How to get around Vietnam

Getting between places in Vietnam can seem daunting, but do not worry. It is much easier than you imagine! You will learn to become comfortable with the vast bus network of Vietnam and the infamous sleeper buses. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting around Vietnam cheaply and sustainably.

For the ultimate backpacking route and itinerary for Vietnam, check out my post here.

Hanoi

How to get around cities in Vietnam

Unfortunately, within Vietnamese cities, there isn’t much public transport, so taxis are your best option where you can’t walk. In most Vietnamese cities, you can use the Grab or Bolt apps for taxis. Grab/Bolt motorbikes will always be your cheapest and fastest option, but make sure you get given a helmet. You have every right to refuse the ride if you don’t. Grab/Bolt cars are a good option if you have multiple people to split the cost with, although the journeys will take longer because you can’t weave in and out of traffic like the motorbikes do. You will get given a price on the app when you book any Grab or Bolt ride, but you’ll pay in cash at the end of your journey. Often, if you are going somewhere further and need a ride back, you can negotiate with your driver to wait for you and take you back as well. Make sure you don’t pay until both rides have been completed though!

Sapa

How to get between places in Vietnam

Buses run between every destination in Vietnam, and a lot of them are sleeper buses, so you get a bed instead of a seat, whether you travel in the day or at night. The buses are also relatively cheap, costing around £10 for some of the shorter routes, and £20 - £25 for the long overnight buses.

To book buses, I highly recommend booking through your hostel. A lot of people book through 12Go Asia, and this does work if you book in advance or get tickets with ‘Instant Confirmation’. However, unlike in Thailand and other Asian countries, I saw so many instances of people getting stranded because bus tickets were fake. As a rule of thumb: unless it’s Instant Confirmation, book with your hostel.

Booking buses through the hostels in Vietnam was never more expensive than booking online, and it came with the huge advantage of being picked up at your hostel. If there is a problem, there is someone who speaks English to help you, and they have the phone numbers of the bus drivers to troubleshoot. I really cannot recommend doing this enough. 

Hoi An

TOP TIP FOR TAKING BUSES IN VIETNAM: if the bus stops for a toilet break, get off and go to the toilet. You have absolutely no idea if or when the bus will next stop, and buses with toilets are in the minority. Some drivers will drive for hours without a break, so be prepared. Some of the toilet stops will be questionable - I stopped in the middle of a field at 2am once, and we all had no choice but to go to the toilet right then and there. But it is better than nothing. You will need to bring toilet paper/ tissues and hand sanitiser for most stops. Make eye contact with the driver when you get off the bus to make sure they remember you and don’t leave you behind. The drivers generally have limited English, so it is not worth the risk.

I usually booked inter-city journeys in Vietnam two or three days in advance, but you will always have options even the day before, so don’t worry about this.

Ha Giang Loop

I hope this gives you a good overview of how to get around Vietnam. It is very straightforward and you will get the hang of it very quickly. Of course, public transport will always be the cheapest and most sustainable option, so please choose this where you can. As always, look after the places you visit and remember to only leave your footprints behind :)