Getting Around Vietnam: Trains, Buses, Flights & Motorbikes

I spent a month bouncing across Vietnam, and figuring out transport was the biggest puzzle. Trains, buses, flights, and motorbikes each have their own quirks. This guide cuts through the noise — here’s what worked, what didn’t, and how to move between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An without losing your mind.

Is the Reunification Express train worth the time?

If you have the patience for a slow ride, yes — but only for specific legs. The Reunification Express runs the spine of the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), covering 1,726 km. I took the night train from Hanoi to Da Nang, and it was the most memorable part of the trip. The sleeper cabins are cramped but functional; we booked a four-berth soft sleeper for about 700,000 VND per person. Bring snacks and a good book.

Hanoi to Da Nang — 16 hours, scenic through the Hai Van Pass at dawn. Book a lower bunk on the right side for ocean views.
Hue to Da Nang — 3 hours, the most dramatic stretch of coastline. Skip the bus and do this by train.
Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang — 8 hours, flat and less scenic. Fine for a night train.
Book through Baolau or 12Go.asia — avoid the official website; it’s clunky.

The trains are punctual, but delays happen. For short hops like Hue to Da Nang, the train beats the bus hands down.

Should you fly between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes — it’s the only sane option for that 1,600-km gap. I flew from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with VietJet Air, and the 2-hour flight cost me $35 one-way including a small carry-on. The alternative is a 30-hour train ride, which I only recommend if you’re a hardcore train enthusiast.

VietJet Air — budget, no frills, frequent delays. Check in online to avoid airport queues.
Vietnam Airlines — pricier but reliable. I used them for Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City; $55 with a meal.
Bamboo Airways — good middle-ground, but routes are limited.
Airports — Noi Bai (Hanoi) is 45 minutes from the Old Quarter by taxi. Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) is 20 minutes from District 1. Da Nang International is right in the city, 15 minutes from My Khe Beach.

For the Hanoi–HCMC route, just fly. Save the train for the central coast.

How do buses work for shorter routes?

Buses are chaotic but essential for places trains don’t reach. I took a local minibus from Da Nang to Hoi An — 30 km, 45 minutes, and 50,000 VND per person. It dropped me at the edge of Hoi An’s Old Town. The bigger challenge was the open-tour buses connecting cities like Nha Trang to Da Nang; they’re cheap ($10–$15) but cramped and often late.

Da Nang to Hoi An — minibus or Hoi An Express shuttle (100,000 VND). Avoid taxis; they’ll overcharge.
Hanoi to Sapa — overnight sleeper bus from My Dinh Bus Station. Book a cabin bed, not a seat.
Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne — 5-hour bus via Phuong Trang (Futa Bus Lines). Reliable, with AC.
Local buses — pay in cash, keep small bills. Drivers rarely speak English.

For Hoi An to Da Nang, the bus is fine. For longer routes, I’d pick the train over the bus every time.

What’s it like riding a motorbike in Vietnam?

Chaotic, exhilarating, and not for beginners. I rented a Honda Wave in Hoi An for 150,000 VND per day and rode to My Son Sanctuary — 50 km of rural roads with cows, potholes, and the occasional bus passing on blind corners. In cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, traffic is a free-for-all. I wouldn’t recommend a scooter in the Old Quarter or District 1 unless you’ve ridden in Southeast Asia before.

Hoi An to My Son — easy ride, 1 hour, flat roads. Rent from Hoi An Motorbike Adventures — they check helmets.
Hai Van Pass — iconic ride from Da Nang to Hue. 20 km of curves. Do it with a guide if you’re solo.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter — don’t even try. Traffic is a river; you’ll get stuck or hit.
Helmet laws — mandatory. Police fine you 200,000 VND without one. Wear it.

If you’re set on riding, stick to smaller towns like Hoi An or the countryside near Da Nang. Leave city riding to the locals.

Which is better for getting around cities: taxis or ride-hailing apps?

Ride-hailing apps win every time. I used Grab in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi — it’s like Uber but cheaper and more reliable. A ride from Ben Thanh Market to Bui Vien Walking Street cost me 30,000 VND (about $1.20). Taxis are a gamble; I got scammed twice before switching to Grab.

Grab — download it before you arrive. Works for cars, bikes, and food delivery.
Gojek — similar to Grab, but less coverage in the north.
Mai Linh Taxi — the only reliable taxi company, green and white cabs. Confirm the meter is on.
Vinasun Taxi — also trustworthy, red and white. Use them if Grab’s surge pricing is high.

For short hops in Da Nang, I walked or used Grab. In Hoi An, the town is walkable — skip wheels entirely.

How do you get from Da Nang to Hoi An (the best route)?

It’s a 30-km trip, and there are three solid options. I took the Hai Van Pass route by motorbike, but that’s a 60-km detour through the mountains. The direct route is faster.

Private taxi — 250,000–300,000 VND, 45 minutes. Book via Grab or your hotel.
Local bus — 50,000 VND, 1 hour. Catch it at Da Nang Bus Station on Ton Duc Thang Street. No AC, but it’s authentic.
Motorbike — 150,000 VND rental, 45 minutes. Follow Le Duan Street out of Da Nang, then National Route 1A south. Easy.

I’d recommend the private taxi if you’re carrying luggage. The bus is fine for a day trip.

FAQ

Is it safe to drive a motorbike in Vietnam? It’s safe if you stay out of big cities and ride defensively. Stick to rural roads (like Hoi An to My Son) and avoid highways at night. I saw two accidents on the Hai Van Pass — one rider was going too fast on a curve. Don’t be that person.

Which train route offers the best scenery? The stretch from Hue to Da Nang is the best. The track hugs the coast, passes through tunnels, and crosses the Hai Van Pass from below. Book a seat on the left side (facing south) for ocean views.

Should I book transport in advance or on the day? Book trains a week ahead during peak season (October–April). Flights can be booked 2–3 weeks out for the best prices. Buses and Grab rides are fine to book on the day — no need to stress.

Conclusion

Fly between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — it’s $35 and 2 hours vs. 30 hours on a train.
Take the night train from Hanoi to Da Nang for the scenery and an experience, not speed.
Use Grab for city transport — it’s cheaper and safer than taxis.
Rent a motorbike only in small towns like Hoi An or on the Hai Van Pass; skip it in Hanoi and HCMC.
For Da Nang to Hoi An, a private taxi is worth the extra $5 if you have bags.