Getting around Vietnam is one of the first things you figure out as a visitor or expat. Taxis, metro lines, buses and the unwritten rules locals follow shape your daily routine more than any guidebook.
In Vietnam, getting around comes down to a few things: motorbikes are everything, sleeper buses for long distances, and trains along the coast.
Vietnam runs on motorbikes. 45 million of them. Crossing the street means walking steadily at a constant pace — traffic flows around you. Don't stop, don't run, don't panic.
Tip: Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) motorbike rides are the fastest way around cities. Download the app immediately.
Overnight buses with reclining beds connect cities. They're cheap, save a hotel night, and are surprisingly comfortable. Book through Vexere app or at bus stations.
The Reunification Express runs Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 33 hours. The best stretch is Da Nang to Hué — 3 hours of coastal mountains. Book soft sleeper class.