Getting Around Vietnam
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use Grab rides or buses for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Rural: Rent a car for central highlands exploration. Coast: Trains and sleeper buses. For convenience, book airport transfers from Hanoi or HCMC to your destination.
Train Travel
Vietnam Railways Network
Efficient Reunification Express connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with scenic routes through rice fields.
Cost: Hanoi to Hue $20-50, full journey 30-40 hours, soft sleeper recommended.
Tickets: Buy via Baolau app, website, or station counters. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for peak seasons.
Peak Times: Avoid Tet holiday (Jan-Feb) for better availability and prices.
Rail Passes
Open tickets allow flexible stops along the route for $100-150 for unlimited travel over 5-10 days.
Best For: Multi-stop itineraries like Hanoi-Da Nang-Hue-HCMC, savings for 4+ segments.Where to Buy: Major stations, official website, or agents in Hanoi/HCMC with passport ID.
High-Speed Options
North-South high-speed rail under development; current expresses link to Laos and China borders.
Booking: Reserve soft sleepers early for comfort, discounts for advance purchase up to 30%.
Main Stations: Hanoi (Ga Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Station), with connections to Da Nang.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Ideal for Sapa or Mekong Delta; compare prices from $25-45/day at airports in Hanoi and HCMC.
Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, minimum age 18-21, deposit $200-500.
Insurance: Third-party liability mandatory, full coverage advised for chaotic roads.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80-90 km/h rural, 100-120 km/h expressways.
Tolls: Highway tolls $1-5 per section, pay cash or via electronic tags on major routes.
Priority: Yield to oncoming traffic on narrow roads, motorbikes dominate urban areas.
Parking: Street parking $0.50-2/hour in cities, hotels often provide free secure spots.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations common at $0.90-1.10/liter for petrol, $0.85-1.00 for diesel.
Apps: Google Maps essential for navigation, offline mode crucial in remote areas.
Traffic: Heavy congestion in Hanoi and HCMC during rush hours, avoid if inexperienced.
Urban Transport
HCMC Metro & Trams
Line 1 operational in Ho Chi Minh City, single ticket $0.30-0.50, day pass $2, expanding network.
Validation: Use contactless cards or app payments, security checks at stations.
Apps: Moovit or official metro app for routes, real-time arrivals, and e-tickets.
Bike & Motorbike Rentals
GrabBike or local rentals $5-10/day, helmets mandatory, stations in tourist hubs.
Routes: Cycle paths in Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoi An, electric bikes popular.
Tours: Guided motorbike tours for countryside, combining adventure with local insights.
Buses & Local Services
Vietnam Bus network covers cities, $0.20-0.50/ride, buy tickets onboard or via apps.
Tickets: Exact change or Grab app for urban buses, intercity from $5-15.
Cyclos & Xich Lo: Pedicabs for short tours $2-5, negotiate fares upfront.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near bus stations in cities for easy access, Old Quarter Hanoi or District 1 HCMC for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 1-2 months ahead for Tet (Jan-Feb) and summer (June-Aug) peaks.
- Cancellation: Opt for flexible policies due to weather in rainy season (May-Oct).
- Amenities: Ensure AC, WiFi, and mosquito nets in tropical areas before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for cleanliness and noise levels in urban spots.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Strong 4G/5G in cities, 3G/4G in rural Vietnam including highlands.
eSIM Options: Instant data via Airalo or Yesim from $4 for 1GB, eSIM compatible phones only.
Activation: Download before arrival, activate on landing, covers nationwide.
Local SIM Cards
Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone provide prepaid SIMs from $5-15 with reliable coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, phone shops, or convenience stores with passport registration.
Data Plans: 3GB for $5, 10GB for $10, unlimited for $15/month options available.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels, cafes, and tourist sites, but speeds vary in remote areas.
Public Hotspots: Airports and train stations offer free WiFi with registration.
Speed: 10-50 Mbps in urban zones, sufficient for maps and messaging.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7, no daylight saving observed year-round.
- Airport Transfers: Noi Bai Airport (HAN) 30km from Hanoi center, taxi $15 (45 min), bus $2, or book private transfer for $20-40.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports and stations ($2-5/day), services in major tourist cities.
- Accessibility: Buses and trains have limited ramps, urban areas improving with metro access.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains with carrier ($5-10), confirm with accommodations in advance.
- Bike Transport: Motorbikes on buses for $2-5, trains allow folding bikes free off-peak.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN) are main hubs. Compare flights on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for deals from worldwide cities.
Main Airports
Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Tan Son Nhat, 7km from center with taxi and bus links.
Hanoi Noi Bai (HAN): International gateway 30km north, shuttle bus $2 (1 hour).
Da Nang (DAD): Central Vietnam hub with domestic flights, convenient for beaches.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months ahead for Tet (Jan-Feb) to save 20-40% on international fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) cheaper than weekends or holidays.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Bangkok or Singapore and bus/train to Vietnam for savings.
Budget Airlines
VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, and AirAsia serve domestic and regional routes.
Important: Include baggage and airport transfer costs in comparisons.
Check-in: Online 24-48 hours prior, airport fees apply for extras.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Ubiquitous, fees $1-3 per withdrawal, use Vietcombank to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted in hotels and shops, cash preferred in markets.
- Contactless Payment: Growing with Apple Pay in cities, but limited outside urban areas.
- Cash: Essential for street food and rural spots, carry 500,000-1,000,000 VND in small notes.
- Tipping: Not customary, round up 5-10% in restaurants for good service.
- Currency Exchange: Best rates via Wise, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.