Travel the World

As one of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia, Vietnam welcomes tourists from around the world. Although the country is as vast and as vibrant as its neighbours, the public and private modes of transportation available in Vietnam remain a mystery to most of the travelling masses. While the country does not boast MRTs and SkyTrains as Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand, here are some convenient alternatives to use during a trip to this fascinating part of the world.

Image via Anantara Hoi An Resort

Domestic flights are the best way to travel long distances in Vietnam as there are plenty of local carriers offering quick transfers to various corners of the country. With multiple flights to nearly every domestic destination available daily, it is by far the most convenient way to get around for those who have the means to shell out for a speedy flight. Bamboo Airlines, Viet Jet Air, Jetstar Pacific and the national carrier Vietnam Airlines all fly around Vietnam but also connect visitors with nearby countries and cities. Although domestic flights are more costly than other means of transport, the charges are not exorbitant when comparing fares with neighbouring countries as a one-way flight can cost as little as USD 25.

Travelling via train is also an option that locals and expats use to travel from one Vietnamese city to another as subway train networks have not yet been introduced to the country's transportation system. Trains offer travellers an efficient and scenic means of crisscrossing the country as the best way to travel from Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to destinations such as Ninh Binh and Phan Thiet is via the railway. Affordable and reliable, this budget-friendly means of transport covers most of the Vietnamese map with around 3000km of railway tracks dotting the country. The Reunification Express train service, which runs between Saigon and Hanoi train stations, is available daily. While not plush, Vietnamese train travel is cosy and comfortable while sleeper cabins with bunk beds are also available. Bao Lau, DSVN and 12go.Asia are three popular websites for booking trains in Vietnam.

When it comes to navigating the interior landscapes and attractions in a city, buses and coaches are the ideal way to get around. The well-maintained highways and the reliable national bus service make Vietnam a joy to explore by bus. With several private bus companies also thrown into the mix, visitors can also travel in air-conditioned comfort to their chosen destination. Perfect for covering long distances as well as sightseeing tours, the comforts available inside the buses will depend on the route and the bus company in question. Open tour buses are also available in Ho Chi Minh City and other tourist hubs such as Hanoi where travellers can hop on and hop off as per their convenience.

Motorbikes in Vietnam are called "xe máy" in the local tongue, and renting a motorbike can be a great way to see the country without breaking the bank. Those with an international driving license can rent a motorbike from RentABike, Tigit Motorbikes and other reputable rental companies and enjoy the freedom of having their own set of wheels. These rentals will cost less than USD 20 per day, and the cost of a rental will depend on the make and quality of the bike as well as the duration of the rental period.

Cabs are another efficient way to explore the inner city areas of Vietnam although the charges tend to be more expensive than bus fares. It is crucial to download the taxi booking apps once you touch down in Vietnam as Taxi Mai Linh, Grab and Gojek provide metered taxis to patrons around the country. Tourists with reservations at Anantara Hoi An Resort or any other Hoi An luxury resort will find that taxis are also the most popular mode of transport for airport transfers