Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country located on the eastern end of mainland Southeast Asia, bordering China to the north and Laos and Cambodia to the west. The country is a blend of spectacular natural beauty with thriving city life, tranquility with fantastic mayhem, and exquisite cuisine.

Road traffic in Vietnam is continuously expanding, particularly in big cities. Tourists can use buses, vans, taxis, private cars or motorbikes. Due to old architecture and somehow an inefficient traffic mix, the main routes were unsafe and slow to drive on. However, expressway construction has accelerated in recent years.

When traveling from one province to another, the national railway has been one of the most dependable modes of transportation. Air travel is preferred for long-distance trips.

Transportation in Vietnam is affordably priced. Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal. Vietnam’s upgraded transportation infrastructure has made it easier than ever for visitors to visit and explore the nation.

1. Travel by Air

Traveling by plane is a speedy and comfortable way to go around Vietnam however, passengers will see less of this beautiful country. Depending on when visitors book, flying frequently can also be an inexpensive alternative to Vietnam transportation.

Vietnam has 37 civil airports, three of which serve international destinations: Noi Bai, Da Nang, and Tan Son Nhat. Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the largest and the busiest airport in Vietnam. It is located 6 kilometers north of the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

Noi Bai International Airport is the biggest airport in northern Vietnam, serving the capital city of Hanoi. The airport is located 45 kilometers from the city center. After Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, is the second busiest airport for passenger traffic.

Da Nang International Airport is located in Da Nang, the largest city in central Vietnam. In addition to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, it is the third international airport in the nation and a key entry point to central Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier,aside from domestic flights, it connects Vietnam to 49 overseas locations. VietJet Air is the second largest domestic carrier, servicing 16 domestic and 5 foreign destinations, and Bamboo Airways is the third largest.

2. Travel by Train

Traveling by train offers spectacular views and is surprisingly comfortable. Traveling through Vietnam by train also offers a safe, inexpensive, and enjoyable alternative to explore the country.

The state-owned Vietnam Railways owns and operates the country’s railway system. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are connected by the North-South Railway, which runs on a single track. Even though the system is managed and run by the government, private companies are allowed to drive luxurious coaches connected to the official trains. Therefore, even if it is still a state-run train, it might be connected to one or more deluxe cabins, which is great if you desire extra comfort.

To further improve Vietnam transportation, a projected rapid transport system called the Ho Chi Minh City Metro will serve Vietnam’s largest city. By the end of 2023, passenger service on the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Metro Line 1 is anticipated to start.

Depending on the route, train tickets can be purchased at counters in Vietnam’s train stations days or months in advance. Train tickets can also be purchased at numerous travel agents and online at Vietnam’s official train ticketing website.

3. Travel by Bus

The bus is a popular mode of transportation in Vietnam since it is the most convenient and cost-effective. Buses can take tourists almost anywhere in Vietnam. Direct international bus routes connect Vietnam with Cambodia and Laos.

Traveling by bus in Vietnam is an inexpensive and practical way to get about the country, as well as the best way to get to the most popular cities, some of which are not connected to the train network or have no airport nearby.

Tickets are available at bus stations. Travel agencies, on the other hand, provide these as well, including hotel pickup, which is more convenient for passengers.

Depending on the route, train tickets can be purchased at counters in Vietnam’s train stations days or months in advance. Train tickets can also be purchased at numerous travel agents and online at Vietnam’s official train ticketing website.

4. Transportation by Car

Private car transfers are becoming an increasingly popular means of transportation in Vietnam. Aside from health and safety concerns, private car services have been widely regarded as one of the greatest methods to travel from one city to another because brief stops at well-known tourist spots can be requested. It evolves into a private tour in some way.

5. Transportation by Motorbike

Motorbike is considered the most exciting way to travel around Vietnam. Motorbike travel allows tourists to explore Vietnam on their own time and see more of the country than other modes of transportation.

This is a country with an abundance of off-road roads, allowing motorbike riders to fully immerse themselves in it.

Although there have been motorcycles on Vietnamese roadways since the country’s colonial era, motorcycle dominance is a relatively recent phenomenon. For locals, riding a motorbike is the most common mode of transportation in Vietnam. Thus, it is only natural that tourists want to try riding a motorbike when exploring the country.

Renting and even purchasing motorbikes is rather prevalent in any Vietnamese city. Most of the time, travel companies and hostels provide excellent advice on where to find the best deals. However, "xe om" or motorbike taxis are available in almost every corner of the big cities too.

6. Transportation by Cycling

Bicycles are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation in Vietnam. Though only common when visiting tourist destinations within a certain area, this has been one of the most suitable ways of exploring in Vietnam. Cycling around a tourist area may be both thrilling and enlightening, giving visitors a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the cultural aspects of the region in yet another way.

Cycling tours are often offered in cities and towns with not so busy and a little much safer road. Bicycles can be rented from hotels, travel agencies and even online.

Source: vmtravel.com.vn