Thank you for stopping by! Today, I’m excited to share an extensive list of transportation options in Vietnam, particularly those relevant to tourism. The list includes a variety of choices such as Bicycles, Motorbikes, Taxis, Grab, Buses, Hop-On Hop-Off, WaterBus, Trains, High-Speed Boats, Cruises, and Planes. Feel free to explore the options below.
1. Bicycles
Bicycles have long been a popular and practical means of transportation in Vietnam, especially in small towns and rural areas. While motorbikes and cars have become more common in recent years, bicycles still play a significant role in daily life and offer a unique way to explore the country.
In Tourism: Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the picturesque countryside, rice paddies, and rural landscapes. Many areas offer bicycle rentals and guided cycling tours that provide insight into local life and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
2. Motorbikes
“Motorbikers” in Vietnam are often used interchangeably with the term “Scooters”.
Motorbikes play an important role in the country’s transportation system. They are convenient and affordable to purchase if compared to cars, making them accessible to a wide range of people. They can easily access narrow alleys and side streets that might be challenging for larger vehicles.
In Tourism: Tourists often embrace the experience of riding motorbikes in Vietnam as a way to explore the countryside’s landscapes and the city’s real life.
3. Grab/Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Grab/Taxi and Ride-Sharing: Install Grab App on your phone, then use it. Grabcar allows users to book rides from a pool of registered private vehicles. Passengers can use the Grab App to request rides, track their driver’s location, and pay for the fare electronically. This service is available in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and many others.
Taxis: Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Vietnam, especially in urban areas. You’ll find various taxi companies operating with different types of vehicles. These taxis are easily recognizable by their company logos and colors. Some well-known taxi companies in Vietnam include Vinasun, Mai Linh, Nam Thang,…
Booking: You can also book a taxi in advance by calling the taxi company’s hotline or using their mobile app (if available), or by only waving one on the streets.
Meter: Most taxis in Vietnam are equipped with meters that calculate fares based on distance. Make sure the meter is turned on at the beginning of the ride to ensure a fair fare. In some cases, especially for longer trips between cities, you might negotiate a flat rate with the driver.
Payment: Taxis in Vietnam generally accept both cash and, in some cases, credit/debit cards. However, it’s a good idea to carry Vietnamese Dong (VND) in smaller denominations for taxi rides.
4. Buses/City Buses
Buses/City Buses: Public buses or City Buses are operated by various state-owned and private companies and common in cities and towns across Vietnam. They provide an economical means of transportation, but they can be crowded and not always the most comfortable option.
Intercity Buses: Intercity buses connect different cities and towns across Vietnam. They offer a cost-effective way to travel longer distances compared to other forms of transportation. These buses are often used by both locals and tourists to explore different regions of the country. One famous InterCity Bus company in Vietnam is FUTA Bus Lines: https://futabus.vn/ that you can use to travel between provinces from Ho Chi Minh city to Mekong Delta (Saigon-Ha Tien; Saigon-Saigon Ca Mau…) or from Ho Chi Minh to Central Highland and Central Coasts (Saigon -Dalat, or Saigon-Nha Trang…).
Ticketing: Bus fares are usually affordable and can be paid in cash upon boarding the bus. Some cities might have options for prepaid cards or mobile app payments, especially for frequent riders.
5. Hop On Hop Off
The HOHO bus service is a convenient and flexible way for tourists to explore the city’s landmarks and attractions at their own pace.
Routes and Stops: The bus service usually operates on multiple routes that cover different areas of the city including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Street walking street, Bitexco Financial Tower, Bach Dang Pier and Opera House.
Tickets and Passes: Passengers can purchase tickets or passes for the HOHO bus service online or at its office. Please, check its website: https://hopon-hopoff.vn/
These tickets often provide unlimited rides for a specific duration, such as 24 or 48 hours.
Audio Guides: The buses typically provide pre-recorded audio guides in multiple languages, offering information about the attractions and neighborhoods as you pass by them. This can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the places you visit.
6. WaterBus
The Saigon WaterBus is a public transportation that operates on Saigon River. Launched in November 2017, the WaterBus offers services between District 1 and Thu Duc City. Its main ticket office is at Bach Dang Station on Saigon Riverside, around 300 meters from Nguyen Hue Walking Square or Saigon Opera House
Ticket and schedule: Please, check its website: https://saigonwaterbus.com/ for more information.
7. Trains
Vietnam has an extensive railway network that provides an alternative mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. The railway system offers scenic journeys through the country’s picturesque landscapes and connects major cities and towns.
Vietnam Railways: The state-owned enterprise Vietnam Railways (VNR) operates the majority of the railway services in the country. The railway system extends from the northern city of Hanoi to the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), passing through various provinces and cities along the way.
North-South Railways: The North-South Railways is the main rail route that stretches for approximately 1,726 kilometers (1,072 miles) from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. It’s a scenic journey that allows travelers to experience the diverse landscapes of Vietnam, from lush green fields to coastal views.
Trains offer various classes, including hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers. The higher-class options provide more comfort and privacy, especially for longer journeys.
Popular Routes: Some popular railway routes include the Hanoi to Lao Cai route, which connects to Sapa, a famous mountain town; the Hanoi to Da Nang route, which offers scenic coastal views; and the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route, which covers the entire length of the country.
Ticket Booking: Tickets can be purchased at train stations or through various online platforms. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred class and travel date.
8. Express Boat/Cruise
A. Speed Boats: Speedboats are used for various purposes in Vietnam, primarily for tourism and transportation along waterways and coastal areas. Here’s some information.
Island Hopping: Speedboats provide a quick and convenient way to hop between islands along the Vietnamese coastline. Islands like Phu Quoc and Con Dao are popular destinations that can be easily reached by speedboat.
Tourism and Sightseeing: Speedboat tours are a popular way for tourists to explore scenic areas such as Ha Long Bay, the Mekong Delta, and coastal islands. These tours offer a unique perspective and allow visitors to reach places that might be less accessible by road.
Mekong Delta Transportation: In the Mekong Delta region, speedboats are commonly used for transportation between villages and towns along the intricate network of rivers and canals.
B. Cruises: Cruises are a popular and enjoyable way to explore the stunning coastline, islands, and waterways of Vietnam. As the country stretches approximately 3,260 kilometers (2,027 miles) of coastal lines, together with numerous long rivers, it offers a range of cruise options.
River Cruises: Cruising the Mekong River, Saigon River, Han River, Perfume River,… allows you to explore floating markets, rural villages, historical sites and experience local culture.
Island Cruises: Cruising to islands like Phu Quoc, Con Dao, and Cham Islands provides you a chance to experience the unique charms and natural beauty of these destinations.
9. Planes
Vietnam has a well-developed air travel network with several international and domestic airports serving different regions of the country.
Domestic Flights: Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang have international airports that serve both domestic and international flights.
Some of the prominent Vietnamese airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer a range of routes and flight options connecting major cities, tourist destinations, and even more remote areas. For example, you can take a flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang to Can Tho, or Hanoi to Phu Quoc…
International Flights: Vietnam’s major international airports serve as gateways for travelers coming to and leaving the country. You can find direct flights to Vietnam from various countries in Asia, Europe, and other regions.
Airport Transportation: Most major airports are well-connected to the cities via taxis, buses, and sometimes airport shuttles.
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