With many modes of transportation, Vietnam now offers you more options to travel around.

Airlines

There are three international airports in Vietnam including Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang airport in Da Nang which is 30km from Hoi An, serving  both international and domestic flights. However, most international flights land at Ho Chi Minh City and the fares are usually lower than landing at other airports. There are now 3 airlines in Vietnam including Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar airlines and the new one – Indochina airlines. However, Vietnam airline is the main airline and provides better services than the other ones. Regarding the ticket fares, Jetstar airlines and Indochina airlines offer better fares, but they have less domestic routes than Vietnam Airlines.

As the roads are still in poor condition so flying is the quickest and safest way to travel between large cities in Vietnam. It is also quite cheap in Vietnam to fly.

Railways

Train travel is easily the most comfortable form of overland travel, especially for budget travelers. The Reunification Express runs the entire length of Vietnam’s coast – from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Riding the length of the country takes nearly 40 hours. The most popular hops are from Hanoi up to Sapa, where special luxurious trains cover the route, or all the way to Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City. There are a number of classes, from third-class hard seat to air-conditioned cushioned seat to sleeper, but booking an air-conditioned berth is a must, especially when traveling a long distance in Vietnam. Popular trips to Sapa are best organized through a tour company from home or well in advance when on the ground in Vietnam for better fares and to avoid unexpected service charges from the trains if you buy directly.

Car Rental

If you’ve got the budget for it, going by car is the best and safest way to see Vietnam. There are no major car rental companies in Vietnam like Hertz and Avis due to international driving licenses are not being accepted. Hiring a car in Vietnam means a car with driver. By hiring a private car, you can set your own schedule and stop for sightseeing and relax on the way. However, long distance travel by road can be very slow owing to variable road conditions and traffic. You will also notice that drivers in Vietnam use the horn constantly. Honking the horn doesn’t mean a driver is angry – in fact, it’s a polite courtesy; honking is a reminder that your vehicle is approaching and the slower traffic should be aware and get out of the way.  All tour operators and travel agents can provide car rental services at similar prices.

Buses

Bus travel is the most common form of overland travel but not recommended unless you are only travelling a short distance. Seats are quite small on Vietnamese buses and the conductor may try to assign more than one person to a seat. If you must travel by bus, make sure that you book with a quality tour company that caters to foreign tourists. Many tour operators provide bus tickets around the bigger cities.

Taxis

Taxis are also easily available in Vietnam and it is one of the major modes of transportation within big cities. Travelling by taxies is not only safe but also speedy, except rush hours. Though meters are functional in almost all the taxis, the rate per meter varies from company to company. You should ask how long does it take before get in the taxi to avoid unexpected round driving from the driver. Some famous and reliable taxi companies in Vietnam are Mai Linh taxi, Hanoi taxi and Vinasun taxi

Motorcycle & Cyclo

For travelling about within the cities, motorcycle taxis (xe om) are often the fastest way to get about although it is not as safe as hiring a taxi. Please always agree on the price before getting in. Cyclo-pedicabs are also available for inner-city travel. You should expect to pay more for a pedicab than a motorcycle taxi, but the pace is more laid back and some operators offer cyclo in their city tours.

Boats & Cruises

Getting about Vietnam by boat, particularly in the southern Mekong Delta and Halong Bay, is an absolute must. Day boat tours through tour companies are reasonable priced and a great way to see the Mekong region, as well as in Hue, Hoian and Nha Trang areas. There are now many cruises (junks) in Halong Bay but it is the best to organize through a tour company from home or well in advance when on the ground in Vietnam to save hundreds of dollars. Some recommended cruises in Halong Bay are Indochina Sails, Valentine, Emotion cruise, An Nam Junk, Emeraude Cruise and Phoenix Cruise.

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