Getting Around Vietnam: Train, Bus or Plane by Distance

When planning a trip around Vietnam on your own for the first time, many people look at a map, see two places that seem fairly close, and then spend almost a whole day getting between them. Others sit on a train for more than a day on a route that takes only about two hours by plane. Choosing your transport based on distance, terrain and who you're traveling with will save your energy and time for the best parts of the trip.

Tips for Choosing Transport for Each Leg

1. Split your trip into legs by distance before choosing transport

A simple rule of thumb works well. Under about 300 km, a bus or limousine van is usually most convenient. Around 300–700 km, a night train or sleeper bus lets you sleep on the way and save a night's hotel. Over about 800–1,000 km, flying is almost always the sensible choice. These are only guidelines: 200 km of winding mountain passes can take as long as 400 km on flat roads.

2. Count real travel time, not just kilometers

Road travel in Vietnam is slower than many people expect, thanks to towns and villages, mountain passes and stops to pick up and drop off passengers. The Reunification Express runs at a fairly low average speed. The full Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City route can take about 30 hours, while going from central Vietnam to either the north or the south usually takes around 16 hours. When planning, add 1–2 hours of buffer time to every long road journey.

3. Fly for long legs or short trips

Domestic flights are quite affordable, with daily services to most major cities. Fly when you only have 1–2 weeks but want to cover all three regions, or when a road journey would take more than a day. Remember to factor in getting to the airport, check-in and waiting for luggage, which usually adds about 2–3 hours per flight. That's why for short trips, such as Hanoi to Ninh Binh, going by road is often faster. Cheap fares usually come from booking early and avoiding peak times. Prices can rise sharply over holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year).

4. Take the train for comfort and scenery

Trains suit travelers who want to stretch their legs, walk around, eat along the way and enjoy the views, especially along the central coast. Sleeper cabins have four or six berths. Four-berth cabins are quieter and ideal for families of four. Solo travelers will find it easy to make new friends. Choose a night train for legs of around 10–12 hours: board in the evening and arrive the next morning.

5. Sleeper buses: cheap and far-reaching, especially in the mountains

Buses have the widest coverage, reaching places with no train line or airport. Sleeper buses or buses with deep-reclining seats are popular for overnight journeys. Fares are usually lower than trains and planes. On the downside, berths are narrow, sleep can be hard for taller people, and buses sometimes stop to pick up passengers along the way. Small limousine vans cost a little more but are smoother and widely used for short trips around major cities.

6. Example: Hanoi to Ha Giang or Cao Bang from My Dinh Bus Station

Ha Giang and Cao Bang currently have no civilian airport, so the bus is the most common way to get there. From My Dinh Bus Station, buses to Ha Giang run frequently day and night. There are also plenty of departures to Cao Bang. Each journey usually takes about 6–8 hours, depending on the route and number of stops.

Each time slot has its own advantages:

• Night buses get you there early in the morning so you can start the loop right away.
• Day buses let you enjoy the scenery and are safer on mountain passes.

Ha Giang is famous for its roughly 4-day loop through the Dong Van Karst Plateau, Ma Pi Leng Pass and Lung Cu Flag Tower. Motorbikes are easy to rent in Ha Giang city. Only ride in daylight, slow down on bends and stop for the day when it gets dark. Get enough cash before you set off, as ATMs are few and far between in the highlands.

7. Book at the right time

Booking timelines to remember:

• Train tickets: book a few days ahead on regular days and a few weeks ahead for holidays and Tet, as the best cabins sell out fast.
• Buses: booking 1–2 days ahead is usually enough; for holidays, book about two weeks in advance.
• Flights: the earlier you book, the cheaper it usually is, especially for Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City and beach routes in summer.

Buy through official channels of the airline, bus station or train station. Take screenshots of your e-tickets in case your phone loses signal in the mountains.

8. Tips for traveling with children

On trains, child fares are based on age or height, so check the rules before booking. On flights, children under 2 usually sit on an adult's lap for a small fee. From age 2 and up, children need their own seat.

Mountain roads can easily cause motion sickness, so when heading to the highlands:

• Give children a light meal before departure.
• Choose seats near the front of the vehicle.
• Bring motion sickness medicine, sick bags and warm clothes.

Buses rarely have child safety seats. For families with young children, hiring a private car with a driver for mountain routes is well worth considering.

9. Avoid the rainy and flood season for road journeys

Some provinces in central and northern Vietnam experience floods and landslides almost every year during the rainy season. Mountain passes may be temporarily closed and trains may be delayed. If you must travel then, keep an eye on the weather forecast and keep your itinerary very flexible. Flying over routes prone to being cut off is another way to reduce risk.

10. Combine several types of transport in one trip

Efficient itineraries usually mix different types of transport. For example: fly Hanoi – Da Nang, take a short drive to Hoi An, ride the scenic train to Hue, then fly on to Ho Chi Minh City. In the north, you could take a night bus to Ha Giang, ride a motorbike or hire a private car for the loop, then catch a bus back to Hanoi. At each stop, renting a bicycle by the day is a cheap and fun way to explore the old town.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Estimating time by distance: 300 km of mountain roads can take almost a full day.
• Booking last-minute during holidays and Tet: seats sell out or prices soar, especially for trains and flights.
• Riding a motorbike through mountain passes at night or without experience: wear a helmet, only ride in daylight, or hire an experienced driver.
• Handing over important ID documents carelessly: when renting a vehicle for several days, clarify the deposit terms before handing over your passport.
• Scheduling too many long legs back to back: the whole family, especially young children, will get tired and lose interest.

Final Thoughts

No single type of transport is best for every leg. Short trips suit buses and cars, medium distances suit trains or night buses, and long distances are best flown. For mountain areas like Ha Giang and Cao Bang, buses from My Dinh remain the go-to option. Plan around real travel distances, book at the right time and leave buffer time, and your independent trip will be much smoother.