There are three international airports in Vietnam including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, serving the north, south and central regions respectively.

Flights come in from all over the world, including from the UK, the USA and Australia, yet are invariably routed through a regional centre such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Tokyo. Vietnam's national carrier is Vietnam Airlines and fares are usually lower when landing at Ho Chi Minh City.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's main airport. It has two terminals, one for international and the other for domestic flights. Facilities in the new international terminal are very good, but visitors should be aware that immigration is very strict and visas and passports should be in order prior to arriving.

Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport is easily the biggest airport in the north, but is small compared with the other two international airports and has less flight options and facilities.

Taxis, public buses and shuttles provide transport all three major airports, while many hotels also provide pick up services for guests.

Vietnam is a large country and flying is the quickest and safest way to travel between the large cities. You should consider flying if travelling between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, just a two-hour journeycompared with more than a day by bus or train. Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines are the only two carriers offering domestic flights, the latter which is a low-cost carrier with online booking facilities.

Train travel is easily the most comfortable form of overland travel and the major line between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can get you from one city to the other in 30 hours aboard the Reunification Express. For comfort, booking an aircon berth is a must when travelling long distances in Vietnam, and you will need to book way in advance at a ticket office.

Routes inland are limited but there is an international overnighter between Hanoi and Lao Cai on the Chinese border, from where buses run on to Sata.

For travelling about within the cities, motorcycle taxis (xe om) are often the fastest way to get about. Always agree on the price before getting in. Cyclo-pedicabs are also available for inner-city travel. You will usually pay more for a pedicab than a motorcycle taxi, but the pace is more laid back and some operators offer city tours.

Getting about Vietnam by boat, particularly in the southern Mekong Delta, is an absolute must. Day boat tours through tour companies are reasonable priced and a great way to see the Mekong region, as well as the Hue, Ha Long Bay, and Nha Trang areas.