The best ways to get around in Vietnam
Getting around in Vietnam can either be stressful or helluva fun. There’s everything from cyclo, bicycle rickshaws, to motorbike taxis that can take you around the cities. For longer journeys, there’s a number of transportation options you can take. Let’s check out what the best ways to get around in Vietnam are!
Vietnam by bus
Bus is the most popular way to get around in Vietnam, but it’s not the most reliable. Travelers prefer to take the bus because it’s usually the cheapest option and buses run frequently and almost everywhere. But you can never rely on the bus being on time for example. The driver might be late, the traffic can be hectic and sometimes the bus might even break down. So taking the bus can be frustrating, but it will get you to where you need to go. Eventually.
Vietnam by train
Taking the train is quite underrated because the train is sloooow. It’s also very cheap! So if you’re not on a strict time schedule, it’s highly recommended to take the train. You just need to sit back, relax and enjoy the views. The main line, the Reunification Express, runs from Hanoi all the way south to Ho Chi Minh City and stops by some popular spots such as Hue, Danang and Nha Trang.
Traveling by boat
If you’re thinking of heading to one of the islands in Vietnam, taking the ferry is usually the cheapest option (although if you look early, you might find cheap flight deals to Phu Quoc from Ho Chi Minh for example). Halong Bay is a very popular spot where you should definitely get around with a cruise so you can see all the limestone islands and islets that the UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for. There are both day and overnight cruises you can choose from.
Vietnam by motorbike
This is by far the most popular way to get around Vietnam, at least amongst the adventurous travelers. You can rent a scooter as well if you don’t feel comfortable riding a motorbike. Usually backpackers rent or buy a motorbike, start in either north or south and drive their way cross country. This way, they can stop wherever and whenever they want to. This is an excellent way to find those hidden gems in Vietnam where you can only get to if you have a motorbike. Do keep in mind that traffic in Vietnam can get very hectic, especially in the bigger cities, and that accidents occur quite often. So make sure you’re insured, be aware of your surroundings, always wear a helmet and go explore Vietnam!