What is the best way to travel long distances in Vietnam?

Domestic flights with Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, or Bamboo Airways are fastest for big jumps. For shorter or scenic legs, the Reunification Express train, sleeper buses, and limousine vans are good options.

Is Grab available in Vietnam?

Yes. Grab works in all major cities for car and motorbike taxi rides, with upfront fixed prices that remove haggling and language barriers — it's the easiest way to get around town.

Do I need a licence to ride a motorbike in Vietnam?

Legally you should hold a valid licence and an International Driving Permit recognised in Vietnam, plus insurance that covers riding. Traffic is the country's main hazard, so inexperienced riders should hire a driver instead.

Getting Around Vietnam: Flights, Trains, Buses & Grab

Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km, so most trips combine modes: flights to cover distance, trains or buses for the journey itself, and apps for daily city travel.

Domestic flights

Flying is the fastest way to cover the country’s length. The main carriers are Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways, connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and beyond in around two hours end to end.

Book ahead for the best fares, especially around holidays.
Budget carriers charge separately for checked baggage — read the fare rules.

Trains

The Reunification Express runs the full Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City line, and the ride is part of the appeal. Sleeper trains with soft-berth cabins make overnight legs comfortable and save a night’s accommodation. The Hai Van Pass stretch near Da Nang is especially scenic.

Buses and limousine vans

Long-distance sleeper buses and open-tour buses are cheap and connect almost everywhere. For shorter intercity hops, limousine vans (modern minibuses with reclining seats) are a popular, comfortable upgrade, often with hotel pickup.

Grab in cities

The Grab app is the go-to for city travel — book a car or motorbike taxi with an upfront, fixed price, so there’s no haggling or meter worry. It works well in all the major cities and removes most language friction.

Motorbikes

Renting a motorbike offers freedom but real risk — Vietnam’s traffic is the country’s main hazard. If you ride:

Legally you should hold a valid licence and an International Driving Permit recognised in Vietnam.
Always wear a helmet, and check your travel insurance covers riding.
If you’re not an experienced rider, hire a driver instead.

Taxis

Reputable metered taxis are fine, but stick to well-known companies and ensure the meter is running. For most travellers, Grab is simpler and more transparent.

Putting it together

A typical route flies between regions and uses trains, buses, or vans for shorter, scenic legs — see our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary for a worked example, and check the best time to visit so weather lines up with your plan.

Getting to your dental appointments

Within cities, Grab makes reaching your clinic effortless — handy when you have a series of dental appointments in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi. We help patients coordinate transfers and scheduling so treatment fits comfortably around sightseeing.

Want help building a trip around treatment? Get a free assessment.