A lot of efforts have been made by the Vietnamese government to establish a comprehensive transport system comprising civil aviation, railways, highways, water transport and especially for tourist: pedicab and motorbike.
Civil Aviation
Apart from the economic factors, traveling by air is the probably the first choice of most travelers. There are two international airports in Vietnam: Noi Bai in Hanoi and Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam's civil aviation has justifiably won universal praise. The entire staff has been trained according to international standards. There is no language barrier aboard the planes since all staffs can speak fluent English and flight announcements are made in both English and Vietnamese.
In major cities in Vietnam, plane ticket booking is available via telephone. Plane ticket booking is also available at all civil aviation ticketing offices, travel agencies and hotels. Airport tax is required for only international flights. In Vietnam you are now able to book ticket via internet.
There are some complains about late arrivals of Vietnam airline but the situation will be changed soon.
City Buses and Taxis
City buses in Vietnam are always crowded and it is not useable for tourist. The Vietnamese government is paying a lot of efforts to improve it now.
A taxi is often the most convenient means of travel in the city. They are available at airports, railway stations and hotels and can be flagged down in urban areas. The total fare depends on the starting meter price, which can range from 7 to 10 thousand VND, and the distance. Extra fees are charged for waiting and low speed driving during traffic jams.
The minibus is a compromise between the relatively expensive taxis and crowded public transport. Charges are a little more than on the bus, about 2 yuan or more depending on distance, but it is very convenient for it can stop at any point you want along the route.
Tour buses are managed by travel agencies, hotels and airports and are provided for short tours. They are normally equipped with air conditioning and TV. A tour guide is usually present on such buses.
Trains
The rail network forms the backbone of the Vietnamese transport system and serves most of big cities. Tourist can explore much of Vietnam by train and many find it an efficient and inexpensive means of travel. The cost is around 25 percent less than comparable air services. Tourist can go by train overnight to save time.
In Vietnam, the accommodation on the trains is divided into four categories, namely, soft-sleeper, soft-seat, hard-sleeper and hard-seat.
Reservations should be made in advance, especially during the holidays and travel season. Tickets may be purchased directly from rail stations or booked a few days in advance from your travel agencies, hotels, or ticket office. Ticking booking is available on the internet.
Waterways
Another method of travel in Vietnam is via the waterways. Navigable inland waterways in Vietnam total 17,000 kilometers.
Motorbike
You can also exploring Vietnam mountainous places such as Sapa, Dien Bien Phu… by motorbike. You can ask tour agency for hiring a good motorbike for you. According to the Vietnam’s law you must have driving license to go by motorbike. Remember that be careful when you are driving.
Pedicab or Xich Lo
In touring cities on some old quarters in Hanoi, Hoi An and Hue you can walk or go by pedicab (it is called xich lo in Vietnamese). It costs about 40 VND / hours (3 dollars / hour).It is convenient that you can take photos or make movies while sitting in pedicab.
(from Vietnam-Culture)
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