Foreign media shares experience in getting around Vietnam

According to the magazine, if visitors are looking to tick off both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the many sights in the centre of the country, there’s no better way to explore them than the train. The country’s main railway line weaves along the coast between these two teeming cities, stopping almost everywhere the visitors would want to have break during the journey. 

It noted that trains classified as SE (Super Express) can be considered the smartest and fastest.

Meanwhile, Lonely Planet shared that bus travel in the country can be either convenient and comfortable when traveling between major cities.

It suggested that visitors check which station they need to go to as normal bus services run from dedicated bus stations, whilst there may also be more than one station in each town serving different destinations.

“Riding the length of Vietnam is a lifelong dream for many seasoned bikers, and a busy industry has grown up supplying motorcycles to travelers attempting the journey between Hanoi and HCMC,” according to Lonely Planet.

The travel outlet shared that exploring the mountainous northwest is an even bigger adventure, with challenging switchbacks and dramatic vistas appearing around every corner.

“Along the coast and in tourist hubs, it’s easy to rent a low-powered scooter or motorcycle from cafes, hotels and travel agencies for local exploring, sometimes for as little as US$5 per day,” it noted.

Lonely Planet also revealed that self-drive rental cars are almost impossible to find nationwide, which can be considered a blessing due to the local traffic conditions. However, it added, that it’s easy to rent a vehicle with a driver, who can also double as an informal tour guide and take visitors to places that they would otherwise miss.

Moreover, cycling can be a delightful great way to get around the country so long as travelers stick to quiet rural roads and avoid any crowded highways.

“Much of the country is agreeably flat, foreign cyclists are often greeted enthusiastically by locals, and bike workshops are easy to find if you have a flat tire or mechanical issue,” it stressed.

The magazine also shared that if visitors are short on time, then domestic flights represent a reasonably economical way to get around. However, it warned that cancellations are common so avoid leaving a short gap between a domestic flight and an international connection.

It therefore recommended that visitors try to travel a day early if they can.

Finally, it noted that visitors also can go by boat to reach the various islands or explore the mighty Mekong River.

“Boats also run to islands offshore, including tropical Phu Quoc in the south, the islands scattered around Nha Trang Bay, the Cham Islands near Hoi An in central Vietnam, and – of course – the myriad islands and outcrops in Halong Bay and neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay,” the magazine said.

“It's possible to reach the Con Dao Islands by boat from Soc Trang, Vung Tau or Can Tho on the mainland,” it concluded.