Guide to Transportation in Vietnam: A Practical Roadmap for Indian Travellers

Vietnam offers a variety of transport options that suit every budget and adventure level. For Indian visitors, navigating the network for transportation in Vietnam might seem tricky at first. Yet with the right information, moving around becomes part of the fun. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting from place to place across Vietnam.

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1. Taxi

Taxis are a widely available and commonly used mode of transportation throughout Vietnam, especially in major cities and tourist areas. They offer a convenient and relatively affordable way to travel, whether you’re heading across town or taking a longer intercity trip. With a mix of traditional taxi companies and ride-hailing apps, travelers have plenty of options to choose from.

Highlights

• Taxis are ideal for visiting key attractions within cities, such as the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, or the beaches of Da Nang.

• Drivers can take scenic routes on intercity trips, offering views of rice fields, coastlines, or mountains depending on the region.

• Many taxis are willing to make stops along the way at popular tourist sites such as temples, viewpoints, or local eateries.

• Taxis can drop passengers directly at their hotel, airport terminal, or tourist destination for maximum convenience.

Key Routes

• City center to airport routes are among the most frequently used by travelers.

• Taxis are commonly taken between popular tourist hubs, such as Da Nang to Hoi An or Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

• In larger cities, taxis are a go-to for short trips between hotels, markets, and historical landmarks.

Cost

• Fares generally start around 10,000 to 15,000 Vietnamese dong per kilometer, depending on the company and location.

• Airport transfers typically cost between 150,000 and 300,000 Vietnamese dong, depending on the distance.

• Intercity fares can range from 300,000 to over 1,000,000 Vietnamese dong, based on distance and vehicle size.

• Payments are usually made in cash, though some taxis and ride-hailing apps accept digital payments. No transport cards are required.

Operating Hours

• Monday to Friday: Taxis operate 24 hours a day in most cities.

• Saturday and Sunday: Taxis remain available 24/7, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Frequency: Taxis are on-demand and can be hailed on the street, booked through hotels, or ordered via apps such as Grab or Gojek.

Pro Tips

• Use a ride-hailing app to avoid fare disputes and ensure transparency.

• Confirm the driver uses the meter, or agree on a fare before starting the trip.

• Always carry some small cash, especially in rural areas where digital payment options are limited.

• Avoid unlicensed taxis; look for official company logos or ask your hotel to call a reputable service.

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2. Plane

Flying remains the fastest way to cover Vietnam’s 1,650km length. The country has 22 airports with regular domestic flights connecting major cities and tourist destinations. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate most routes.

Highlights

• Watch limestone islands of Halong Bay appear like a dragon’s teeth from above

• Spot the patchwork of green rice fields in the Mekong Delta during landing

• Admire the Central Highlands’ mountains and coffee plantations from the sky

• See coastal cities unfold beside blue waters when landing in Da Nang or Nha Trang

Key Routes

• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam’s busiest air route (2 hours)

• Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang: Gateway to central Vietnam (1-1.5 hours)

• Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc: Direct access to beach paradise (1 hour)

• Hanoi to Hue: Quick connection to the imperial city (1 hour)

Cost

• Budget carriers (VietJet, Bamboo Airways): 1,000,000–2,500,000 VND one-way

• Full-service airlines (Vietnam Airlines): 2,500,000–4,500,000 VND one-way

• Special promotions often available when booking 2+ months ahead

• No special travel cards needed; book online with credit/debit cards

Operating Hours

• Airports operate 24/7 with security and basic services

• Most domestic flights operate between 5:00 AM and midnight

• Reduced schedules on major holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year)

• Check-in typically closes 40 minutes before departure

Frequency

• Major routes (Hanoi-HCMC): Flights every 30-60 minutes

• Secondary routes: 2-5 flights daily

• Island destinations (Phu Quoc, Con Dao): 1-3 daily flights

• Seasonal variations with more flights during peak tourism periods (Nov-Mar)

Pro Tips

• Book 2-3 months ahead for best fares, especially during Tet holiday

• Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic flights during busy periods

• Watch baggage allowances—budget airlines charge for checked bags

• Download Vietnam Airlines or VietJet apps for easy check-in and updates

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3. Train

Vietnam’s 2,600km railway network offers a slower but more scenic journey option. The North-South line (Reunification Express) connects Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with stops at key destinations along the way.

Highlights

• Travel the spectacular Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue

• Watch the sunrise over rice paddies from your sleeper window

• See everyday Vietnamese life unfold at small-town stations

• Experience the historic North-South line built during the French colonial era

Key Routes

• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: The classic 36-hour journey

• Hanoi to Lao Cai (for Sapa): Overnight mountain route

• Da Nang to Hue: Coastal scenic route (3 hours)

• Hanoi to Hai Phong: Day trip to port city (2.5 hours)

Cost

• Hard seat: 300,000–700,000 VND depending on distance

• Soft seat: 500,000–1,200,000 VND for more comfort

• Four-berth sleeper: 1,000,000–2,500,000 VND for overnight trips

• Purchase at stations, through hotels, or via 12Go Asia website

Operating Hours

• Trains run 24/7 with specific departure times

• Most overnight trains depart between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM

• Day trains typically run between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM

• Station ticket offices open 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Frequency

• North-South line: 6 trains daily in each direction

• Hanoi-Lao Cai: 2 overnight trains daily

• Regional routes: 1-4 trains daily depending on popularity

• Holiday periods see additional services and higher prices

Pro Tips

• Book sleeper berths at least 3 days ahead for overnight journeys

• Lower berths (1-2) cost more but offer easier access

• Bring your own food or buy from platform vendors

• Download the Vietnam Railway timetable app for updated schedules

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4. Bus

Public transportation in Vietnam relies heavily on buses, which form the most extensive network reaching nearly every town. Options range from local public buses to luxury sleeper coaches.

Highlights

• Cross the dramatic Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue

• Travel through Mekong Delta’s lush landscapes on southern routes

• See daily life in small villages that trains don’t reach

• Experience nighttime city-to-city travel on comfortable sleeper buses

Key Routes

• Hanoi to Sapa: Popular mountain route (5-6 hours)

• Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne: Beach-bound route (4-5 hours)

• Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Day trip to “Halong Bay on land” (2 hours)

• Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho: Gateway to Mekong Delta (3-4 hours)

Cost

• City buses: 7,000–15,000 VND per trip

• Short intercity routes: 100,000–200,000 VND

• Long-distance routes: 200,000–500,000 VND

• Luxury/sleeper buses: 250,000–600,000 VND

Operating Hours

• City buses: Generally 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM

• Intercity routes: Morning departures (6:00 AM–12:00 PM)

• Overnight buses: Evening departures (6:00 PM–10:00 PM)

• Weekend schedules same as weekdays with possible added services

Frequency

• City routes: Every 10-20 minutes on main lines

• Popular intercity routes: Hourly departures

• Less traveled routes: 2-5 departures daily

• Peak holiday periods see increased frequency

Pro Tips

• For city buses, have exact change ready

• Book intercity buses one day ahead during peak season

• Choose seats in the middle of sleeper buses for smoother rides

• Use the Futa Bus app for booking major routes with English interface

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5. Motorbike

Motorbikes represent the quintessential Vietnamese transport experience. With over 45 million motorbikes nationwide, they dominate roads everywhere. Local transportation in Vietnam often means hopping on a motorbike taxi (xe om) or renting your own.

Highlights

• Ride the legendary Hai Van Pass made famous by Top Gear

• Circle the stunning Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam

• Coast along beachfront roads in Nha Trang and Da Nang

• Navigate the buzzing streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter

Key Routes

• Ha Giang Loop: 3-5 day northern mountain circuit

• Hai Van Pass: Da Nang to Hue coastal mountain route

• Ho Chi Minh Highway: Parallel to the more crowded Highway 1

• Coastal routes: Nha Trang to Mui Ne beach towns

Cost

• Daily rental: 120,000–250,000 VND for manual scooters

• Weekly rental: 700,000–1,500,000 VND with discounts

• Motorbike taxis (xe om): 15,000–30,000 VND for short trips

• Fuel: About 20,000 VND per liter (widely available)

Operating Hours

• Rental shops: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily

• Ride-hailing apps (Grab): 24/7 in major cities

• Motorbike taxis: Most active 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

• Same hours weekdays and weekends

Frequency

• Available immediately in all cities and tourist areas

• Ride-hailing apps typically show 2-5 minute wait times

• Rental availability may be limited during peak season

• Pre-book for multi-day trips during holidays

Pro Tips

• Always wear a helmet (it’s the law and essential for safety)

• Carry your passport or a notarized copy when renting

• Take photos of any existing damage before accepting the bike

• Download the Grab app for a reliable motorbike taxi service

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6. Bicycle

Cycling offers an eco-friendly way to explore Vietnam, especially in flatter regions like the Mekong Delta and coastal areas. Many cities now have bicycle rental services catering to tourists.

Highlights

• Pedal through Hoi An’s surrounding rice fields and villages

• Cycle around Hue’s Imperial City and surrounding pagodas

• Explore the flat lanes of Mekong Delta between fruit orchards

• Tour West Lake in Hanoi for city views without traffic

Key Routes

• Hoi An countryside loops (10-20km circuits)

• Hue’s imperial monuments circuit (15km)

• Mai Chau Valley in northern Vietnam (flat valley routes)

• Mekong Delta back roads near Can Tho or Ben Tre

Cost

• Hourly rental: 10,000–20,000 VND

• Daily rental: 30,000–80,000 VND for standard bikes

• Weekly rental: 150,000–400,000 VND with discounts

• Premium mountain bikes: 150,000–300,000 VND daily

Operating Hours

• Rental shops: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

• Hotel bicycle services: Usually 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• Same hours on weekdays and weekends

• Some hotels offer free bicycle use for guests

Frequency

• Immediately available in tourist towns

• Limited availability during peak morning hours

• More options in flat areas (Hoi An, Mekong) than mountainous regions

• Best used during cooler morning and late afternoon hours

Pro Tips

• Bring water and sun protection for daytime riding

• Ask locals about safe routes away from main traffic

• Lock bikes even in seemingly safe areas

• Avoid cycling during heavy rain seasons (Oct-Nov in central Vietnam)

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7. Private Car

Private transportation in Vietnam offers comfort and flexibility, especially for families or groups. Options include taxis, ride-hailing services, and private car rentals with drivers.

Highlights

• Travel door-to-door with air conditioning and privacy

• Stop at viewpoints and attractions along highways at your leisure

• Explore remote areas not served by public transport

• Enjoy comfortable airport transfers with luggage space

Key Routes

• Airport transfers in major cities (30-60 minutes)

• Da Nang to Hoi An (30km, 45 minutes)

• Hanoi to Ninh Binh day trip (100km, 2 hours)

• Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta towns (150km, 3-4 hours)

Cost

• Taxis: Base fare 10,000-15,000 VND plus 15,000-20,000 VND per kilometer

• Grab car: Similar to taxis but with fixed upfront pricing

• Private car with driver: 1,000,000–2,500,000 VND per day

• Airport transfers: 200,000–500,000 VND depending on distance

Operating Hours

• Taxis and Grab: 24/7 service in major cities

• Private car bookings: Typically 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• Airport transfers: Match flight schedules

• Same availability weekdays and weekends

Frequency

• Taxis readily available in city centers and tourist areas

• Grab wait times typically 3-7 minutes in cities

• Pre-book private cars at least one day ahead

• Airport transfer bookings recommended 24+ hours in advance

Pro Tips

• Use Grab app for fixed prices and to avoid taxi scams

• Confirm pricing before starting journeys in regular taxis

• Book private drivers through hotels for reliable service

• Have your destination written in Vietnamese for easier communication

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8. Boat

With 3,260km of coastline and major river systems, transportation services in Vietnam naturally include various boat options. From luxury cruises to simple ferries, waterways offer scenic alternatives.

Highlights

• Cruise among the 1,600+ limestone islands of Halong Bay

• Visit floating markets in the Mekong Delta at dawn

• Travel the Perfume River in Hue past ancient tombs and pagodas

• Island hop between Nha Trang’s beautiful beaches

Key Routes

• Halong Bay day and overnight cruises from Hanoi

• Mekong Delta boat tours from Can Tho or Ben Tre

• Cai Rang floating market boats from Can Tho

• Phu Quoc ferry connections from Rach Gia or Ha Tien

Cost

• Halong Bay day cruise: 900,000–1,500,000 VND

• Halong Bay overnight cruises: 2,500,000–6,000,000 VND

• Mekong Delta boat tours: 150,000–500,000 VND

• Island ferries: 150,000–350,000 VND one-way

Operating Hours

• Halong Bay cruises: Departures 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Mekong Delta tours: Early morning (5:00 AM) for markets

• Ferry services: Usually 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Same schedule weekdays and weekends, weather permitting

Frequency

• Halong Bay organized tours: Multiple daily departures

• Ferries to major islands: 2-8 daily sailings

• Local river crossings: Continuous service during daylight

• Reduced or canceled services during stormy weather (Jul-Oct)

Pro Tips

• Book Halong Bay cruises 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season

• Visit floating markets between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM for best experience

• Check weather forecasts before boat trips during monsoon season

• Bring motion sickness medication for longer sea journeys

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FAQs

What is the best way to get around Vietnam?

For long distances (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City), flights save time. For mid-range journeys, trains offer comfort and scenery. Within cities, Grab bikes and taxis work well. Best transportation in Vietnam depends on your budget and schedule – flights for speed, trains for views, and motorbikes for flexibility.

What is the main transportation in Vietnam?

Motorbikes dominate Vietnamese roads with over 45 million nationwide. They’re the primary transportation in Vietnam for locals and increasingly popular with tourists. In cities, motorbikes account for 80-90% of traffic volume, creating Vietnam’s signature

street scenes.

What is the cheapest way of transport in Vietnam?

Local city buses are most affordable transportation in Vietnam, costing just 7,000-15,000 VND per trip. For intercity travel, regular (non-sleeper) buses offer the best value. Budget travelers can cross the entire country for under 1,000,000 VND using public buses.

Is a taxi expensive in Vietnam?

Taxis are reasonably priced compared to Western countries. A 10km journey costs around 150,000-200,000 VND (Rs. 500-650). Using Grab app gives fixed prices about 10-15% cheaper than regular taxis. Airport transportation in Vietnam by taxi costs 200,000-300,000 VND in most cities.

Can tourists use the Vietnam Metro?

Yes, tourists can use the metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Hanoi’s Cat Linh-Ha Dong line opened in 2021, and Ho Chi Minh City’s first line began partial operations in 2023. These systems are part of expanding public transportation in Vietnam, with tickets costing 7,000-15,000 VND per journey.

What currency is used in Vietnam?

Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Current exchange rate is approximately 1 Indian Rupee = 300 VND. Most transportation in Vietnam requires cash payment, though major hotels, tour companies and Grab accept cards. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.

Are taxis in Vietnam expensive?

Compared to India, taxis cost slightly more but remain affordable. A 15-minute ride typically costs 80,000-120,000 VND (Rs. 270-400). Safe transportation in Vietnam includes using reputable companies like Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) taxis, or the Grab app for fixed fares.

Are buses cheap in Vietnam?

Yes, buses provide extremely cheap transportation in Vietnam. City buses cost 7,000-15,000 VND per trip. Long-distance buses between major cities cost 200,000-500,000 VND, making them 5-10 times cheaper than equivalent journeys in Europe or North America.