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How do you get around in Vietnam?

Author

John Castro

Published Feb 21, 2026

How do you get around in Vietnam?

The cheapest way to get around Vietnam is the bus. All main cities have bus stations. And, depending on your destination, there are buses that leave every hour (example – from Ho Chi Minh to Can Tho for the Mekong Delta). For those, it's easier to buy your tickets directly at the station.

Similarly, it is asked, what is the best way to get around Vietnam?

Getting Around Vietnam

  1. Vietnam by plane. One of the most popular ways to explore Vietnam is to gradually make your way north from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, or south, and then do the other leg by plane.
  2. Vietnam by train.
  3. Vietnam by bus.
  4. Vietnam by car.
  5. Vietnam by bicycle.
  6. Vietnam by motorcycle taxi, motorbike and cyclo.
  7. Vietnam by boat.

Also Know, how do you get around Ho Chi Minh City? How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City on the cheap!

  1. Xe Om. The Xe Om (the local name for a motorbike taxi) is one of the most efficient modes of transport within the city.
  2. Public Bus. The public bus system is incredibly developed and vast in Ho Chi Minh City.
  3. Grab and Taxis.
  4. Saigon Metro (under construction!)
  5. Hop on-Hop off City Tour Bus.

Similarly, you may ask, what is the main transportation in Vietnam?

The main transportation in Vietnam – you can use train, bus/van, plane, ferry, taxi, private vehicle/car or motorbike. In many cases you will use a combination of the above mentioned means of transport.

What should I avoid in Vietnam?

So keep a lookout for the following tricks during your stay in lovely Vietnam.

  • Money switch. It's usually motorbike taxi drivers that try this one.
  • The groin grab. This one preys on men in touristy areas.
  • Fake taxis.
  • Fake travel companies.
  • The two-shine.
  • A fine bag of tea.
  • The coconut photo shoot.
  • Bait-and-switch massage.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Vietnam?

Brushing Your Teeth With Tap Water in Vietnam

For extended stays, brushing your teeth with tap water is said to be a good way to get used to the local bacterial fauna. Many tourists brush their teeth with tap water successfully without getting sick.

How much money do I need for 2 weeks in Vietnam?

A trip for two weeks for two people costs d26,289,488 in Vietnam. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down.

How much do you tip in Vietnam?

tipping in restaurants in Vietnam

In most restaurants in Vietnam, a 5-10% service charge is added to the bill. Unfortunately, this money does not always end up in the restaurant staff's hands. You could tip around 5-10% of the bill if the service charge is not added.

What is the best month to go to Vietnam?

While this variety makes Vietnam a year-round destination, spring (March to April) is typically the best time to visit the entire country, when days are generally pleasant, temperatures are moderate and rainfall is light.

Is it better to fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

Most of the travelers fly to this region because apart from flights being cheaper, Ho Chi Minh provides a softer landing as compared to Hanoi. In fact, the airport of Ho Chi Minh handles most of the international traffic and is the busiest airport in the country.

Is Thailand cheaper than Vietnam?

A week in Vietnam can cost you about $284 (per person), while a week in Thailand may cost you around $477. When comparing food in Thailand vs. Vietnam they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Thailand ($15) are often cheaper than Vietnam ($9.50).

Is there Uber in Ho Chi Minh?

In Vietnam you can use Uber in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city.

Is it easy to travel in Vietnam?

Vietnam is easy to get around, although the route is well beaten. Use motorcycle guides in the highlands, train and bus down the coast. To survive in Vietnam is easy, even compared to Thai. Police seldom disturbing tourists, accomodation is avaliable in most cities and small towns.

What is the cheapest mode of transport in Vietnam?

2. Bus. Normally, tourists to Vietnam often use this kind of transportation to transfer places to places because it is suitable for short routes. Public transport is the cheapest choice, which is just under 10,000 VND per ticket inside the city.

What should I know before traveling to Vietnam?

20 Things You Should Know Before Travelling to Vietnam
  • Don't Underestimate the Weather.
  • Embrace the Nap.
  • Eat Everything but Beware.
  • Keep Your Phone and Wallet Out of Sight.
  • Get Your Hotel Details.
  • Leave the Plastic at the Hotel.
  • Walk Slowly when Crossing the Street.
  • Motorbike Safety.

How much does it cost to travel in Vietnam?

Despite this, it's still possible to travel in Vietnam on a backpacker's budget of $40 or less per day, or enjoy a more comfortable trip for $60 to $100 per day. For a five-star experience in Vietnam, it's best to budget $200 or more per day – roughly the same amount as you'd spend in nearby countries like Thailand.

How safe is Vietnam?

Top Tips for Staying Safe in Vietnam. No place in the world is entirely safe, but you're unlikely to run into problems in Vietnam. Violent crime is extremely rare and aside from the risk of motor vehicle accidents, it is unusual to experience any safety problems.

What are the roads like in Vietnam?

Roads are poorly lit, and there are few road signs. Buses and trucks often travel at high speed with bright lights that they rarely dim. Some motor vehicles don't use any lights, and vehicles of all types often stop in areas of the road that have no illumination. Livestock are often in the road.

Are there cars in Vietnam?

As of April 2018, 85% of car sales in Vietnam were produced domestically from CKD kits. The Vietnamese car market is relatively small, but the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. Most automobile manufacturers in Vietnam are a member of the (non-governmental) Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association (VAMA).

How long do you need to travel Vietnam?

3 weeks is about enough to see most of the highlight of Vietnam . I would spread each week for each region. If you can make it 4 week that will allow you more time to enjoy the beach.

Is there grab or Uber in Hanoi?

GrabCar is now available in urban areas of Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

How much does it cost to hire a car in Vietnam?

Approximate costs per day are between US$80 and US$120 for a standard car, or between US$120 and US$135 for a 4WD.

How much is a taxi from airport to Ho Chi Minh City?

The fare to most hotels in District 1 should be around 150,000 – 170,000 VND and you will have to pay extra 10,000 VND to cover the Airport surcharge. Mai Linh counter in the terminal building. The Mai Linh taxi company has a counter that is on your right after you clear customs.

Do they speak English in Ho Chi Minh?

Everyone here speaks English so you will have no problem here and in many parts of the city. The further you venture out of the center the hard it may become. Ho Chi Minh is an awesome city filled with rich culture and great street food.

How much is a taxi from Ho Chi Minh airport?

FARES. The fare to most hotels in District 1 is about 150,000 to 170,000 VND. Note that there's an airport surcharge (10,000 VND) for trips departing from Ho Chi Minh Airport. Note that the usual fare to the city centre is 300,000 VND, which includes all tolls.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?

Saigon is a relatively safe destination for travellers. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Common scams and crimes in Saigon: Bag and phone snatching: Travellers frequently fall victim to bag and phone snatchers on motorbikes when crossing the road.

Can you walk around Ho Chi Minh City?

The actual walking time is only about 90 minutes, but it should take you the better part of a day with the all the stops. There are 4 meals on the tour, as well as plenty of opportunities for coffee breaks. Saigon is hot and the sidewalks are broken, cluttered, or non-existent.

What is there to do in Ho Chi Minh at night?

Table Of Contents
  • Wander Down Nguyen Hue Boulevard.
  • Take an XO Motorbike Tour.
  • View the city from the Saigon skyline.
  • Take a Dinner Cruise.
  • Party Hard on Bui Vien Street.
  • Go Shopping at a Night Market.
  • Visit a Bar in Saigon.
  • Check out Some Live Music.

Can I use grab in Vietnam?

Grab car is unfortunately not available everywhere in the country, but in the big cities; Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Nha Trang. The Grab engine is in more cities, such as Dalat and Quy Nhon. It is cheap, but we recommend using it only for traveling in the city and not for traveling to another city.

Can I use Uber in Vietnam?

A lot of people ask us, “Is there Uber in Vietnam?” The short answer is no, but luckily, there is a fantastic alternative to Uber called “Grab”. Essentially, Grab is the Uber of Vietnam and is arguably the best way to get around the larger cities like Ho Chi Minh, Danang, and Hanoi.
From April 1, Decree No. 10/2020/ND-CP is officially in effect, replacing Decree No. 86/2014/ND-CP on auto transport business and conditions for auto transport business. This means Grab and other ride-hailing platforms can now operate as legal businesses in Vietnam after the pilot e-hailing programme ended.
Unlike in other countries where the happy ending is most likely advertised legally, in Vietnam if you want to get a happy ending you may feel like finding the needle in the haystack. In fact, there are numerous places to go for a happy ending massage in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Sapa, and other cities.

What is considered rude in Vietnam?

Palm down when you call someone over

The usual gesture to call people over — open hand, palm up — is considered rude in Vietnam. It's how people call for dogs here. To show respect, point your palm face down instead. And you also shouldn't call someone over when they're older than you.

What is the most dangerous animal in Vietnam?

The most dangerous creatures in Vietnam
  • The Vietnamese Giant Centipede. Also known as the red-headed centipede, this fast-moving, 100-legged menace feeds on everything from bats to wolf spiders.
  • Bats. Come dusk, every street lamp in the country teems with bats.
  • Gaur.
  • Mosquitoes.

How much cash can I bring into Vietnam?

Foreign currencies: no restrictions. Amounts exceeding USD 5,000. - (or equivalent) must be declared upon. Proof of expenses is required.

Is it safe to drink coffee in Vietnam?

Yes, drinking coffee in Vietnam is extremely safe and million cups of coffee are being sold everyday. There is a black mark on the coffee industry in Vietnam though, as recently as 2018 there have been coffee suppliers caught using artificial ingredients in their ground coffee.

Is Vietnam friendly to foreigners?

Generally speaking, Vietnamese people are incredibly forgiving. They've seen foreigners do some pretty idiotic things, so whatever errant blunders you end up committing really won't upset them all that much. To keep you from catching flak from locals, here are 11 things you should avoid doing in Vietnam.

Can a foreigner buy a house in Vietnam?

Unfortunately, foreigners are not allowed to purchase land in Vietnam. But thanks to the Vietnam's Land Use Rights (LUR) (also known as Ownership Certificate of Property), foreigners are allowed to use and control the land they lease with a leasehold period of up to 50-70 years. The leasehold period is renewable.

Is it safe to swim in the sea in Vietnam?

It is relatively safe to swim in the ocean in Vietnam. Factory spills pose the greatest risk to swimmers. Authorities are required to alert swimmers if there could be an issue but be alert to any strange red, brown, or dark blue water. Swimmers should also be wary of undertows.

What is Vietnam famous for in shopping?

Hanoi is a shopper's paradise with silk, handicrafts, rice paper products, souvenirs, bandanas and Ao Dais in a riot of colors! Here we take you to a tour on what to buy in Vietnam Hanoi and the best places for shopping in Hanoi.