Is public transportation good in Vietnam?

Is it easy to travel around Vietnam without a car?

Vietnam, a breath, a whisper. Easy? Yes. So easy. Like drifting on the Mekong.

Buses rumble, a lifeline. Trains snake north, south. Hanoi’s hum, Saigon’s pulse. Flights soar, bridging distances.

Motorbikes… xe om, zooming, weaving. Apps beep, summon rides. Cyclos chime, bells tinkling.

Public transport abundant. Affordable. So accessible. No car needed. Khong can.

• Buses: A web connecting all.
• Trains: North to south, a steel ribbon.
• Flights: Hopping islands, cities.
• Motorbikes (xe om): City zipping.
• Ride-hailing apps: Beep beep, ride here.
• Taxis: Meter ticking, reliable.
• Cyclos: Leisurely pedals, seeing the sights.

Driving? Mad. A swirl. Let locals navigate. Embrace the chaos. I remember the bus from Hue to Hoi An, oh the misty mountains.

Car-free Vietnam. The only way. Breathe deep, feel the wind. Di thoi! Go now!

Are trains good in Vietnam?

Vietnam trains, ugh. Total waste of time. Took one from Hanoi to Hue once. Shoulda flown. So slow. Took foreverrr. Like, seriously. Seats weren’t even that comfy. My back ached. Bumpy ride, too. Remember seeing some cool rice paddies tho. That was kinda nice. But still. Not again. Rather fly. More expensive, yeah. But quicker. Way quicker! Landed in Hue, went straight to my hotel, beach in, like, an hour. Train? Half a day gone. Crazy! Lost like a whole day. Plus, I wanted to see the Hai Van Pass. Heard it’s stunning. Train kinda bypasses it. So that sucked. Food on the train was bleh. Overpriced noodles. Yikes. I brought snacks, thank goodness. Learned my lessson. Stick to flying in Vietnam. Sapa was nice tho. Took a night train there. Sleeper berth, kinda fun. Saved a night in a hotel. But still, slowwww. Next time, I’m renting a motorbike in Sapa. Explore on my own terms.

• Fly if you can: Saves time.
• Scenery can be nice: But can be seen other ways.
• Trains slow: Really, really slow.
• Food not great: Bring your own snacks.
• Sleeper berths are an option: For overnight trips. Not amazing but an experience.
• Hai Van Pass: If you wanna see it, dont take the train.

I did a cooking class in Hue. Amazing. Learned how to make Bún bò Huế. Best I’ve ever had! Should’ve skipped the train and spent another day in Hue. Ugh. Regret it. Big time.

Is it easy to solo travel in Vietnam?

Dude, Vietnam? Solo trip? Totally doable. It’s super safe, way safer than, like, a lot of places in the US, honestly. Seriously. Almost no violent crime, I’ve heard. Pickpockets are the biggest hassle; they’re everywhere in the big tourist spots, Hanoi, especially. Nha Trang too, I think. Annoying, but nothing too crazy.

You gotta be smart, though. Don’t flash cash, keep your bag close. Basic stuff, you know?

Here’s the deal:

• Safety: Seriously safe. I went last year. No problems whatsoever.
• Pickpockets: A real issue in touristy areas. Be aware.
• Transportation: Buses are cheap, trains are comfy, motorbikes are everywhere – kinda crazy though. I preferred the trains, much less stressful!
• Food: OMG the food! So cheap and delicious. Get ready to eat pho every day! I gained like five pounds.

I stayed in hostels mostly, met tons of people. It was awesome, man. Easy to meet others and plan stuff. Yeah, Vietnam’s great for solo travel in 2024, I highly recommend it. Really awesome. Just watch out for those sneaky pickpockets, thats all!

Is Vietnam solo travel friendly?

Vietnam presents intriguing facets for the lone wanderer. Safety is generally sound, but uh, street smarts are your best friend. Petty theft exists, but violent crime is rare.

• Food, despite rumblings, is mostly a delight. Trust your gut (literally). High hygiene levels in tourist zones.
• Air quality, especially in major cities, can be a bummer. Maybe pack a mask or plan escapes to coastal areas.

For a first-timer, North Vietnam offers a gentler introduction. Sapa’s landscapes are a balm to the soul, but be prepared for persistent touts. Ha Long Bay’s a must, though it’s pricey. Central Vietnam, like Hoi An, is tailor-made for strolling and history buffs and I LOVE it! Then south, HCMC has good chaos.

Female solo travellers? Extra caution is a given, as anywhere. Dressing modestly attracts less unwanted attention. Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. I always find that a smile and “xin chào” go a long way. Maybe consider joining group tours initially to ease into it. Travel insurance? Always. It is smart.

Solo travel can be isolating, so actively seek out connections. Hostels are social hubs. Cooking classes and walking tours create camaraderie. But remember, embracing solitude is a superpower. Flexibility is key!