By aussiematesvietnam 
Navigating Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide to Transportation Options
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, bringing you the lowdown on getting around Vietnam after nearly two decades of calling this beautiful country home. Tracy and I have traversed Vietnam’s length and breadth more times than we can count, and let me tell you, transportation here is an adventure in itself! Whether you’re planning a short holiday or an extended stay like us old-timers, understanding your options will save you time, money, and the occasional headache. So grab a cuppa and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Vietnamese transport!
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Motorbikes: The Backbone of Vietnamese Transport
If there’s one image that encapsulates Vietnam, it’s the sea of motorbikes flowing through city streets. These two-wheeled wonders are the lifeblood of local transportation.
When Tracy and I first arrived in Vietnam, we were gobsmacked by the sheer volume of scooters. Now, we wouldn’t have it any other way. For about 150,000 VND (roughly $10 AUD) per day, you can rent a decent scooter in most tourist areas. Monthly rentals are even better value at around $60-100 AUD.
If you’re feeling adventurous and have an international driving permit (mandatory for insurance purposes), riding a motorbike offers unparalleled freedom. Just remember a few golden rules:
- Always wear a helmet (it’s the law and common sense)
- Drive defensively and expect the unexpected
- Avoid riding at night, especially outside of cities
- Learn the unspoken “horn language” – short toots to say “I’m here”
After all these years, I still reckon there’s nothing quite like exploring the Central Highlands on a motorbike, with the wind in your face and panoramic views at every turn. Just take it easy if you’re not experienced – Vietnam’s traffic isn’t for the faint-hearted!
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Grab and Ride-Hailing Apps: The Modern Convenience
Not keen on driving yourself? No worries! Ride-hailing apps have revolutionized getting around in Vietnam. Grab dominates the market and offers cars, motorbike taxis (xe ôm), and even food delivery.
Tracy swears by Grab for city trips, especially when it’s bucketing down with rain or when we’re lugging shopping bags. The app is straightforward, prices are fixed before you ride (preventing the old tourist surcharge), and you can track your journey. Most rides within city centers cost between 15,000-70,000 VND ($1-5 AUD), making it incredibly affordable by Australian standards.
Pro tip: Download and set up the Grab app before arriving in Vietnam, and consider purchasing a local SIM card for data access. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Taxis: The Traditional Option
While ride-hailing apps have taken over in major cities, traditional taxis still have their place. VinaSun (white taxis with green and red stripes) and Mai Linh (green taxis) are reputable companies with reliable meters.
After a particularly memorable night out in Saigon where Tracy and I found ourselves without phone battery, flagging down a green Mai Linh taxi saved the day. Just ensure the driver turns on the meter, or negotiate a fare upfront if you’re heading to a distant location.
Be wary of unmarked taxis or those that look suspiciously similar to reputable companies – there are still operators looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists.
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Buses: Budget-Friendly Long Distance Travel
Vietnam’s extensive bus network connects virtually every corner of the country. For budget-conscious travelers, nothing beats the value of a sleeper bus.
For around 250,000-500,000 VND ($15-30 AUD), you can travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in relative comfort. Companies like Futa (Phuong Trang) offer modern buses with reclining seats, air conditioning, and even WiFi on some routes.
Now, I won’t sugar-coat it – Vietnamese buses aren’t always a smooth ride. The driving can be erratic, rest stops sometimes leave a bit to be desired, and if you’re a tall bloke like me, the sleeping berths might be a tight squeeze. That said, Tracy and I still use buses for medium-distance travel, especially along the coast where the views are spectacular.
Trains: The Scenic Option
One of Vietnam’s best-kept transport secrets is its rail network. The Reunification Express runs the length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, hugging the coastline for much of the journey.
While slower than flying (it takes about 30-36 hours for the full north-south trip), the train offers stunning views, particularly between Hue and Danang where it winds through the Hai Van Pass. Tickets range from hard seats (not recommended for long journeys unless you’ve got a backside of steel) to soft sleepers with air conditioning.
Tracy and I often recommend the train to our visiting mates from Australia who aren’t pressed for time. It’s a bonza way to see the countryside and interact with locals. Just book in advance for overnight journeys, and consider springing for a soft sleeper cabin – your back will thank you!
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Domestic Flights: When Time is of the Essence
With Vietnam stretching over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, sometimes flying is the most practical option. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways offer regular domestic flights between major cities.
A one-way ticket from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City can cost as little as 600,000 VND ($35 AUD) if booked in advance, and the flight takes only two hours. Budget airlines like VietJet have incredibly cheap promotional fares, but beware of additional charges for luggage, seat selection, and even water!
After living here for nearly two decades, I’ve become quite partial to Vietnam Airlines for their reliability, though Tracy often books us on VietJet to save a few dong when we’re traveling light.
Cyclos and Xích Lô: A Nostalgic Ride
For a taste of old Vietnam, hop on a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi with the passenger seat in front). While they’re increasingly rare in modern Vietnamese cities, you’ll still find them in tourist areas of Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tracy absolutely loves the leisurely pace of a cyclo tour, especially in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. It’s not practical for everyday transportation, but it offers a unique perspective of the city. Negotiate the price beforehand – around 100,000 VND ($6 AUD) per hour is reasonable.
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Water Transport: The Mekong and Beyond
Vietnam’s extensive network of rivers and coastal waters means boats are sometimes the best (or only) way to reach certain destinations. In the Mekong Delta, ferries and water taxis are part of daily life. In tourist areas like Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, or Phu Quoc, various boat services connect travelers to beaches, islands, and floating villages.
One of our favorite memories is taking a wooden sampan through the backwaters of the Mekong, watching local life unfold along the riverbanks. It’s slow travel at its finest – something we time-rich retired boomers can appreciate!
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey
After all these years in Vietnam, Tracy and I have come to appreciate that transportation here isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s often an essential part of the travel experience itself. Each mode of transport offers