Take the North-South Reunification Train
This train is the "best option" for travelers who want to explore all three parts of the country. The Thong Nhat Railway stops at most destinations along Vietnam, suitable for even travelers who want to travel unscheduled.
The trains are classified with SE (Super Express) as the fastest and most modern type. TN (Unified) trains are slower, older and less comfortable. The term "Reunification Express Train" is used collectively for many different trains running between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Trains SE1 and SE3 left Hanoi in the evening, arriving in HCMC in the morning on Tuesday. To reach Hanoi in the morning, visitors can catch the SE4 or SE2 train from HCMC in the evening.
There are four main classes on trains including hard seats, soft seats, hard sleepers and soft sleepers, in ascending order of cost and comfort. These classes are also divided into air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options. The highest fare is air-conditioned sleeper class. Some trains have wifi but connection speeds can be slow, so visitors are advised to use an internet-connected SIM.
Visitors can buy tickets at railway stations a few days before departure or online 60 to 90 days in advance. There is only one online train ticket booking address on dsvn.vn, the official website of Vietnam Railways.
Traveling by bus
In major tourist destinations such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, visitors will see signs advertising "Open Tour" or "Open Ticket" buses. These services provide transportation between major cities and visitors can hop on and off at any point along the way. However, the cost of a service car is much more expensive than a coach at a regular terminal. In turn, stops are usually in a convenient central location.
When riding a regular bus, visitors should carefully research the stop to get to the correct station and buy tickets one day in advance. The service of each garage is different, the seats on the coach are usually also available in many types from comfortable sleepers to soft seats. When riding a bus in Vietnam, you should bring earplugs to avoid noise when the driver plays lyrical music, martial arts movies on the car. Another point to note is that intercity buses often stop at the station for a long time to wait for passengers to board or catch passengers along the way. Whether booking a sleeper or seat ticket, travel time by bus is never fast.
Motorbikes for adventurous travelers
The motorbike journey along Vietnam is "the dream of many tourists", going through all roads from forests to mountains to the sea. Guests can easily rent motorbikes to make the trip between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, motorbike travel in Vietnam is not for novice drivers. In addition, some places have poor quality car rentals. Guests are advised to carefully check the condition of the car when renting at the hotel. It is best to rent a car through a travel agency or dedicated car rental points, the car is regularly maintained.
In addition, visitors should choose rental companies that offer insurance and clear leases. Visitors will be insured in the event of an accident when wearing a full helmet. In some places, locals offer rental driving services for around $30 per day.
Rent a car with a driver
Renting a car with a driver is a reasonable option for visitors who are new to Vietnam and not familiar with local traffic conditions. Renting a car with a driver makes the trip much easier. The driver often acts as a tour guide and even suggests additional destinations that are not on the itinerary. In addition, visitors also do not have to worry about paperwork when renting and driving.
Local travel agencies often offer a variety of chauffeured car rental packages, with customized schedules.
The cost usually ranges from $60 to $150 per day excluding gas. The driver will pay for food and accommodation on his own. Guests can split the trip with other travelers to reduce costs. The 2WD single-bridge vehicle is suitable for the plains, the two 4WD bridges are suitable for the northern mountainous terrain.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights will help travelers save significant travel time. However, delays and cancellations often occur. Airlines operating domestic routes in Vietnam include Bamboo Airways, Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Air and Vietnam Airlines. Currently, Dien Bien Phu airport is closed until 2024, so there are no domestic air routes to the northwest during this time. Visitors are forced to use road transport when coming here.
Travel by water
Visitors can choose to travel by boat to offshore islands such as Phu Quoc, islands scattered around Nha Trang Bay, Cham Island near Hoi An and islands and rocks in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Con Dao, Vung Tau, Can Tho. Sea transport routes may be disrupted during the typhoon season from May 5 to May 10. Visitors should monitor the weather forecast to actively change the schedule if they plan to travel by water.
Cycle to discover the local pace of life
Guests can rent bicycles for local exploration from hotels or tour agencies. For long-distance trips, travelers should rent a high-quality bike through a dedicated bike rental tour company such as Vietnam Cycling or Indochina Bike Tours. When it is compulsory to cross highways, travelers should switch to coaches or trains, load bicycles on the roof of the coach or in the luggage compartment of the train.
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