Short answer: fly for long hops (Hanoi – Da Nang – Saigon – Phu Quoc), take a sleeper bus or train for mountain and coastal routes (Hanoi – Sapa, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Hue – Da Nang), and use Grab or Xanh SM inside cities. Mix the three and you’ll see a lot more without wasting days on the road.
Vietnam is long – more than 1,600 km from Hanoi to Saigon as the crow flies, and a lot more by road. The biggest mistake I see is people trying to do it all by bus to save a few dollars, then spending half their holiday staring at a highway. Here’s how I’d actually move around if I were in your shoes.
Should I fly between cities in Vietnam?
For anything over about 600 km, yes. Domestic flights are short (1–2 hours) and often cheap if you book a few weeks ahead. The main airlines are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines and the newest one, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, flying since November 2025 between Phu Quoc, Hanoi, Saigon and Da Nang.
Heads-up: since April 2026 Vietnam Airlines has paused a few low-demand routes from smaller airports. If you’re flying somewhere off the main triangle, double-check the schedule before building your plan around it.
Is the train worth it?
The Reunification Express runs Hanoi to Saigon in a little over 30 hours. I wouldn’t do the whole thing in one go, but some sections are gorgeous – Hue to Da Nang over the Hai Van Pass is one of my favourite rides in the country. The overnight train to Lao Cai for Sapa is also a classic; book a private cabin if you want a proper sleep.
What about sleeper buses?
This is where things have improved the most. The new private-cabin sleeper buses are clean, have curtains, charging ports and even little TVs. For routes like Hanoi to Sapa, Hanoi to Ha Long or Sapa to Ha Long Bay, they’re often faster door-to-door than the train.
How do I get around inside cities?
- Grab and Xanh SM – fixed price in the app, no haggling, cars or motorbike taxis.
- Walking – the best way to see Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Hoi An. Just cross the road slowly and steadily; motorbikes will flow around you.
- Cyclo – fun for 30 minutes in Hanoi or Hue, but agree the price before you sit down.
What about boats?
Boats are part of the trip, not just transport: an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a rowing boat through the caves of Trang An, a morning at a Mekong floating market. Speedboats and ferries also connect islands like Cat Ba, Phu Quoc and Con Dao.
A local guide’s honest advice
Don’t over-plan the transport and under-plan the places. Pick three or four regions, fly between the far ones, and let the slow bits – a train by the sea, a boat through the karsts – be part of the holiday. And always keep one spare day: weather in the north and centre can shuffle plans, especially from July to October.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to travel around Vietnam?
Sleeper buses, but for long distances a budget flight booked early is often only a little more and saves a full day.
Is Grab safe in Vietnam?
Yes – prices are fixed in the app and trips are tracked. It’s what most locals use.
How long is the train from Hanoi to Saigon?
A little over 30 hours. Most travellers only ride one or two scenic sections.
Can I rent a motorbike?
You can, but you legally need a valid licence that’s recognised in Vietnam – and your travel insurance will usually ask for it.
Let us handle the logistics: our 14-Day Vietnam Group Tour includes all transfers, or message our team for a private itinerary.
