Vietnam has an extensive road network comprising national and provincial highways and local roads that connect the provinces, cities and villages. There are many provincial and interprovincial bus lines, which are more and more upgraded and improved.

There are currently 10 overland border crossings for travelers coming to Vietnam, but more may open soon. All crossing points suffer from heavy policing and often requests for 'immigration fees'.

1. From Cambodia:

There are at least four border crossings between Cambodia and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners. The Vietnamese consulate in Sihanoukville issues 30-day tourist visas on a same-day basis.These include:

1.  Bavet - Moc Bai

2. Kaam Samnor - Vinh Xuong

3.  Phnom Den - Tinh Bien

4.  Xa Xia - Prek Chak (Ha Tien crossing, Cambodian Visas not available)

2. From China:

There are three border crossings between China and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners:

1. Dongxing - Mong Cai (by road; onward travel Mong Cai to Ha Long by sea or by road)

2.  Hekou - Lao Cai (by road and/or rail, but no international passenger train services)

3.  Youyi Guan - Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship Pass - by road and/or rail)

3. From Laos:

There are at least four border crossings between Laos and Vietnam that can be used by foreigners. These include:

1. Donsavanh - Lao Bao

2. Kaew Neua - Cau Treo (Keo Nua Pass)

3. Nam Can

4. Tay Trang

II. Getting around Vietnam

Vietnam has an extensive road network comprising national and provincial highways and local roads that connect the provinces, cities and villages. There are many provincial and interprovincial bus lines, which are more and more upgraded and improved. It is forbidden to drive a car, unless they hold a driving license duly issued pars the Vietnamese authorities. In all main cities, there are taxi companies and many bus routes. It is also possible to travel by motorcycle-taxi, cyclo, a bicycle… Thus, traveling in Vietnam is rather easy and convenient.

However, Vietnamese traffic normally is stuck in the late afternoon when people coming home from work. The streets are crowed and accidents are frequent, but you can move a bicycle, motorcycle and cyclo without undue risk.

1.Travel by Bus

Long-distance bus services connect most cities in Vietnam. Most depart early in the morning to accommodate traffic and late afternoon rains, or run overnight.

Public Buses:

Public Buses travel between the cities' bus stations. In bigger places, you often have to use local transport to get into the city center from there. Buses are generally in reasonable shape, and you have the chance to interact with locals.

Open Tour Buses:

Open Tour Buses are run by a multitude of tour companies. They cater especially  to tourists, offering ridiculous low rates and door-to-door service to your desired hotel. You can break the journey at any point and continue on a bus of the same company any time later, or simply buy tickets just for the stage you are willing to cover next. Note that if you're not planning to make more than 3-4 stops, it might be cheaper to buy separate tickets as you go. Most hotels and guesthouses can book seats for any connection, although you had better to shop around at travel agents, as prices will vary on any given ticket or bus company. Going to the bus company office may net you a commission-free fare, but most major bus operators have fixed pricing policies, which can only be circumvented through a travel agent.

2. Travel by Car

Transportation in Vietnam currently offer variety kinds of vehicles including private cars, vans, small vans and buses in main cities with well equipped and air condition. Only holding Vietnamese authorization driving license person is allowed driving a car. International driving licenses are not accepted in Vietnam. Therefore, there are no car rental companies. When Vietnamese speak of renting a car, they always mean hiring a car with a driver.

Take the trip accompanies with a tour guide is a lucid decision. Together with the driver, he will be an enthusiastic local guide and a helpful assistance in managing every problem that could occur while traveling.

3. Travel by Taxi

There are many private taxi companies in major cities. Clients can call for or wave to one taxi 24 hours a day. This mean of transport is certainly more reliable, but also more expensive. The price in VND is displayed on the meter.

4. Travel by cycle

Adventurous travelers may wish to see Vietnam by motorcycle or bicycle. Several adventure travel tours provide package tours with equipment. Most of the population gets around on two wheels, so it's an excellent way to get closer to the people, as well as off the beaten path.

In large cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An and Hue, it’s easy to hire a bicycle. Nevertheless, parking bicycles on the sidewalks is not allowed, and you'll have to go to a pay parking lot, normally is 3000 VND per bike.

5. Travel by motorcycle taxi

The “xe om” (literally 'hugging vehicle') is a common mode of transport for Vietnamese as well as tourists. They are widely available and reasonably cheap, which should get you anywhere within the city center.

Walk the city streets, and every couple of minutes a guy will flag your attention and say "You! MotoBike?” Always agree on the fare before starting your trip. As with most things, a tourist will often be quoted an above-market price initially, and you need to be firm and require exact charge handy. Then you can pay the agreed amount and walk away in peace.

6. Travel by motorcycle

Two main categories of motorbike are available to rent are scooters (automatic transmission); and four-speed motorbikes, the gears of which you shift with your left foot. Rental agents tend to steer foreigners toward scooters if available, on the (plausible) assumption that they don't know how to ride motorbikes that require shifting gears. Motorcycles of 175cc and above are only legal to ride if you make a connection with a Vietnamese motorcycle club.

Traffic police in the cities pull over lots of locals, but conventional wisdom has it that they rarely bother foreigners due to the language barrier. Obeying the traffic laws is advisable just to be sure. Licenses (to operate motorbikes) are required, although many people have been known to drive without them. Helmets are also required by law as from the December 15th, 2007, if you don't have it already, ask your rental agent to provide them.

7. Travel by Cyclo

Riding on a cyclo is a leisure way to enjoy the sights along the way. This kind of transportation is interested in by many visitors when they traveling in Hanoi Old quarters, Hoi An ancient town or Saigon. They are especially common in scenic smaller, less busy cities like Hue, where it is pleasant to cruise slowly along taking in the sights. However, the ride will be slow, hot and sometimes dangerous; you'll generally need to pay more than for a motorbike for the equivalent distance. On the plus side, some drivers (particularly in the South) are very friendly and happy to give you a running commentary on the sights.

Cyclo drivers are notoriously mercenary and will always ask for a high price to start with. Sometimes they will also demand more than the agreed price at the end. Prices for a sightseeing circuit with intermediate stops are more complex to negotiate and more subject to conflict at the end. If you plan to stop somewhere for any length of time, it's best to settle up with the driver. To avoid trouble, it's also best to have exact change for the amount you agreed to pay.