Transportation

Transportation in Vietnam

Getting around Vietnam is affordable and increasingly convenient, though traffic can be chaotic. Grab has transformed urban transportation.

Grab App

The essential transport app in Vietnam:

Benefits:

• Fixed price shown upfront
• Cashless payment option
• Driver tracking
• Safety features
• No language barrier needed

Motorbikes

Motorbikes dominate Vietnamese streets:

Rental:

• Automatic scooter: $40-60/month
• Manual: $30-50/month
• Daily: $5-10

To ride legally:

• Vietnamese license OR
• International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement
• Police checks are common—fines ~$40 without license

Safety concerns:

• Vietnam has high road fatality rates
• Chaotic traffic, especially in HCMC
• Always wear helmet
• Insurance may be void without proper license

Public Transit

Ho Chi Minh City:

• Metro Line 1 opening 2024-2025 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien)
• Additional lines under construction
• Limited bus network
• Water buses on Saigon River

Hanoi:

• Metro Line 2A operational (Cat Linh-Ha Dong)
• Line 3 under construction
• Bus network available

Da Nang:

• Limited public transit
• Grab and motorbikes primary options

Getting a Vietnamese License

Requirements:

• TRC or long-term visa
• Health certificate
• Valid foreign license
• Theory and practical tests

Process:

• Apply at Department of Transport
• Theory test in Vietnamese (some areas offer English)
• Practical riding test
• Takes 1-2 weeks

Between Cities

Domestic Flights:

• Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
• Very affordable: $30-80 for most routes
• HCMC-Hanoi: ~2 hours

Trains:

• Reunification Express (HCMC-Hanoi): 30+ hours
• Scenic but slow
• Popular HCMC-Nha Trang overnight route

Buses:

• Extensive network
• VIP/sleeper buses for long distances
• Very affordable: $10-30 for most routes

Taxis

If using traditional taxis:

• Vinasun (white/red) and Mai Linh (green) are reputable
• Always use meter ("Dong ho" in Vietnamese)
• Avoid airport taxis—use Grab