Is public transportation in Vietnam good?

How to get around in Vietnam without a car?

Okay, so you wanna ditch the car in Vietnam? No problem, loads of options.

First, buses and trains are, like, everywhere. They hook up most cities and touristy places.

Flights, duh, are fast. A bunch of airlines fly between the big spots. If money no problem, flights are best.

Bike rentals are big, especially in smaller towns. Motorbikes too. Watch out for traffic, tho, it's wild! Seriously, the traffic is crazy.

Ride-hailing apps? Yep, Grab's your friend. Works just like Uber.

Cyclo rides are an option, but more for tourists, really. For short trips, tho.

Plus, you could try xe oms – motorcycle taxis. haggle the price before you get on, okay? Always haggle.

• Buses: Super cheap, but can be slow. Expect crowded buses.
• Trains: More comfortable than buses, scenic routes too. Book ahead, esp. for popular routes.
• Flights: Expensive but saves time. Often delays tho.
• Motorbike rental: You need a Vietnamese license or an international driving permit that's valid. Seriously.
• Xe Om: Only for short distances, negotiate hard. They can see you coming a mile off if you're a tourist.
• Grab: Easy to use, fixed prices (usually). But sometimes hard to find one in rural areas.

Does Vietnam have good trains?

The trains… some are alright, I guess. Really nice, new ones on the main lines, smooth ride, you know? But man, some of the older routes… a different story. Cramped, stuffy, always late. It’s a gamble.

North-South line is where the high-speed stuff is. That's the good part. But you gotta pay for that comfort. Not cheap, especially first class. A real luxury to have that speed, though.

I took the train from Hanoi to Nha Trang in 2023. The older carriages… worn out seats, broken air conditioning. It was brutal. Long journey. Really tested my patience. The food cart, well… I skipped that.

• Modern trains: Excellent on main routes.
• Older trains: Avoid if you can. Seriously.
• High-speed rail: Limited to the major North-South route. Expensive, though worth it if your time is valuable.
• Overall: A mixed bag. Depends heavily on the route and the specific train. Always check reviews. My advice? Book ahead and pay for a comfortable seat; it’s worth it. Don't assume, you'll regret it.