Destination Vietnam

Travelling in Vietnam

As with many countries in Asia, there is a vast array of transportation options at a visitor’s disposal when getting from A to B.

By Road

Vietnam is linked, primarily, by Highway One, an extensive coastal road that commences in the Mekong Delta and finishes in Hanoi. This road feeds the main urban centres of the country and is accessed by an extensive public bus and coach system from the express services to the main cities and the ‘all stops’ service to each district and township.

Railways

The national railway also follows the same north to south route and whilst the trains themselves are upgraded we would only recommend a rail journey on a shorter route to enjoy the scenery. The most popular overnight journeys are from Saigon to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Danang and from Hanoi to Hue or vice versa.

One journey that is always best taken by rail is from Hanoi to the highland hill station town of Sapa in the far north – the access point for trekking and soft adventure activities.

By Air

Whilst road and rail are fine for the visitor with ample time on their hands most international visitors will prefer to take one of the short domestic flights to access the different destinations in the country. Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier, have a modern fleet and operate a frequent schedule to the main and regional centres, although many flights do tend to leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Rentals

Hire car is available in Vietnam through Budget Rental Car, although with a difference, as you are accorded your own Vietnamese driver rather than driving yourself – highly recommended as driving in Vietnam is not for the faint hearted!

Boats

Besides these main modes of transportation the Mekong Delta is perfect for river exploration. Motorised boats take visitors through this maze of waterways exploring the region or to continue a journey through to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. There are also a number of quality river cruise boats on the Mekong that provides a longer, more comfortable way of sailing up river.

Getting around

For getting around any Vietnamese city or town you will find that taxis are in abundance and are metered. For those that may prefer the old form of transport, the ‘cyclo’ (rickshaw) is still available although it is rapidly being phased out as modernization spreads.

The majority of Vietnamese, however, prefer to get around by motorbike or scooter. You will often find ‘motorbike taxis’ available at most street corners. Helmets are provided and traveling this way is both fast and fun, although it should be remembered that your travel insurance would not cover you should you choose to travel in this manner.