Getting Around Vietnam
Getting around Vietnam is an adventure in itself. The country has motorbike taxis, app-based ride shares, local buses, sleeper coaches, trains, domestic flights and the iconic cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Knowing the right phrases can save you money, avoid tourist pricing and get you where you need to go efficiently.
Taxis and Ride-Share
Cho tôi đến...cho toy denTake me to... (follow with destination)
Dừng lại ở đâyyung lai uh dayStop here / Stop at this place
Có đồng hồ không?goh dong hoh khongDo you have a meter? (always ask)
Bao nhiêu tiền đến...?bow nyew tyen denHow much to get to...?
Đi thẳngdee thahngGo straight ahead
Rẽ trái / Rẽ phảireh trai / reh faiTurn left / Turn right
Nhanh hơn được không?nyahn hun duhk khongCan you go faster?
Chậm thôi!chahm thoySlow down! (essential on motorbikes)
Đặt Grabdaht grabBook a Grab (safest option for tourists)
Buses and Coaches
bến xeben sehbus station / coach terminal
xe buýtseh buitlocal bus
xe giường nằmseh yuong namsleeper bus — the backpacker classic
Cho tôi một vé đến...cho toy moht veh denGive me a ticket to...
Xe mấy giờ chạy?seh may yuh chayWhat time does the bus leave?
Mấy tiếng đến...?may tyeng denHow many hours to...?
Trains — Tàu Hoả
ga tàu hoảgah tow hwahtrain station
vé tàuveh towtrain ticket
giường nằmyuong namsleeper berth on train
Tàu mấy giờ khởi hành?tow may yuh khoi hangWhat time does the train depart?
Toa số mấy?twah soh mayWhich carriage number?
💡 Transport Safety Tips
Always use Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) instead of unmarked taxis to avoid overcharging. For motorbike taxis (xe ôm), always wear the helmet provided and agree on price before departure. On night buses, keep valuables with you rather than in the luggage hold.