Transport and Driving in Vietnam

Transport and driving in Vietnam offer many options to get around. In addition to the usual buses and trains, you’ll soon see that the locals love to travel on two wheels, with nearly four out of five Vietnamese owning motorcycles or bicycles. The roads in Vietnam’s cities tend to be congested and chaotic, though. Driving can be stressful, and many expats prefer not to get behind the wheel themselves.

Road traffic accidents occur frequently in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with studies showing that over 40 percent of motorcycle drivers in major cities experience accidents annually. You should always exercise caution when using Vietnam’s roads and ensure you follow safety regulations. Vietnam adopted new traffic safety laws in 2024 (the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety and the Road Law), which take effect in January 2025, bringing stricter enforcement via traffic cameras and harsher penalties for violations.

Getting Around in Ho Chi Minh City 

Public transport in Vietnam

Public transport in Vietnam offers reasonable fares, although it is not always comfortable. Buses and trains create an easy network for travel around the country, and since December 2024, metro services in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have added modern transit options to the mix.

Trains

Trains in Vietnam cost slightly more than buses but provide a much more comfortable overland travel experience.

Vietnam Railways operates the major train line between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This journey takes over 30 hours, with stops at popular destinations like Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang along the way.

For overnight train travel, you can choose between hard seats, soft seats, hard beds or soft beds. Hard seats come cheapest but are the least comfortable, while soft beds offer the best travel experience.

For the safest and most cost-effective purchase, buy tickets directly at the train station. On popular routes, agents and resellers often buy the best seats in air-conditioned carriages in advance. You might arrive at the station to hear ‘sold out’ but can usually still find tickets from other sources.

Purchase train tickets at least three days ahead to avoid disappointment and agent hassles. Train services become notably busier during holiday seasons. Booking now opens 60 days before departure for long routes, sometimes extending to 90 days for end-to-end journeys.

Watch out for a common scam: private travel agents or station resellers charging for air-conditioned carriage tickets but giving you tickets for non-air-conditioned or lower-class carriages. You typically won’t discover this deception until you’re already onboard with no compensation options.

Buses

Intercity buses are commonly used between Vietnam’s major cities. Most intercity buses are air-conditioned and in good condition, but long journeys can feel uncomfortable. The seats fit the smaller frames of Vietnamese locals, leaving taller Westerners often struggling with cramped conditions and minimal legroom.

Vietnamese bus drivers tend to drop passengers who aren’t travelling to the final destination at convenient crossroads rather than at proper bus terminals. Be prepared for this unexpected practice.

Metro

Ho Chi Minh City launched its first metro line in December 2024, connecting Ben Thanh Market to the Eastern Bus Terminal. The line includes three underground stations (Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son) and eleven elevated stations. Trains run from 5am to 10pm, arriving every 8 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during quieter periods.

Ticket prices vary by distance, from shorter journeys to longer trips across the line. Options include daily tickets, three-day tickets, and monthly passes (with student discounts available). Contactless payment users enjoy slight discounts. Bicycles aren’t permitted on board.

Useful links

• Vietnam Railways
• Baolau – Online Booking Platform

Motorcycles in Vietnam

Motorcycles in Vietnam are the most popular mode of transport among locals. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City streets swarm with them – nearly 80 million registered motorbikes exist in a country of 98 million people. You’ll commonly spot entire families balanced on a single motorbike.

Vietnamese law requires you to possess a local driver’s licence for any motorbike over 50cc. You must obtain a temporary Vietnamese motorcycle licence to hire or ride a motorcycle in Vietnam. Bikes under 125cc need an A1 licence (most common), while those over 125cc require an A2 licence.

Getting your licence means converting your international driver’s licence and holding a valid residence permit. Many tourists try riding on just their international licence, but this isn’t legal, despite what rental shops might claim.

Riding without a helmet – either as driver or passenger – breaks Vietnamese law. You’ll see many locals ignoring this rule, but you should always wear a helmet for safety and legal protection.

New regulations allow foreign nationals to bring their own motorcycles into Vietnam for tourism. This requires approval from authorities, proper documentation (including technical safety certificates and insurance), and a guiding motorcycle arranged through a Vietnamese travel service. Foreign vehicles may stay a maximum of 30 days.

Taxis in Vietnam

Taxis in Vietnam can be easily hailed in city centres at prices far below Western rates. Reliable local taxi companies include Mai Linh and Vinasun, and ride-hailing apps have revolutionised urban transport across the country.

The ride-hailing sector is booming across Vietnam, growing rapidly each year. Ho Chi Minh City leads as the country’s busiest market, with services now spanning beyond just transport to include food delivery, payment options, and courier services. Recent surveys show Grab dominating with nearly 60 percent of Vietnamese users, followed by Xanh SM (Vietnam’s first electric taxi service) in a strong second position, boasting twice the market share of local competitor Be Group.

Stick with reputable taxi companies and book ahead via phone or online for the safest experience. Motorcycle taxis (xe om) provide another ubiquitous transport option. They’re everywhere and offer a budget-friendly way to navigate Vietnam’s busy streets.

Feel free to negotiate prices for longer trips to outlying areas. Always agree on a fare before starting your journey. Motorcycle taxi drivers frequently try to demand more than the agreed price when you reach your destination, so carry exact change to avoid such disagreements.

Western expats and tourists often face inflated rates, but standing your ground firmly usually results in a fairer price.

Useful links

• Grab Vietnam
• Xanh SM
• Be Group

Driving in Vietnam

Driving in Vietnam presents challenges that make many expats think twice. Most expats find Vietnamese roads risky and nerve-wracking, leading them to avoid driving altogether, especially in larger cities. Some expats hire drivers instead, sidestepping both the stress of navigating chaotic traffic and the headache of finding parking in urban centres.

The bustling streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City burst with activity and minimal regard for road rules, particularly among two-wheeled travellers. Traffic jams are a daily frustration, and parking spots come at a premium.

Highway driving brings its own dangers. Should you brave city driving, adopt a defensive approach and learn to anticipate other road users’ movements. Smaller towns and villages offer somewhat easier driving conditions.

Road quality varies widely across regions, with most routes poorly maintained. Watch for potholes when driving or motorcycling. Road signs, while not always clear, will typically display information in both Vietnamese and English.

Driver’s licences

Driving in Vietnam requires both an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your home country’s original driver’s licence. Long-term residents must convert to a Vietnamese licence – a process demanding your foreign licence (with Vietnamese translation), passport, visa, and residence permit.

Tourist visa holders cannot obtain Vietnamese licences – only those with residence cards or long-term visas (six months minimum) qualify. Car hire firms will insist on proper documentation and substantial deposits (typically refundable upon returning undamaged vehicles).

Recent regulations now permit foreign nationals to bring specific vehicles into Vietnam for tourism: passenger cars (right-hand or left-hand drive) with up to eight seats, mobile homes, and two-wheeled motorcycles. Requirements include proper documentation, insurance, and travelling with a guide vehicle arranged through a Vietnamese travel service. Foreign vehicles may stay a maximum of 30 days.

Domestic flights in Vietnam

Domestic flights in Vietnam provide excellent value considering the time they save. The market is split pretty evenly between Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air, with Bamboo Airways holding a smaller share. Smaller carriers include Vietnam Air Services Company, Pacific Airlines, and Vietravel Airlines.

Flying from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes just two hours, compared to the gruelling 30+ hour train journey. Regular flights connect other major cities, including Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Hue, giving easy access to Vietnam’s diverse regions and attractions.

Book tickets well ahead for the best fares, especially during holiday seasons. Online booking options abound, with third-party platforms helping you compare flight times and prices easily.

Useful links

• Vietnam Airlines
• VietJet Air
• Bamboo Airways