The modern transport network of Vietnam was originally developed under French rule for the meant of raw materials exploitation, and reconstructed and extensively modernized following the Vietnam War. . Vietnam boasts 93,300 kilometers of roads, which connect all cities, towns and many rural areas. Roads in smaller towns and rural areas are poorly maintained and largely unpaved, but all major cities have a well-developed network of highways. Bicycles, motorcycles and public bus services remain the most popular form of road transport in Vietnam's cities, towns and villages. Traffic congestion is a serious problem in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as the city's roads struggle to cope with the booming numbers of automobiles.

In the cities: An excellent way of sightseeing in Vietnam to to take a cyclo ride. They are good for short trips in and around the cities.They are like a reverse tricycle which are propelled from behind by the pedaller. The passengers sit in front of these "trishaws" and get a clear view all round. Cyclo drivers can be found all around the major cities and provide an ideal way of seeing the city at a resonable cost which must be established with the driver before you depart..

In Hanoi, and smaller towns, renting a bicycle is a great way to get around and get a feel for the local life. Rentals are cheap, and since cyclists out number drivers, you should be quite safe on your bicycle as long as you take the basic cautions. In Ho Chi Minh the traffic conditions are far more intense and renting a bicycle is not a good idea.

Airlines: Vietnam has four international airports, of which the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and busiest. There are also many regional airports, and smaller, non-commercial airports.

Vietnam Airlines is the flagship national carrier, managed entirely by the state. The Pacific Airlines is a smaller service run by state-owned firms that was formed to invite foreign investment in aviation and expand air links to destinations in the Asia Pacific. It is ased in Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City), it is a regional airline with a few domestic and international routes.

Trains: The state-operated Vietnam Railways manages train services on the 2,654 kilometers of railway lines making travelling by train an interesting option. The railways are the most popular form of transportation in the country.

The main route is along the coast from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, passing Nha Trang, Danang and Hue along the way. It is a long journey that takes 30 - 40 hours. It is a good idea to have a "soft seat" or bunk for the trip..

Train tickets need to be booked several days in advance since the service is very popular. If you choose to travel by train be on the lookout for pickpockets and hustlers.

Buses: Travelling on a regular bus in Vietnam is probablay an experience you would prefer not to have. These buses are cramped, slow and break down on a regular basis. There are however more comfortable 'open-tour' buses that link the most popular destinations. Keep in mind that the road quality is still almost always poor.