Travel in Vietnam - Getting Around

Vietnam may not look so big on a map, but it occupies the entire eastern seaboard of Southeast Asia. The journey between the country’s current capital of Hanoi and its deposed centre of government in the south, Ho Chi Minh City, can take at least two full days of travel whether it’s by train or bus.

The gross majority of travelers will arrive in Vietnam by air at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and from here the best way into town is by taxi. Prices aren’t cheap, so it pays to split the fare with another traveler if possible. Once in the city, there are two main ways to get around. There are motorcycle taxis, which are convenient though it is important to agree on a price before you climb on.

A more interesting option with the same rules for fares is to travel by cyclo. The cyclo driver pedals a vehicle with a seat for two people in front, and this can make for a nice journey through the old streets of Hanoi.

For travel outside the capital, the usual options of bus, train or car apply though renting a car is not advised as the driving style in Vietnam is erratic at best and dangerous at worst. The biggest tourist spot within reach of Hanoi is Halong Bay, and it is possible to book tours here from almost every corner in the old quarter of Hanoi.

The train is the best option to get to the middle of the country and the historical city of Hue, where easy connections are available for Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. Sleeper cars have four beds per cabin and linen is provided.