Bus, Grab & Motorcycle

Travel Buses

The Open-Tour-Bus-System is Vietnam's most popular means of transport for backpackers and budget travelers. Sleeper buses with reclining seats connect all major stops on the north-south route.

• The Sinh Tourist: The most reliable provider, slightly more expensive, fewer stops, punctual.
• Hoàng Long: Good, modern, good value for money.
• Phương Trang (FUTA): Largest network in the south, very cheap, sometimes overcrowded.

Price Examples: Hanoi → Sapa night bus (8h) 10–15€, Huế → Hội An (3.5h) 5–8€, HCMC → Đà Lạt (7h) 8–12€.

Grab — Southeast Asia's Uber

The most important app for travelers in Vietnam! Grab offers:

• GrabCar: Car with driver. Fixed price, air-conditioned, GPS-tracked. Cheaper than taxis.
• GrabBike: Motorcycle taxi. Extremely cheap (2 km = 10,000 VND ≈ 0.40€), quick through traffic. Helmet provided.
• GrabFood: Food delivery — convenient at the hotel.

Grab works in all cities with about 50,000 inhabitants or more. Install before traveling — you need a phone number for registration. A Vietnamese SIM card (from 100,000 VND at the airport) is recommended.

Renting a Motorcycle

Vietnam by motorcycle — the ultimate adventure, but only for experienced riders! An international driver's license is theoretically required, but without a valid license, travel insurance will NOT pay in the event of an accident.

• Automatic Scooter: 100,000–200,000 VND/day (4–8€). Honda Wave, Yamaha Nozza.
• Semi-Automatic: 150,000–250,000 VND/day. Honda Win, the backpacker cult motorcycle (often in poor condition!).
• Guided Tours: Easy Rider tours with local driver/guide (30–50€/day including motorcycle, driver, and fuel). The safest and most informative option.