How do you get from city to city in Vietnam?

How to travel from one city to another in Vietnam?

Planes? Overrated. Unless you enjoy tiny bags of peanuts and the thrill of wondering if your luggage made it. Vietnam Airlines, sure, it’ll get you there. Like a flying bus. But with less legroom.

Trains? Romantic, in theory. In practice, it’s like a slow-motion movie of the Vietnamese countryside. Beautiful, yes, but bring a good book. And snacks. Many snacks. Preferably something that doesn’t smell too strongly. Consider your fellow passengers.

Sleeper buses? Oh, the humanity. Imagine a metal sardine can on wheels. Then add karaoke. At 3 am. Need I say more? If you’re into contortionism and forced communal singing, go for it.

Motorbikes? Now we’re talking. Wind in your hair. Sun on your face. Near-death experiences at every intersection. It’s the real Vietnam. Just invest in a good helmet. And maybe some life insurance.

Bicycles? Like motorbikes, but slower. And with more sweating. Perfect for those who believe the journey is the destination. Or those who simply enjoy a good thigh workout.

Best ways to traverse Vietnam, ranked by yours truly:

• Motorbike: Embrace the chaos.
• Train: If you’ve got time to kill and a bladder of steel.
• Bicycle: For the truly adventurous (or masochistic).
• Plane: Efficient, if soulless.
• Sleeper bus: Only if you’re a glutton for punishment.

My personal experience? I once rode a motorbike from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Took me a week. Saw some amazing things. Ate some questionable things. Met some incredible people. Almost got run over by a water buffalo. 10/10, would do again. (But maybe with fewer water buffalo encounters.) Just kidding (mostly).

Pro-tip: Pack light. No, seriously. You’ll thank me later. Especially if you’re on a motorbike. Or a bicycle. Or crammed into a sleeper bus with fifty of your closest friends.

Another pro-tip: Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases. “Xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) will get you far. And maybe a free bowl of pho. Or, at the very least, a smile. Because Vietnamese people are ridiculously lovely. Even when you’re butchering their language. It’s one of the many reasons I keep coming back.

How to travel from one city to another in Vietnam?

Flights: Vietnam Airlines dominates, but consider budget options like Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, and Pacific Airlines for shorter hops. Price versus comfort… a timeless dilemma. I flew Pacific Airlines once and survived, barely.

Trains: Scenic coastal route. Good for slow travel, observing life. Not always efficient. I prefer the Reunification Express, but those north-south trips can be long.

Buses: Sleeper buses are ubiquitous. Varying degrees of luxury (or lack thereof). Bring earplugs. Always bring earplugs. Seriously. My overnight Hanoi to Hue trip was…memorable. For all the wrong reasons. Consider FUTA Bus Lines or TheSinhTourist.

Motorbikes: Iconic Vietnam image. Rentals easy. Traffic chaotic. Requires experience and nerves of steel. My friend broke his arm in Da Nang. Be careful.

Bicycles: Best for short distances, local exploration. Hoi An’s ancient town is perfect for cycling. Flat terrain, charming streets. I rented a rickety bike there for a week. Pure bliss. Except for that one pothole…

Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Gojek are readily available. Convenient and affordable for city travel. I use Grab all the time in Ho Chi Minh City. Even for short trips.

Boats/Ferries: Cruises in Ha Long Bay. Ferries to Phu Quoc Island. Mekong Delta excursions. Scenic and relaxing, if you don’t get seasick like my sister.

Choosing depends on your priorities: Time, budget, comfort, adventure. There’s something for everyone in Vietnam.