Best ways to get around Vietnam on a north to south trip — transport tips
From messages by 3 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 114 days ago
A family of four used Grab for every trip throughout Vietnam, including airport transfers. Fares are shown upfront, cars are modern with A/C, and linking a payment card eliminates any haggling or meter anxiety.
Grab app — link a payment card before arrival
The 15-hour overnight train from Ninh Binh to Da Nang in a private cabin booked through Lotus was comfortable and scenic — waking up to jungle and sea views. Trains ran on time, carriages were clean, shared bathrooms were fine, and a breakfast box with drinks was included. Cost less than flying the same route.
Lotus train booking — Ninh Binh to Da Nang overnight
A Wise card let the family load currency at a favorable rate in advance and withdraw cash with minimal fees. It was also used directly for Grab payments. Surprisingly many Vietnamese businesses accept card payments without a surcharge.
Wise card — lower fees than standard debit/credit cards
VP Bank ATMs charge no withdrawal fee. TP Bank charges 50,000 VND for withdrawals up to 4.9 million VND. ATMs can run out of cash, so plan ahead and always keep a buffer rather than waiting until you're low.
VP Bank — free; TP Bank — 50,000 VND fee
For the Cu Chi Tunnels day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, taking a speedboat instead of a bus saves several hours of travel time. Bookable through Kim Travel on GetYourGuide.
Kim Travel via GetYourGuide — speedboat to Cu Chi Tunnels
Hotels in Hoi An and Ninh Binh offered complimentary bicycles — a practical way to reach the beach, Mua Cave, and Bich Dong Pagoda without extra cost. Works well for families.
Free bikes — Laluna Hotel (Hoi An), Tam Coc Sunshine Homestay (Ninh Binh)
At Hanoi airport, paid fast-pass immigration services are unnecessary — standard queues move efficiently without them and the extra cost is wasted.
Hanoi airport — skip the paid fast-pass immigration service