The complete solo traveler’s guide to Vietnam transport. Safe sleeper trains, cheap buses, Grab hacks, motorbike rules, and how to never get ripped off – tested by 100,000+ Legend Travel Group guests.
Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years guiding more than 100,000 international travelers across Vietnam & Cambodia. These tips come directly from the exact transport systems used by thousands of happy solo guests on Legend Travel Group Vietnam Tours since 2008.
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My private room on wheels (Source: Internet)98 % of Legend Travel Group solo guests rate Vietnam transport “very easy” or “extremely easy”.
You’ll be on a sleeper train with rice fields flying past within 24 hours of landing.
You’ll pay $0.80 for a Grab bike ride that feels like flying.
You’ll never wait more than 5 minutes for transport in any city.
Here’s exactly how to do it right.
|
Rank |
Transport |
Safety |
Cost (USD) |
Solo Vibe & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Grab App |
5/5 |
$0.80–$5 |
Vietnam’s Uber – trackable, women-only car option |
|
2 |
Vietnam Railways (SE trains) |
5/5 |
$25–$75 |
VIP 2-berth = private cabin on wheels |
|
3 |
Reputable sleeper buses (Sapa Express, The Sinh Tourist) |
4.5/5 |
$15–$35 |
Private pods, English staff |
|
4 |
Local buses |
4/5 |
$0.30–$2 |
Cheap but crowded – fine for short trips |
|
5 |
Motorbike rental/self-ride |
3.5/5 |
$6–$12/day |
Helmet + experience required |
$25 luxury (Source: Internet)|
Transport |
Best Booking Method |
Price Range |
Solo Hack |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trains |
Baolau.com or 12GO.asia |
$25–$75 |
Book VIP 2-berth = private room |
|
Sleeper buses |
Baolau or hostel desk |
$15–$35 |
Choose “VIP” or “limousine” for private pod |
|
Flights (internal) |
VietJet Air or Bamboo Airways direct |
$30–$80 |
Book 2–3 weeks early |
|
Grab rides |
Grab app (download at airport) |
$0.80–$5 |
Use “women-only” car option |
|
Motorbike rental |
Hostel or Tigit Motorbikes |
$6–$12/day |
Rent 110–150 cc semi-auto for easiest ride |
Download Grab + Google Translate at airport
Book trains/buses via Baolau – English, real-time, card payment
Always choose VIP/limousine buses – private pod = your own space
Buy Viettel SIM at airport ($5, 30 GB)
For motorbikes: rent from Tigit or hostel – best quality + insurance
Carry hotel card – show Grab drivers
I ride my own adventure (Source: Internet)|
Transport |
Safety Level |
Solo Female Rating |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Grab |
Extremely Safe |
99 % |
Trackable, cashless, driver photo |
|
Vietnam Railways |
Extremely Safe |
98 % |
Locked cabins, constant staff |
|
Reputable sleeper buses |
Very Safe |
96 % |
Private pods, English staff |
|
Local buses |
Safe |
90 % |
Crowded but no serious incidents |
|
Motorbike self-ride |
Safe with caution |
85 % |
Helmet + international license required |
★★★★★ “Grab app = my Vietnam superpower. Never felt unsafe once.” – Emma, 31, UK
★★★★★ “VIP 2-berth train cabin = best $50 I ever spent.” – Lars, 35, Sweden
★★★★★ “Rented a motorbike from Tigit – zero issues, total freedom.” – Priya, 29, Canada
Safety in one tap (Source: Internet)|
Item |
Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
|
Airport → city (Grab) |
$10–$15 |
|
All internal transport |
$150–$300 |
|
Daily Grab rides |
$3–$10/day |
|
Total 3 weeks |
$250–$450 |
Still under $20/day average.
When you book any tour or activity:
Free airport pickup
All internal transport pre-booked (no stress)
24/7 local emergency line
Optional jump-on group transport when you want company
Quality = peace of mind (Source: Internet)Safest way to get around?
Grab app #1, then VIP trains/buses.
Best for long distances?
Sleeper trains (SE1/SE3) or VIP limousine buses.
Motorbike riding safe for solos?
Yes with experience + helmet + Tigit rental.
How to avoid scams?
Use Grab + Baolau – never street touts.
Women-only transport options?
Grab “women-only” car + female motorbike drivers in big cities.
You don’t need a travel buddy to get around Vietnam like a pro.
You just need the right apps and the right tips.
Join thousands of solo travelers who chose Vietnam Tours by Legend Travel Group and discovered Vietnam’s transport is easier (and cheaper) than most countries back home.
Only 10 % deposit – change dates free – max 12 travelers – daily support.
Start moving now → https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
By Legend Travel Group – Getting solo travelers around Vietnam safely since 2008
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