Traveling around Vietnam - An overview guide

Traveling in Vietnam would be a stress-free experience if you have great tour guides

Vietnam is a country of vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling urban cities. Getting around the country sometimes can be challenging for newcomers, from the convenience of modern ride-hailing apps and metros to the charm of scenic train journeys and local buses. Understanding these options is key to navigating the country efficiently and safely. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s transportation methods, ensuring a smooth journey for any traveler.

Ride-hailing app:

Venturing through the streets of Vietnam has never been easier when you have Grab on your phone!

Grab should be your priority choice when it comes to getting around within a city as the app works for most of the cities in Vietnam. It helps you avoid the hassle of getting scammed by dishonest taxi drivers and/or not having enough cash on you as you can pay via credit card on the app. The app also offers a motorbike option which is always cheaper and faster compared to the car options which is more comfortable in Vietnam traffic. Grab app is available on Google & Apple app store

Taxis:

Making your ride around Vietnam more comfortable and budget friendly by asking the driver turn on the meter

In case you cannot get access to the internet or the app, ONLY get a taxi with either Mai Linh (green branding) or Vinasun (white with green & red stripes). DO NOT enter the taxi if the driver is not wearing the uniform that aligns with the branding, and don’t forget to ask the driver to turn on the meter.

Trains:

Train travelling is a solid choice for those who wants to absorb the beauty of Vietnam along the tracks

Trains in Vietnam are definitely fun to travel on and suitable for those who enjoy taking their time on their travels and seeing the hidden beauty of Vietnam along the tracks. The train tracks run along the length of the country from the South to the North with multiple stations at the main cities. You can check your destinations and buy the tickets at either the train station of the city you’re in or online at the official Vietnam Railways website (https://dsvn.vn/#/)

Public transport:

The main option for public transport in Vietnam at the moment is buses. However, the public bus system in Vietnam is not very developed but it’s definitely a fun adventure for those who want to try. You should also download the app BusMap (available on both Play Store & App Store) to check out the route and the stops before going on your urban adventure.

Apart from the public buses, there is also the metro. There are only 2 cities where you can experience the metro: Saigon (HCMC) and Hanoi. The metro line in Saigon (HCMC) is 18km in one straight line, connecting District 1 and Thu Duc district, while the metro in Hanoi is 13,8km with one line from Cat Linh to Ha Dong.

Apart from the following means of public transportation, there are private buses that take tourists and locals from city to city. These buses varied from the normal seat ones to fancy sleeper buses. To book for these buses, travelers can either visit the travel agencies in tourist areas like Pham Ngu Lao (Saigon) or the Old Quarter (Hanoi). They can also book online via website like THIS

Flights:

There are 5 commercial airlines in Vietnam but the two main ones with the most flights are Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Vietnam Airlines flights are usually more expensive but with less chance of being delayed while Vietjet is cheaper but is notorious for terrible delays, so choose carefully.

Skyscanner is a reliable source when it comes to price checking in Vietnam

Use apps like Skyscanner to check for prices, but when you decide to book your flight, it's better to book directly with the airline to avoid communication hassles from third parties when your flights are rescheduled.

By planning ahead, making informed choices, and using the resources available, you can focus on immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of the country. Let the journey through Vietnam be as memorable as the destination itself.

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Traveling around Vietnam - An overview guide

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