International Airports
There are three international airports in Vietnam:
- Noi Bai (Hanoi)
- Danang (Danang)
- Tan Son Nhat (Hochiminh City)
Noi Bai Airport is about 35 km from the north of the city. There are Vietnam Airlines minibuses going there, and cars of Airport Taxi
(Tel: 3873 3333). Fee is around 250,000VND. Bus price from the city centre to Noi Bai is about 5,000 VND/person.
Danang Airport is close to the centre of the city. There are taxis available all the time. Fee is about 150,000VND.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is 15km from the city centre. A taxi is about 150,000-200,000VND.

Travel around Vietnam by planes

Besides other normal types of domestic transport, visitors can also travel to other provinces, cities, and towns inside Vietnam by air. Domestic flights are available everyday. For details, please see Vietnam Airlines timetable

Domestic Airports: Gia Lam (Hanoi), Cat Bi (Haiphong), Dien Bien (Dien Bien), Na San (Son La), Vinh (Nghe An), Phu Bai (Hue), Pleiku (Gia Lai), PhuCat (Quy Nhon), Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen), Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak), Lien Khuong (Dalat), Vung Tau, Con Dao (Ba Ria – Vung Tau), Phu Quoc, Rach Gia (Kien Giang), Ca Mau (Camau).

From Hanoi: There are daily return flights to Hochiminh City, Hue, Danang, and Nha Trang. There are also return flights to Na San and Vinh.

Northern Airport Flight Service Company (Tel: 3852 3451) from Hanoi to Halong Bay by helicopter. There is a flight on Saturdays at 8 a.m, departing from Gia Lam Airport.

From Hochiminh City: There are daily flights and return to Hanoi and Danang. There are also return flights to Haiphong, Hue, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku, and Phu Quoc.

Vietnam Airport Taxes

Applied for both domestic and international departures.

With international flights
Passengers have to pay US$14 per person for leaving Vietnam at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) or Danang airport (Danang), US$12 per person for leaving Vietnam at Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).

With domestic flights
From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Danang, the tax of VND 25,000 per person (around US$1.7) is always added in your ticket fare. Tax for departing from Hue and Hai Phong is VND 20,000 per person (US$1.3) and from other airports is VND15,000 per person (US$1).

Airport security Regulations
Here are some tips to help you comply with the new regulations when checking in at Vietnam’s International Airport:

Airport Security and Flight Check in
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before flight time. You may encounter long lines at check-in counters and airport screening stations.
Curbside baggage check is being reinstated on an airline-by-airline and airport-by-airport basis. Check with the airport to see if your airline has been approved for curbside checks. Otherwise, proceed directly to the check-in counters.
If you are traveling with a tour group or cruise group, you will no longer be allowed to check in for flights at hotels or at the cruise terminals. You must check in at the airport.
If someone is dropping you off at the airport, they must stay with the vehicle at all times. They should not leave it unattended, even for a moment.
You must have a picture I.D. such as a driver's license, passport, or government-issued identification. Ensure that you make your reservation in the exact name that appears on the identification you plan on presenting at the airport. If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different, bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order). If traveling with an e-ticket, you must produce a copy of your e-ticket receipt when you check-in.

Airport Security Checkpoint = Getting to Gate
To enter the secured area beyond the security screening checkpoint, you must show a valid picture I.D. and one of the following boarding documents indicating a flight departure for the current date:
1) A receipt for an electronic ticket;
2) An itinerary generated by an airline or travel agency confirming an electronic ticket;
3) A boarding pass
4) A paper ticket.

Receipts and itineraries MUST have ticket numbers on them

If you do not have a boarding pass, ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed confirmation, an airline-issued boarding document must be obtained at the ticket counter prior to clearing security.
E-ticketed passengers with no receipt, agency or airline-issued itinerary must first go to the airport ticket counter to obtain a boarding pass. More information can be found at http://www.vietnamair.com.vn/default.aspx?tabid=262
Passengers, who do not have baggage to check and already have an approved boarding document, as outlined above, may proceed through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate. Although no curbside or skycap check-in is permitted, wheelchair assistance from curbside will continue to be provided.
Provisions will be made for parents who need to meet unaccompanied minors, for disabled persons and persons with special needs who need to be accompanied by healthcare assistants or guardians and for medical personnel who need to respond to a medial emergency beyond the check point.
All passengers should check with their airline or airport.
Keep your identification handy, as you may be asked after entering the gate area to produce it for airport or airline personnel.

Luggage
Keep your luggage and carry-on bags with you at all times prior to arriving at the airport and while in the terminal. Unattended bags will likely be confiscated - and even destroyed - by airport security.
Check with your travel agent or airline for information on carry-on luggage restrictions. Since you will likely encounter longer waits and more thorough inspections at screening stations, ASTA recommends that you minimize your carry-on items so you can be processed more quickly.
Do not accept any packages or materials from strangers.
Do not carry any sharp instruments (i.e., letter openers, knives, box cutters, scissors, etc.) in carry on luggage.  
If you see any suspicious activity or see unattended bags, contact airline or airport personnel immediately.
Carry medications in your carry-on bags.
Hold onto your baggage claim check. Individual airports may elect to provide more security in the baggage claim area.

Over Land Routes to enter Vietnam
It is now possible to enter Vietnam overland from either Cambodia, Laos, or China.
From Laos: There are now three border crossings, including Lao Bao (some 80km south-west of Dong Ha), Cau Treo (100km west of Vinh), and Na Meo - Nam Xoi (213km from Thanh Hoa City).
From Cambodia: Your only choice is to go south-east from Phnom Penh to Moc Bai, and from there to Hochiminh City.
From China: The Beijing-Hanoi train enters Vientam at Dong Dang, north of Lang Son, at the border crossing known as Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship pass). Ha Khau Border Gate (Lao Cai Province) and Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh Province) are open to foot traffic.

Note: Remember that whichever crossing you use, your Vietnam visa must show the correct border gate as your “entry point”.  For help with arrangements, you can contact a reliable travel agent in Vietnam or a representative abroad who have comprehensive listings of the company itineraries, hotel information, transfers, and transportation.

Basic Safety on the road
It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on. In addition to paying attention to your personal safety (avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark), you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!
If you practice these healthy hints you can focus on the scenery - not medical emergencies - and return home with nothing more troubling than some tacky souvenirs!

Travel by Cars, Motors & Bicycles
Cars for rent: are available at travel agencies. They offer four to eight seated cars with drivers. It is easy for services in big cities.
Motorbikes for rent: are available in most cities and towns, regularly frequented by tourists. Puttering around on a motorbike can be an enjoyable and time-efficient method of sightseeing. It costs around US$20-US$30 per day to rent a motorbike.
Motorbike Taxis (“Xe om” in Vietnamese): are faster and no more expensive than cyclos, and available at any time. Xe om drivers are easily found in Vietnam, and they do good customer-care (Yet, sometimes too much enthusiastic). This is a better choice than motorbike renting in case you are not familiar with the streets. But remember to bargain!
Bicycles for rent: Cycling is perhaps the best way to sightsee around towns. You should pay about US$5 per day for the a bike.

Travel by Cyclos
Cyclo is a tricycle taxi similar to rickshaws. It is a fun and, sometimes, adventurous way to tour the cities. They are available in many tourist cities such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh.
However, some big city like Ho Chi Minh has a strict rule on which routes the cyclos can go because they can cause traffic congestion. Besides, each town has its own price structure. For instance, in Saigon, rates start from around 1 USD for a short trip (about 10 minutes) while the fares can be a bit more expensive in Hanoi. Thus, before you get on a cyclo, make sure you and the cyclo driver agree on the same price. Hold on to your belongings when travelling in a cyclo as passing motorists and the like have been known to grab these as they pass.

Bus lines in Vietnam
There are various types of express-coaches that transport passengers inside and between the cities and provinces.
Hanoi:
- Southern Bus Station: 225 Giai Phong St., Hanoi. Tel: 864 1467
- My Dinh Bus Station: close to My Dinh National Stadium, approximately 15km from the centre of Hanoi.
- Gia Lam Bus Station, Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien District. Tel: 827 1529
- Luong Yen Bus Station: Nguyen Khoai Road, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi
Hochiminh City:
- West Bus Station (Ben Xe khach Mien Tay), 137 Hung Vuong St., Binh Chanh Dist. Tel: 877 6593
- East Bus Station (Ben Xe khach Mien Dong), 292 Dinh Bo Linh St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 898 4893

Taxi in Vietnam
Taxis with meters are available in the big cities and provinces. Most metered taxi drivers can speak a little English.
In Hanoi: The price is US$1 for the first 2km, and every kilometer thereafter costs between US$0.45 to US$0.60, depending on which taxi company you choose.
In Hochiminh City: The price is US$0.50 for the first km and US$0.45 for each km thereafter. (Prices are at writing time).
Note:
When going for over 30km, remember to negotiate with the taxi operator. When negotiating about the price, try to agree the price in the currency you intend to pay with (Dong or US Dollars) to save arguments later about the exchange rate you were expecting. Always double check the conversion rate you have been offered.
Also, you’d best not to take freelance taxis (“taxi du`”), which are without meters or with much higher meters. Or else, you may have to pay more than the real price.

The railway system in Vietnam is operated by the state-owned Vietnam Railways (Đường sắt Việt Nam). The principal route is the thousand-mile single track North-South Railway line, running between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This was built at the metre gauge in the 1880s during the French colonial rule. There are also standard gauge lines running from Hanoi to the People’s Republic of China, eventually leading to Beijing, and some mixed gauge in and around Hanoi.
Rail Routes

* North-South
* Local
* Hanoi-Beijing

Rail Lines

* Hanoi-Saigon
* Hanoi-Lao Cai
* Hanoi-Quan Trieu
* Hanoi-Dong Dang
* Hanoi-Haiphong
* Kep-Uong Bi
* Hanoi-Thai Nguyen

Railway Stations

* Saigon
* Nha Trang
* Dieu Tri
* Quảng Ngãi
* Da Dang
* Hue
* Dong Hoi
* Vinh
* Haiphong
* Hanoi
* Dong Dang
* Lao Cai
* Bien Hoa
* Bong Son
* Duc Pho
* Nui Thanh
* Ta Ky
* Tra Kieu
* Dieu Tri

Rail Gauges

* 1000 mm (2169 km)
* 1435 mm (standard gauge, 178 km)
* 1435 mm and 1000 mm (dual gauge, 253 km)

Rail Trackage

* Total 3160 km
* 506 km of siding

Rail Fleet

* 331 diesel locomotives
* 34 steam locomotives
* 852 coaches
* 3922 cars

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Vietnam is a friendly and safe place to travel with the hidden charm. But each country have special different, Vietnam too. Different about culture, history and style life… With a sprinkling of common sense, your trip should be smooth and trouble free. Do not be overly paranoid though. Generally, Vietnamese people are very appreciative if they see you trying to abide by the customs, and very forgiving if you get it wrong or forget. If you make the effort, you will be rewarded. With a cool head and sensible planning, one can avoid these problems.

The below advice meant to help you have a perfect trip to Vietnam:

DOS

* Greetings are no different to western countries, there are no cultural formalities that as a foreigner you would be expected to know or practice.
* Vietnamese dress conservatively. Not only for the prevailing weather, but also not to cause offence to the local people. Despite the heat, it’s best not to show off too much skin. If you do, especially girls, you’ll only draw stares from the locals. Vietnamese have conservative dress codes, and it is only in larger cities that these codes are a little more relaxed. Do not wear revealing clothing.
* Dress well when visiting pagodas. No shorts or tatty beer t-shirts. Shoes are fine, and rarely will you have to remove them. If unsure, just follow what the locals do.
* Drink plenty of bottled water, especially when walking around sightseeing. No need to carry huge bottles around with you, a vendor is never far away and no doubt they will find you before you find them. During the summer months you should be drinking a minimum of two liters per day. If you drink tea, coffee & alcohol you should increase you water intake accordingly as these will help to dehydrate you.
* Travel with recommend tour agencies. Even if you plan to buy tickets when in country, research your journey a little first on the Internet. A good resource is Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree Forum, where fellow tourists discuss travel in Vietnam. This way you avoid unreliable tour agencies and badly run hotels.
* Store your cash, credit cards, airline tickets and other valuables in a safe place. Most 4-star hotels have in-room safes, otherwise ask the reception to keep your valuable things in their deposit facility.
* Take a hotel business card from the reception desk before venturing out from your hotel. This will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.
* Carry a roll of toilet paper in your daypack on long excursions from your base hotel. You never know when you might need it!
* If invited into a home, always remove your shoes at the front door when entering.
* Ask for permission when taking a photograph of someone. If they indicate that they do not want you to, then abide by their wishes.
* DO NOT offer money or push the issue.
* Check on your first day whether you need to reconfirm your next flight, if so do it then. Some airlines do not require this anymore but it is still worthwhile calling them so that they at least have your contact details, in case the flight is delayed or whatever.

DON’TS

* Never carry more money than you need when walking around the streets. Do not wear large amounts of jewelry. There are two reasons for not doing this:
(1) It is considered impolite to flaunt wealth in public;
(2) It is more likely that you may become a victim of a pickpocket or drive-by bag snatcher.
* Don't be paranoid about your security, just be aware of your surroundings.
* Don't wear singlets, shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders to Temples and Pagodas. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.
* Avoid giving empty water bottles, sweets and candies or pens to the local people when trekking through ethnic minority villages. You cannot guarantee that the empty bottles will be disposed of in a correct manner, and the people have no access to dental health. If you want to give pens, ask your guide to introduce you to the local teacher and donate them to the whole community.
* Never sleep or sit with the soles of your feet pointing towards the family altar when in someone’s house.
* Never lose your temper in public or when bargaining for a purchase. This is considered a serious loss of face for both parties. Always maintain a cool and happy demeanor and you will be reciprocated with the same.
* Do not try to take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security.
* Never take video cameras into the ethnic minority villages. They are considered to be too intrusive by the local people. Wear a lot of jewellery or take a bag with you. Violent crime is highly unusual in Vietnam, but petty crime is more apparant. If you have a bag, or tout a digital camera around your neck, you are a potential target.
* When taking a ride by motorbike taxi (xe om) make sure your bag, if any, is not on display or easy to grab. Bag snatches, although still rare, are probably the most likely crime a tourist would encounter, and it raises the probability immensely if you are tailing a camera or a laptop in the wind.
* Physical displays of affection between lovers in public are frowned upon. That’s why you may come across couples holding hands but not hugging or kissing.
* Remember, this is Vietnam, a devloping country, and things don’t quite work as you are maybe used to. Don’t be paranoid about your safety, just be aware of your surroundings.
* Do not carry your passport a leave it in the safe in your hotel. A photocopy will suffice if local law states that you need to.