Transportation (Vietnam)
Although a big country, transportation in Vietnam is convenient. It offers convenient public transportation system including domestic flights, buses (outstation & local) and trains. If you have time, you must take night buses or train. Their price is similar depending on the class you choose to travel. It might cost you around ₹1500-2000 for buses and ₹2000-2500 for trains 4 bedded cabins.
Flights
There are 2 economy domestic airlines that offer cheap tickets for intercity flights:
- Bamboo Airways
- VietJet Airlines
You can get tickets for a low as ₹1800 on the airlines without check in luggage. If you purchase additional check in baggage, it starts at ₹550 for 15kg and maximum ₹1200 for 25 kg. VietJet and Bamboo weigh your cabin luggage also and have a limit to the maximum weight per luggage. There is another airlines Vietnam Airlines which offers tickets for around ₹3400 with luggage one way. It has more baggage allowance than other airlines as its cabin allowance is 12kg. It has economy check in luggage allowance of 23kg with the tickets on domestic routes. You get direct big buses, mini vans, capsules or taxis from airport to city and vice versa.
Trains
Trains are one of the best modes of transportation in Vietnam owing to its big size. There are many private as well as government operated trains between cities in Vietnam. The prices of berth on these trains differ on the basis of three things: type of train, coach in which berth is booked and the level of sleeper berth. Sleeper trains cost you more than chair car trains. Coaches with more beds per compartment have lesser price compared to those with more beds. Similarly, berths in coaches at the back of the train are cheaper compared to the front. And, lower sleeper berths are costlier than upper ones.
Intracity
For local commute, you can get around a city in public buses very easily. There are transport apps like Grab (more popular) and Gojek if you want to take taxis to commute. Public transportation in Vietnam is very convenient and cheap compared to taxis. You can very well hire a motorbike from any rental service near your stay. Ensure to make video of the bike before hiring to avoid any scams later. This will be the best mode of local transport. Try to use local transport as and when possible to cut down on expenses. You will find manual rickshaws on the streets used to explore an area or short distanced spots. They are an experience in themselves.
For many more ideas on what to do in Vietnam explore this article.