Most travelers move through Vietnam on a rough north-south axis, spending a few days each in Hanoi, then somewhere in the center (Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang), and finishing in Ho Chi Minh City — or the reverse. The route can be done by plane, train, or bus depending on your time and budget.
Domestic Flights
The fastest option. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, and Bamboo Airways all fly between major cities. Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes about two hours and can be booked cheaply in advance. Flying makes sense if your time is limited or you're covering long distances, though budget airlines have variable reliability.
Trains
The Reunification Express runs the length of the country between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with stops at Hue, Da Nang (for Hoi An), Nha Trang, and other cities. The full journey takes around 30–35 hours; most people do it in segments. Sleeper cabins (soft and hard berth) are comfortable enough and often more scenic than flying. Book in advance, especially for the popular Hanoi–Hue and Da Nang–Ho Chi Minh City legs. Tickets sell out fast around public holidays.
Buses
Open-tour buses are a budget traveler institution. You buy a ticket from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (or any point in between) and hop on and off at stops along the way. Sleeper buses cover long distances overnight. They're cheap, frequent, and connect most tourist towns. For shorter distances, local minibuses and coaches are inexpensive but can be crowded.
Motorbikes
Renting or buying a motorbike and riding it yourself is common for independent travelers, especially for the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City run along the coast or through the mountains. The road scenery can be spectacular. This requires experience, physical stamina, and a realistic attitude toward Vietnamese road conditions. Xe om (motorbike taxis) are available in every town for short hops.
Grab
Grab (the regional equivalent of Uber) works in all major cities and is the easiest way to get around within a city — quicker than negotiating with individual taxi drivers and the metered price is shown upfront. It works for both car and motorbike rides.
Cyclos and Taxis
Cyclos (bicycle rickshaws) still operate in a few city centers, mainly as tourist rides in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Metered taxis are widely available in cities; Vinasun and Mai Linh are the most reliable.