Thanks to economic development in the last 20 years, transportation in Vietnam has been improved to encourage the development of tourism. Many new roads, bridges and airports have been built in recent years which make getting around Vietnam much easier. With the good transportation system, you can enjoy your holiday in Vietnam more.
As the Long Thanh International Airport has not been finished, there are only two official international airports in Vietnam. The first one is Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi and the second one is Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Most foreign travelers access Vietnam through these two international airports.
Between Vietnam to Europe, there are Vietnam Airlines and Air France (to Paris).
Travelers from other countries in Europe and North America normally will have a flight to Bangkok (Thailand) and then Vietnam. In the near future, there will be direct flights between Vietnam and America and other countries in Europe.
Vietnam is waiting for you to explore
There are many ways to get around. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages which will be listed in the following:
To save time and effort, travelers normally travel by plane for long distances. They often choose to fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Hue or Danang or Nha Trang or Phan Thiet and vice versa.
- Safe and Time-Saving: Ideal for long distances, reducing travel time significantly.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy spectacular views from above, especially when flying over coastal or mountainous regions.
- Clear Flight Options: You can choose from various airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways.
- Flight Delays: Budget airlines like VietJet Air often experience delays, so plan your schedule accordingly.
- Higher Cost: More expensive compared to buses or trains, especially for last-minute bookings.
Vietnam Airlines
You can travel from the north to the south of Vietnam by train. The Unification Express offers a wide
Range Of Choices From Third-Class Hard Seat To Air-Conditioned Cushioned Seats To Sleeper Beds.
- Scenic Journey: Enjoy beautiful landscapes along the coastline and through the mountains.
- Variety of Seating Options: Choose from hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper beds (available for 2, 4, or 6 people).
- Luxury Train Services: Besides the traditional trains, there are luxury services like the Victoria Express and Laman Express, offering a more comfortable experience.
- Slow and Noisy: The journey can be long, and the standard trains can be noisy and less clean.
- Booking in Advance is Essential: High demand means you need to book tickets early, especially for sleeper beds and luxury trains.
Sapa night train
Going by car is the most accessible way in Vietnam. In the past 3 years, the development of Grab and Uber in Vietnam has made getting around cities easier and cheaper. It is very easy for you to get in a taxi or a car in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City just by downloading the XanhSM/Grab App from the App Store or Google Store.
- Convenient: Easily book via app for motorbikes, 4-seater, or 7-seater cars.
- Transparent Pricing: The app shows clear rates, allows you to track your route, and some services provide online invoices.
- Safer Payments: Cashless payment options reduce the risk of scams.
- Uncertain Pricing: The fare can be unpredictable, especially if the driver takes a longer route.
- Limited Route Tracking: Without app support, you cannot easily follow your route on a map, which can be concerning for first-time visitors.
- Traffic Jams: Regardless of the type, taxis can get stuck in traffic, especially during rush hours in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Taxi in Hanoi
Local buses in Vietnam are not recommended if you are not going with locals. To get on the bus, you must go to the bus station in the town center. Buses only leave when it is full of passengers. It means you will not have a comfortable seat. In addition, it is often old and dirty and sometimes unsafe (pickpocket, impolite drivers, high speed, etc.)
There are still high-class buses (Limousine cars) to travel from Hanoi to Sapa or Hai Phong but you must book in advance.
- Affordable: Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around.
- Variety of Choices: Sleeper buses provide a more comfortable option for long journeys.
- Unpredictable Quality: Local buses can be old, crowded, and unsafe, with issues like pickpocketing.
- Bus Stations Are Not Centrally Located: Most bus stations are far from city centers, requiring a taxi or ride-hailing service to reach them.
- Sleeper Buses Are Not for Everyone: The experience may not be comfortable for those not used to lying flat during travel.
Local Bus in Vietnam
A car/van is the most comfortable vehicle for your trip to Vietnam. Nowadays, most of the cars and vans in Vietnam are good and new and that is easy for you to book your tour operator to arrange the car with a guide or without a tour guide.
- Comfortable and Flexible: Enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own vehicle, with the ability to stop at various attractions along the way.
- New and Well-Maintained Vehicles: Most tour operators provide modern cars or vans with air conditioning.
- Higher Cost: Renting a private vehicle can be expensive, especially for long journeys or multi-day trips.
Private Van
In recent years, traveling by cruise has become more and more popular, especially the Halong Bay Cruise and Mekong Cruise. You can choose which cruise based on your budget from a 3-star to a 5-star cruise.
- Unforgettable Experience: Cruises offer unique views and luxurious amenities.
- Variety of Options: From budget-friendly to five-star luxury cruises, there’s something for every budget.
- Quite expensive
- Not suitable for people with seasickness
Halong Bay overnight cruise
Speedboats are used for travel between islands and coastal areas, such as routes from Chau Doc to Phu Quoc or from the mainland to Con Dao.
- Quick and Cost-Effective: Faster than ferries and relatively affordable.
- Scenic Routes: Offers beautiful views of the coastline and islands.
- Uncomfortable for Those Prone to Seasickness: The journey can be rough, especially in bad weather.
- Long Travel Time: Despite being faster than ferries, speedboats still take considerable time for long-distance trips.
Speed boat in Vietnam
With many ways to travel in Vietnam, it can be confusing to decide which one is best for you, especially if it's your first visit. If you feel unsure about planning your trip or need help with transportation and how to get to Vietnam, you can book a tour with Incredible Asia Journeys. We will arrange everything for you, from your travel plans to the vehicles you need. And if you want to visit new places during your tour, our travel consultants can help you with any last-minute plans. This way, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday in Vietnam.
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Incredible Asia Journeys - Vietnam Tour Operator and Cruise Packages
