Transportation Options in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a wide variety of transport options depending on your budget, time, and comfort level:
- Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Convenient for short distances in cities.
- Public Buses: Cheapest option, but routes can be confusing for foreigners.
- Trains: Scenic and safe, ideal for long routes like Hanoi–Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City.
- Domestic Flights: Quick and affordable, best for covering large distances.
- Motorbike Rental: Popular with backpackers, offers flexibility but comes with safety risks.
Taxi vs Grab – Which is Better?
In major cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, you can choose between traditional taxis and Grab (ride-hailing app):
- Taxi: Use reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun. Starting fare: 12,000–15,000 VND (~$0.50).
- Grab: Book via mobile app. Transparent pricing, English-friendly, safer for tourists. GrabCar and GrabBike are available.
👉 Recommendation: Use Grab when possible for predictable pricing and safety.
Long-Distance Travel: Bus, Train & Flights
🚌 Buses
Open-tour buses connect major tourist cities. Sleeper buses are common for overnight trips (Hanoi–Hue, Da Nang–Hoi An). Prices: $10–25 USD.
🚆 Trains
Vietnam’s railway runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (~34 hours end-to-end). Popular segments: Hanoi–Sapa, Hue–Da Nang (Hai Van Pass). Comfortable for scenic travel. Price: $20–70 USD depending on class.
✈️ Domestic Flights
Quickest way to travel long distances. Carriers include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways. Fares: $30–80 USD if booked early. Key routes: Hanoi–Da Nang, Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang–Phu Quoc.
Renting a Motorbike – Pros & Cons
Motorbike rental is very popular, especially among backpackers and adventure travelers.
- Pros: Cheap ($5–10/day), flexibility to explore rural areas, iconic Vietnam experience.
- Cons: Chaotic traffic, frequent accidents, insurance issues, police fines without proper license.
💡 Tip: Always wear a helmet, check brakes/lights, and avoid riding at night. International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Travel Safety Tips for Foreigners
- 🚖 Use Grab or reputable taxis to avoid scams.
- 🚦 Follow traffic laws – Vietnam’s roads can be chaotic.
- 👜 Keep belongings secure when on motorbikes or buses.
- 📱 Have offline maps ready in case of weak internet.
- ⏰ For domestic flights, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure.