins, offering comfortable accommodations for long-distance travel between major cities.
LC	Local Commuter Train: Trains that provide transportation for daily commuters within city suburbs or nearby towns.
SP	Speed Train: High-speed trains that offer faster travel times between certain destinations, providing efficient transportation for passengers.

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How to book and buy train tickets for Vietnam?

• • it is better to book and buy train tickets in advance on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜, train tickets can be sold out
  • Baolau > recommended in Lonely Planet, Vietnam Airlines, Gapyear, TripAdvisor (I also recommend this company)
  • tickets can be also purchased directly at the station (but some trains are often sold out)
  • the most frequented routes and schedule > Vietnam Train Schedule
    when traveling in Vietnam, definitely try Vietnamese trains
  • do not buy train tickets outside the station from the dealers, now it is very easy to buy tickets online

⚠️ If you want to go with the official Vietnamese Railways trains or tourist companies and want the minimum stress for buying tickets then buy e-tickets in Baolau or 12go.asia. Keep the ticket in a mobile phone or tablet (you can get away without printing it, but if you have the opportunity its better to print it) and then just get on the train. If you buy train tickets of private companies for tourist trains to Lao Cai (Orient Express, Sapaly, Chapa, King Express…), you must pick it up at the station. Read carefully all information before you buy tickets.

Baolau – Search and book tickets easily online

• • a specialist for tickets, flights mainly in Vietnam (also tickets for Cambodia and Laos)
  • Baolau company recommended in Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor, Vietnam Airlines and Gapyear
  • you can choose a seat in a train, you can use your online tickets in your smarphone in Vietnam
  • if you order and buy an train ticket at these companies for tourist trains (Orient Express, Sapaly, Chapa …), you must pick it up at the station
  • the final price of the ticket will show before your order (before starting of paid transaction)

12go.asia  – Search and book tickets easily online

• • a specialist for tickets mainly in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, China (+train tickets)..
  • from 2018, you can also book train tickets for China
  • you can use an online train ticket in Vietnam + Thailand in your smarphone
  • if you order an train ticket at these companies for tourist trains in Vietnam (Orient Express, Sapaly, Chapa …), you must pick it up at the station
  • advantage: immediately after your search, this final price of the ticket and the fees will shown
  • in the search of this website you will see also a photos of the trains and ratings

NORTHERN VIETNAM CURRENTLY HAS THE FOLLOWING TRAIN ROUTES:

Hanoi – Lao Cai (Sapa)
Hanoi – Dong Dang (Lang Son province)
Hanoi – Haiphong (Halong Bay, Cat Ba island)
Hanoi – Quan Trieu
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ho Chi Minh City

• the busiest route is Hanoi – Lao Cai, in the north direction (Sapa, Bac Ha, Ha Giang)
• you can take the train from Hanoi to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) – the journey takes up to 35 hours (direct line)

TYPES OF SEATS AND BERTHS IN VIETNAMESE TRAINS:

Hard seat – hard wooden seats with air-conditioning in the cabin
Soft seat – soft and comfortable seats with air-conditioning in the cabin
Hard sleeper – hard bed in the cabin, pillow+cover, shared with 3 or 5 other people
Soft sleeper – soft bed in the cabin, pillow+cover, shared with 3 or 5 other people
4 berths cabin – 4 persons share one cabin
2-4 or 6 berths cabin – Soft sleeper (Deluxe, VIP…) – luxury tourist trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai – Sapa

The night trains from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa):

Many travelers go to Sapa (Lao Cai train station) by the overnight trains. These trains may be from Vietnam Railways with less comfort (ofic.viet.railways) or also from private tourist companies, 2-4 or 6 seats or berth cabin in the train, but also more expensive (Orient Express, King Express, Fansipan, Sapaly, PV2…).

Train to Lao Cai from Hanoi:	Information
Vietnam Railways	Ticket price from 155,000 – 190,000 VND / 1 person, soft seat Ticket price of 400,000 VND / 1 person, soft berth in 4-bed cabin
Private Companies	Ticket price from 600,000+ VND / 1 person, soft sleeper in 2-bed or 4-bed cabin Better quality and service Some trains have 2-bed luxury VIP cabins

Personally, I travelled the route Hanoi – Lao Cai by the tourist Orient Express train (21.40 to 6.00 hrs.). There is a toilet, very clean, you get a light snack with a drink and warm blanket. There are 2 and 4 berth cabins. However, it is slightly more expensive than a traditional Vietnamese train. If you want to travel by these tourist luxury or regular trains to Lao Cai – buy train tickets at Baolau or 12go.asia.

BAOLAU – trains, flights, buses + online ticket booking

Baolau is a well-known and well-proven online reservation service for tickets. It searches for the all possible connections, quick purchase, reliability. It is possible to book tickets online, the website is in english language. Reservation is possible only when the official Vietnam Railways (Vietnam Railways) will open reservations. Some trains on the website can be “not available“ (eg. trains that will run for up to 60 days), so try selecting a reservation later.

After buying a ticket, you receive 2 emails. One email is your order and the second email is your e-ticket. Print your e-ticket. Prices for a ticket for a child under 6 years of age is 50% of the ticket price. Check also the frequently asked questions on Baolau for more and new updates.

Baolau also offers tickets to neighboring countries – Cambodia – flights + buses + train + ferry, Laos – flights + bus, Thailand – flights + train, Taiwan – flights. Check out the full map of coverage: flights, buses, trains, ferry. Next places will probably slowly increase.

Train tickets from Baolau:

Baolau integrates ticket booking for trains operated by China Railway (China), Vietnam Railways (Vietnam), Royal Railway (Cambodia), State Railway of Thailand (Thailand), KTM Berhad (Malaysia) and private railway companies Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express, New Livitrans Express, Violette Train and Saigon Golden Train (Vietnam).

At the end of the booking process you will receive the official tickets, which you can use to board the train. Baolau supports Online Payment and accepts international credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Union Pay, Alipay.

For bookings with Vietnam Railways, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print and present when boarding the train.

For bookings with China Railway, Royal Railway and private railway companies Victoria Express, Fanxipan Express, King Express, Orient Express, Sapaly Express, Chapa Express and Saigon Golden Train, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.

For bookings with the international railway service Hanoi-Nanning-Beijing, you will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive a voucher by email to collect the physical ticket at the station before boarding the train.

Bus tickets from Baolau:

Baolau integrates ticket booking for buses for domestic and international bus routes in southeast Asia. At the end of the booking process you will receive the official tickets, which you can use to board the bus.

You will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus.

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Flights from Baolau:

Baolau integrates ticket booking for domestic and international flights. You will be required to complete the payment before submitting your order. Your reservation will be processed and you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present at the check-in counter of the airport before boarding the plane.

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Ferry and boat tickets from Baolau:

You can book e-tickets from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, from Ha Long to Quan Lan Island, from Cai Rong to Quan Lan Island or Co To Island, from Saigon to Vung Tau and ferries to Phu Quoc, Nam Du Island, Hon Son or Con Dao. Boats from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

4. TRAVEL BY PRIVATE TAXI IN VIETNAM:

• • especially in Hanoi taxis are relatively widespread
  • price for 1 km about 15 000 – 20 000 viet.dongs
  • Vietnam has plenty of official but also unofficial taxi companies
  • it can be difficult to find a taxi in smaller towns, in mountain areas it is practically impossible
  • a bit of an expensive option for traveling, however, prices are low (for example: drive from the Noi Bai airport to Hanoi (Old Quarter) – about $15)
  • Mai Linh, Vinasun, Taxi Group, ABC are recommended companies in Hanoi but also in another cities
  • ask the driver for a meter, insist on the meter, watch the meter as you move, especially in Hanoi as there are well known stories where a taximeter jumps while driving and raises the price
  • take a variety of banknotes, drivers can say they do not have change
  • take a mobile phone with map and GPS navigation, the driver can take you to a different place (eg. same hotel name)
  • I did not have any problems personally with taxis in Hanoi, but be very careful!

Taxi Company	Information
Vinasun	One of the largest and most reputable taxi companies in Vietnam Recognizable by their green and white taxis Well-trained and professional drivers Use of meters for transparent fare calculation 24/7 service available in major cities
Grab	Popular ride-hailing service in Vietnam Convenient and easy-to-use mobile app for booking rides Offers various vehicle options including cars, motorbikes, and taxis Transparent pricing and estimated fares Cashless payment options
Mailinh	Well-established taxi company in Vietnam Recognizable by their white and green taxis Experienced and courteous drivers 24/7 service available in major cities Multiple payment options including cash and card
GrabCar	Part of the Grab platform offering car-hailing services Similar to Grab, but dedicated to car transportation Convenient and reliable rides for individuals and groups Wide coverage across various cities in Vietnam Cashless payment options

5. TRAVEL ON A BICYCLE IN VIETNAM:

• • Bicycle is useful in areas of lowland plains and rice fields
  • in the hot weather, it is not too useful
  • mainly in mountainous areas it can be rather dangerous
  • I do not recommend renting a bike in Hanoi or Saigon, as driving is dangerous here
  • the cost is approximately $5 / 1 day
  • Many hotels, guesthouses, and rental shops offer bicycles for a reasonable price
  • Cycling offers a unique opportunity to interact with locals and experience Vietnam’s rich culture up close
  • Cycling gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and deviate from the beaten path
  • If you prefer a guided experience, numerous tour operators offer cycling tours in Vietnam
  • While cycling in Vietnam can be a wonderful experience, it’s essential to prioritize safety

!!! Be aware of traffic rules and local road etiquette, and always ride defensively. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for your protection. Stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, and apply sunscreen as the weather can be hot and humid. If you’re not confident cycling in busy cities, consider starting your journey in more rural or less congested areas. Major cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are increasingly developing dedicated cycling lanes and paths to promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.

6. TRAVEL BY PLANE IN VIETNAM:

• • use only for departure and arrival, or crossing to south – Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) or to other neighboring countries
  • flight from Hanoi to Saigon fly all through the day (price for flight $40-60, the flight takes about 2 hours)
  • you can also buy flight tickets to neighboring countries (Laos, Thailand, Cambodia …)
  • domestic flights or flights to the neighbouring countries you can buy on Baolau or 12go.asia

Airlines in Vietnam:	Information
Vietnam Airlines	National flag carrier of Vietnam Extensive domestic and international flight network Wide range of services and cabin classes Member of the SkyTeam airline alliance Well-regarded for safety and reliability
Pacific Airlines	Low-cost airline based in Vietnam Offers domestic and international flights Part of the Jetstar Airways network Focus on affordability and value Flexible fare options and add-ons
Vietjet Air	Private low-cost airline in Vietnam Operates domestic and international flights Known for vibrant branding and promotional activities Offers competitive fares and frequent promotions Expanding route network within Vietnam and Southeast Asia
Bamboo Airways	Newly established airline in Vietnam Operates domestic and international flights Focus on comfort and quality of service Expanding route network and fleet Offers diverse cabin classes and additional services

Domestic flights and flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City:

From the biggest airports in Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, you can also fly to the other major cities in Vietnam with vietnamese airlines: Dien Bien Phu, Hai Phong, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang (Hoi An), Chu Lai, Pleiku, Nha Trang, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Phu Quoc, Con Dao… Read also article > International and domestic airports in Vietnam.

BOOK CHEAP FLIGHTS to Vietnam ➜

7. TRAVEL BY FERRY / BOAT IN VIETNAM:

• • Ferries and boats are another widespread way of transport in Vietnam
  • Ferry transport is a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Vietnam, especially for reaching islands
  • Vietnam has a well-developed network of ferry services that connect various regions and islands
  • Major ferry routes in Vietnam include destinations like Cat Ba Island, Phu Quoc Island, and the Cham Islands
  • Ferries in Vietnam range from small wooden boats to larger vessels, depending on the distance and passenger capacity required
  • The frequency of ferry services varies depending on the route and demand or peak tourist seasons
  • Ferries offer a range of amenities onboard, including seating areas, basic refreshments, and restroom facilities
  • It’s advisable to arrive early at the ferry terminal, especially during peak times
  • Ticket prices for ferry transport in Vietnam are generally affordable, with costs varying depending on the distance
  • Weather conditions, especially during monsoon seasons, can impact ferry operations
  • Ferry travel in Vietnam provides an opportunity to enjoy scenic coastal views, explore remote islands

The most known ferry and boat tourist routes in Vietnam + Tickets:

Northern Vietnam:	Hai Phong → Cat Ba Island / Ha Long (Van Don) → Quan Lan / Cai Rong → Quan Lan Island / Cai Rong → Co To Island / Tuan Chau → Cat Ba Island
Central Vietnam:	Hoi An → Cham Islands / Quang Ngai → Ly Son
Southern Vietnam:	Ha Tien → Phu Quoc Island / Rach Gia → Phu Quoc / Rach Gia → Nam Du Island / Rach Gia → Hon Tre / Rach Gia → Hon Son / Hon Tre → Hon Son / Ho Chi Minh City → Vung Tau / Soc Trang → Con Dao / Vung Tau → Con Dao / Chau Doc → Phnom Penh (Cambodia, border crossing)

8. TRAVELING IN VIETNAM BY CAR:

• • you can rent a car with a driver mainly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
  • Transits, Jeeps or minibuses are available
  • prices range from $30 or more for 1 day, depending on the type of car
  • no car can guarantee that you get to less accessible places (bad roads, except that you rent a Jeep)
  • when you want to rent a car personally, you need to have a vietnamese driving licence (you need to have a business visa or work permit in Vietnam to get this)

Where you can go by bus or train from Hanoi?

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, from here you can get to most major cities in northern Vietnam.

1. Hai Phong (Ha Long Bay) – by bus (My Dinh and Yen Nghia bus stop in Hanoi), by train
2. Lang Son – by bus (My Dinh and Giap Bat bus stop in Hanoi), by train (Dong Dang)
3. Cao Bang – by bus (My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi)
4. Ha Giang – by bus (Gia Lam and My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi)
5. Yen Bai – by bus (Giap Bat and My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi), by train
6. Sapa, Lao Cai – by bus (My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi), by train to Lao Cai town
7. Mu Cang Chai, Nghia Lo – by bus (My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi)
8. Ninh Binh – by bus (My Dinh and Giap Bat bus stop in Hanoi), by train
9. Bac Ha – by bus (My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi), by train to Lao Cai and there take another bus
10. Moc Chau – by bus (My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi)
11. Mai Chau – by bus (My Dinh bus stop in Hanoi)

❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Transportation in Vietnam:

BOOK TICKETS for Transport in Vietnam ➜

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Transportation in Vietnam – Pros / Cons:

Pros	Cons
Extensive options: Vietnam offers a variety of transportation options including buses, trains, planes, taxis, motorbikes, and cyclos, providing flexibility and convenience for travelers.	Traffic congestion: Major cities in Vietnam, especially during peak hours, can experience heavy traffic congestion, resulting in longer travel times and potential delays.
Affordability: Transportation in Vietnam is generally affordable, with options available to suit various budgets, making it accessible for travelers with different financial constraints.	Safety concerns: Some forms of transportation, particularly motorbikes and cyclos, may carry inherent safety risks due to the chaotic traffic conditions and lack of adherence to traffic rules.
Scenic routes: Vietnam’s diverse landscapes offer picturesque routes, such as the Hai Van Pass or Mekong Delta, providing travelers with stunning views and memorable journeys.	Language barriers: Communication with drivers or transportation staff who have limited English proficiency can be challenging, making it difficult to ask for directions or clarify information.

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Practical information ➔