Getting around in Vietnam
Once you’ve made it through immigration, and have a WiFi connection and some cash, it’s time to head into the city and start your adventure! Check out your options below to help you get around Vietnam….
Airport Transfer
When arriving in Vietnam by plane, you can book your ride to the hotel in advance. Popular websites such as Booking.com offer a service to book an airport taxi or bus, to and from your accommodation in advance. Some hotels offer an airport transfer with your reservation, or for an additional charge.
Taxi/ Ride Share
Unfortunately, Uber does not work in Vietnam, but the Grab app does. Over the years, Grab has expanded its offerings across Southeast Asia to include deliveries, mobility, financial services, enterprise, and more-all through one super app. Click here to learn more.
TAXI: Throughout Vietnam, there are really only two reputable cab companies: Mai Linh and Vinasun. If you’re stuck with a second-rate company, you need to ensure the meter is running, as less than honest cabbies often have a hard time remembering to click the button. A ride should generally set you back about 15,000 VND (about 65 cents in USD) per kilometer.
Metro
Hanoi: The Hanoi Metro (Vietnamese: Đường sắt đô thị Hà Nội, lit. ‘Hanoi urban railway’) is a rapid transit system in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is owned by Vietnam Railways and operated by Hanoi Metro Company (HMC), and it is the first operational rapid transit system in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh: The Ho Chi Minh City Metro (HCMC Metro) is a planned rapid transit network that will serve Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Its Vietnamese name is “Đường sắt đô thị Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh,” which translates to the ‘urban railway of the City of Ho Chi Minh’. The HCMC Metro is planned to begin operation at the end of 2023.
Da Nang: Plans for a Da Nang transit system are still in the works.
Bus
Hanoi: Traveling by bus in Hanoi is inexpensive and convenient. The buses in Hanoi are very eye-catching, with their typical three main colors painted on them: white, red, and yellow. Each bus has a number in red centered on a white circle, which is visible from the front of the bus. The ticket price for each bus is written clearly on a small line with red letters along the bus window. The price is the same for everyone, locals and foreigners alike! So, make sure you pay attention to it and forget about the concern of being overcharged. Each ticket can only be used once for a single trip, so keep it with you in case of a random inspection. Tickets are purchased directly from the conductor on the bus, and you must pay in cash.
Ho Chi Minh: Ho Chi Minh City has a reasonable bus infrastructure, enabling tourists and locals to travel around quickly and inexpensively. Covering 152 routes, the bus system in Ho Chi Minh City reaches most tourist destinations and nearby areas. The buses in Ho Chi Minh City can be recognized by the white cover with a light green strip. The price of a bus ticket fluctuates between 3,000 and 10,000 VND, which depends on the distance and bus type.
Da Nang: Open tour buses are available in Da Nang during peak tourist season. Most travelers find an open bus tour an eye-opening experience while exploring different parts of Da Nang, providing them with a unique experience.
Bike/ Scooter Rentals
RentABike – An established motorbike company that specializes in long-term rentals to expats living in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Tigit Motorbikes – With offices in HCM, Danang, Hanoi, and Dalat, Tigit offer a simple pick-up and drop-off service between cities
Now that you have a full understanding of how to enter, exit, and navigate Vietnam, you can focus on exploring and discovering! Keep checking my blog posts for the latest adventures, and more tips on finding beautiful architecture and design around the globe!
