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Vietnam at a Glance

Vietnam: Destinations and Transport

The bicycle is a popular mode of transport in Vietnam’s larger cities.

Vietnam has a lot to offer to its visitors: urban centers and beautiful landscapes, large mountain ranges and long stretches of coastline. The majority of expatriates, however, are drawn towards the cities, where most companies open their branch offices and where jobs are easier to find.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon and is sometimes still referred to as such. With 5,98 million inhabitants, it is the biggest city in Vietnam, located in the country’s south. Ho Chi Minh City is where Vietnam’s vibrant urban life is unfolding. It is a cultural and commercial center full of energy.

The city’s past is reflected in its architecture as well. Old pagodas and traditional markets define Ho Chi Minh City’s historic character while skyscrapers and malls show the developments the city has undergone in recent years. Two worlds, the old and the new, meet and blend effortlessly in this Vietnamese metropolis.

Hanoi

Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, located in the north of the country. Despite being the second largest city in Vietnam, Hanoi is rather calm, compared to Ho Chi Minh City. Here, elegance and exotic chic are prevalent. Hanoi has survived the war and was spared from American bombs or the influence of Russian planners. Thus, Hanoi still has a significant French charm.

Hanoi used to be the center of commerce for thousands of years, a fact which is still obvious in some corners of Vietnam’s capital. Today, the city still combines ancient history, colonial history and a modern new appearance. When you walk through the old quarter of Hanoi, make sure not to be run over by one of the many motorcycles roaming the streets!   

Transport

Vietnam’s airlines such as Jetstar Pacific operate daily between Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hué, Da Nang and Nha Trang. If traveling by car, you should know that the road quality is reasonable. but can vary depending on the location and on the time of year. Especially during the rainy season, roads are often in bad condition. You can hire a car complete with chauffeur from a travel company. However, self-drive car hire is non-existent.

For your urban commute, you can hire a taxi or hail it on the street. Make sure, however, that the driver has switched the meter on. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transportation and can be hired in bigger towns and cities. Keep in mind, however, that most drivers are not very considerate towards cyclists. Cycling on main roads can be extremely dangerous, not to mention scary. So, before you hop on your bike to explore Vietnam, make sure you wear a decent helmet and have sufficient health coverage.

When it comes to rail transit, express long-distance trains are the faster, more reliable and, most of all, more comfortable choice. Local services, on the other hand, are cheaper, but also less convenient. The main railroad connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This journey takes between 30 and 40 hours. Other connections are available as well, of course. You can easily purchase your ticket at the local train station.