Not known for modern conveniences, Vietnam has an inconvenient transportation system.  This in itself has been an obstacle for the Vietnamese to overcome while advancing economically.  The main mode of transportation is that of the bicycle rickshaw, bicycles are also popular and are used for transport to and from work for most Vietnamese.  Others use it for carrying groceries and other items as well and have managed to make packing the bicycle almost an art with the tremendous loads that are carried.   Although improvements have been attempted, particularly with the major roadways, the main source of transportation for goods is by barge, utilizing the many rivers and canals.

Outdated ports, even major ones for international shipping, are still behind the times, as is the state-run Vietnamese Airlines.  The airline does have both domestic and international flights, but the fact that the majority of their planes are outdated Soviet models hinders growth.  The government is taking a more active role with the airline in that it is attempting to purchase new planes from Europe and the U.S.