How to Travel Around Vietnam - Essential transportation tips

 Vietnam is known for its scenic beaches, exquisite pagodas, and vibrant cities. Located in Southeast Asia, it is easy to travel in Vietnam, which is one of the reasons it is among the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. Read on to discover how you can experience this amazing country according to your budget and preference.

Santi LLobet, Vietnam Train 1, CC BY 2.0

By plane

Travelling across Vietnam via plane will be the fastest way to get about the country, but it is also the most expensive. Within a couple of hours, you can be anywhere within the country. Vietnam Airlines is their national carrier and the most expensive of all the domestic airlines. Other budget airlines include Jetstar, VASCO, Viet Jet Air, and Bamboo Airways.  The country has around 20 airports, out of which 8 are international airports located in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Phu Quoc Island, Da Lat and Can Tho and connects to all the significant destinations in Vietnam. By booking early, you can save at least 30-50% on airfares.

Train

Vietnam has a good train system that is well-connected. They are comfortable and reliable, making them a good option to travel throughout Vietnam.  Trains are considered safer than buses, and train fares are at a fixed price, depending on the destination and class. There are four classes, which gives you a good range to choose from within your range of affordability. For long distances, the overnight berths should be booked as early as possible, as they fill up quickly. Seating ranges from hard and soft berths depending on the class. A good way to travel through Vietnam from the capital Hanoi to Ho Chin Minh is via the “Reunification Express” which is a 30-hour train ride!

 Bus

If you plan on staying for an extended time in Vietnam, then travelling by bus might be another option for you! Every city in Vietnam is connected via the bus network, thus getting to rural locations won’t be an issue. It might be a good choice for solo travellers and backpackers. However, certain roads are in poor shape, and not carpeted. Thus, you will be in for quite a bumpy ride sometimes. Furthermore, it may take much longer to reach your destinations. For example, a bus journey from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh takes around 8 hours in total.  If travelling by bus you will be required to do the research before the trip and learn a little Vietnamese so you can navigate with local people with ease. Day buses stop multiple times along the designated route to pick up and drop passengers. They may not be as fast and efficient as some are used to in the west, but will get you from point A to B with minimum costs. You will have to say where you will be getting off, as they rarely have signs in the bus stations.

Sleeper buses are for long-distance travel and are popular with tourists. These are private bus operators and are comfortable, clean and air-conditioned. They operate according to a schedule and carry a limited number of passengers, so it is important to book early!  National Coaches are available too; however, they may not be as efficient as the former.

Vehicle rentals

A road trip in Vietnam will be a fascinating experience. This will give you the ultimate freedom to travel as you please, according to your schedule. However, international driving licenses are not valid in Vietnam, and foreigners cannot drive in the country. So, when renting a car, you will be provided with a driver as well. Make sure the driver is aware of some English if going by this option, to make communication easier. Motorbikes and cyclo-bicycle rickshaws are also an option, once again your driver will take you to your destination, all you have to do is hang on tight, and wear a helmet! In Vietnam, beach resorts, such as the likes of Avani Hotels & Resorts can be a sound choice when looking for accommodation.