Getting Around Vietnam

Flying is the fastest and often cheapest way to cover long distances in Vietnam. The country has excellent domestic flight coverage with three major airlines operating dozens of daily routes.

Vietnam's railway runs along the entire coast from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, stopping at major destinations along the way. The full journey on the Reunification Express takes 30-34 hours and is one of Southeast Asia's great rail experiences.

Popular Train Routes

Seat Classes

• Hard seat: Cheapest option, wooden bench seats -- fine for short trips under 3 hours
• Soft seat: Padded reclining seats with AC, good for 3-8 hour journeys
• Hard sleeper: 6-bunk compartment with thin mattresses -- budget overnight option
• Soft sleeper: 4-bunk compartment with better mattresses, linens, and door -- recommended for overnight

How to Book

Book through the official Vietnam Railways website at dsvn.vn (Vietnamese only, but Google Translate works well), or use 12go.asia for English-language booking with e-tickets. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for popular routes, especially Hanoi-Sapa and the Reunification Express.

Sleeper buses are the backbone of budget travel in Vietnam. These double-decker coaches feature reclining beds instead of seats, making overnight journeys surprisingly comfortable. They connect virtually every tourist destination in the country.

Major Bus Operators

• The Sinh Tourist: The most tourist-friendly operator with English-speaking staff, clean buses, and offices in every major city. Slightly pricier but reliable.
• Futa Bus (Phuong Trang): Vietnam's largest bus company. Modern fleet, excellent coverage, very popular with locals. Book at futabus.vn
• Hoang Long: Good quality operator for northern routes
• Camel Travel: Budget-friendly with solid central Vietnam coverage

Popular Sleeper Bus Routes

Book buses through operator websites, hotel front desks, or via 12go.asia for easy English-language booking. Buses typically include water, a wet towel, and WiFi.

Renting a motorbike is one of the most popular (and thrilling) ways to explore Vietnam, especially along scenic routes like the Ha Giang Loop, the Hai Van Pass, or the Central Highlands. However, it comes with risks and legal considerations.

Costs

• Automatic scooter (110-125cc): 100,000-200,000 VND/day ($4-8)
• Semi-automatic (Honda Win, XR150): 150,000-300,000 VND/day ($6-12)
• Monthly rental: 1,500,000-3,000,000 VND/month ($60-120)
• Fuel: ~25,000 VND/liter ($1) -- a full tank costs about $3-4

License Requirements

Legally, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement, or a Vietnamese license. Many tourists ride without one, but if you are involved in an accident without a valid license, your travel insurance will likely not cover you. Police can also fine you 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($30-50) for riding without a license.

Safety Tips

• Always wear a helmet (it is the law and saves lives)
• Start in quieter areas before tackling city traffic
• Drive slower than you think you need to -- road conditions change rapidly
• Watch for sand, gravel, and potholes, especially in rural areas
• Honk your horn around blind corners -- it is expected, not rude
• Never drive at night in rural areas -- unlit obstacles are extremely dangerous
• Check brakes, lights, and tires before renting