Vietnam Travel Guide | Tourist Information & Advice
Your online Vietnam travel guide buddyWednesday, September 27, 2006
Getting Around
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| Air Vietnam Airlines (VN) has daily flights between Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, and Nha Trang. Regular flights are also provided between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Na San, Phu Quoc, Qui Nhon, Pleiku, and Vinh. The Northern Airport Flight Service Company operates helicopter flights from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Departure tax: VND20,000 from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang and Hai Phong and VND10,000 from other airports. Sea/River A local area network operates between ports. Cruise services are available. Contact the Embassy for information prior to departure. Rail The rail system can be used independently or as part of a tour. Long-distance trains are more expensive but are more reliable, faster, and more comfortable. Although a few trains now have air conditioning, facilities still fall short of western standards, and foreigners’ rates are comparable to air fares. The main rail route connects Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi and the journey takes about 30 to 40 hours. There are also services from Hanoi to Haiphong, Lao Cai, Dong Dang, , Thai Nguyen and from Yen Vien to Ha Long. Contact Vietnam Railways for more information. Road Traffic drives on the right. There is a reasonable road network. however, Roads, particularly in the north, are often in poor condition and may be inaccessible during the rainy season. Driving in Vietnam can be a harrowing experience as the normal rules of highway discipline are not followed by most drivers. There's a fairly good highway from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Bus: Services are substandard and overcrowded. Minibuses usually run between tourist hotels in the major towns. Car hire: Chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire. Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are mandatory before driving. Urban Local bus services are available in Ho Chi Minh City and hanoi which also has a tramway. It's also possible to travel by taxi, motorbike or cyclo (cycle rickshaw; motorised version also exists); the last of these can pose a risk of theft from opportunistic passers-by and the government is trying to phase them out. When travelling by taxi, it's a good idea to write down the driver’s registration number (displayed on rear side of taxi) for security reasons. | ||||||
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