Getting Around Vietnam: Complete Transport Guide for First Time Visitors
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Getting around Vietnam is actually much easier than most first-time visitors expect. Whether you’re travelling between cities or exploring locally, Vietnam has plenty of affordable transport options including Grab, domestic flights, sleeper trains and buses.
The traffic can definitely be a culture shock at first, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but once you understand how it works, travelling around Vietnam becomes much easier.
Here are the main things to know about transport in Vietnam before you arrive.
Using Grab Instead Of Taxis
We would highly recommend downloading Grab as soon as you arrive in Vietnam.
Grab is basically Southeast Asia’s version of Uber and is by far the easiest way to get around.
Download it before arriving and connect your card so you’re ready at the airport and can avoid the taxi queues.
Stay Connected in Vietnam
Travel Tip: Stay Connected with an eSIM
We personally use Airalo whenever we travel. It makes arriving in a new country so much easier because you can have mobile data ready to go without needing to find a SIM card at the airport.
If you purchase through our affiliate links below, you can get an even better price than normal. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps us keep creating free travel guides.
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You can order:
- Cars
- Motorbikes
- Food delivery
- Grocery delivery
The reason we recommend Grab over regular taxis is because:
- Prices are fixed upfront
- You avoid language barriers when explaining locations
- You can track your route
- It is usually very affordable
Domestic Flights Between Cities
Vietnam is a long country, so domestic flights are often the easiest option if you’re travelling between regions.
- Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi: around 2 hours flight duration
- Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang: around 1.5 hours flight duration
- Hanoi to Da Nang: around 1.5 hours flight duration
- Hanoi to Phu Quoc: around 2 hours flight duration
Planning your route? Check out our favourite places to visit in Vietnam here.
The main airlines are Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air. VietJet is usually the cheaper option, but delays can be common, especially on domestic routes. We personally prefer Vietnam Airlines when prices are similar.
Sleeper Trains And Buses
If you’re feeling adventurous, Vietnam also has sleeper trains and buses running between many cities.
Sleeper trains are a really popular way to travel between places like Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An.
Sleeper buses are usually cheaper, although comfort levels can definitely vary. We’d probably recommend trains over buses where possible, especially for longer trips.
Crossing The Road In Vietnam
This deserves its own section because honestly, it feels terrifying the first few times.
The biggest thing to know is: do not run.
Traffic in Vietnam flows around you. The trick is to walk slowly, predictably and confidently while the scooters move around you.
If you stop suddenly or run backwards, it actually becomes more dangerous. Hold up your hand, look at them as you cross and keep a steady pace.
Vietnam Traffic Culture
Nothing can truly prepare you for Vietnam traffic until you experience it yourself.
- Thousands of scooters everywhere
- Entire families somehow fitting onto one bike
- People carrying TVs, plants, ladders, dogs and basically anything imaginable on scooters
- Beeping horns constantly (usually saying "I'm here" rather than aggressive)
- Sidewalks often being used for scooter parking or driving
It can feel overwhelming at first, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but after a while it becomes part of the charm of Vietnam.
Renting a Scooter in Vietnam
Scooters are the most common way locals travel around Vietnam, and rentals are available almost everywhere. However, traffic can be overwhelming if you’re not experienced, and can even be challenging for experienced foreign riders, especially in busy cities.
For most short-term visitors, using Grab bikes is often the easier and safer option, especially in big cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Final Thoughts: Getting Around Vietnam
Vietnam transport might seem chaotic at first, but it quickly becomes part of the experience. Between Grab, affordable flights, trains and buses, travelling around Vietnam is much easier than it first appears.
After a few days you’ll probably find yourself crossing roads like a local and enjoying the organised chaos that makes Vietnam such a unique place to travel.
Want to understand money, ATMs and card payments before your trip? Read our complete Vietnam money guide here.
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