Transport in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a host of wonderful places to see with a variety of things to do. The good news is that getting to and from all those destinations has never been easier.
Vietnam Airlines operates inexpensive flights to major destinations at least once daily.
The railway network allows you to enjoy some of the most fabulous scenery in safety and comfort and a train service operates between Hanoi in the North and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC/Saigon) in the South. Many travelers prefer the additional comfort afforded by sleeping berths over bus travel. However, it is a little more expensive and a little slower. The fastest of the train options (i.e. the one with the least stops) takes 29 hours and the slowest, with the most stops, takes a massive 40 hours.
For as little as US$16 you can buy an “open bus ticket” which allows you to travel literally from one end of the country to the other by comfortable,
air-conditioned bus, stopping off for as long as you like in the various cities along the route. All the routes are covered by day buses,
except for the Hanoi to Hue leg which is overnight (both ways). At the time of writing (May 2005), the route between Nha Trang and Hoi An was only available during the day with one company,
Camel Travel, but ask around and compare prices before you purchase your tickets. The market is extremely competitive.
Hydrofoil services are becoming popular in some parts of the country. From Ho Chi Minh City you can now reach the Mekong Delta and Vung Tau on regular departures from the passenger quay on the Saigon River. In the country's north, a variety of services are available to destinations in the Haiphong and Halong Bay districts.
Within the Vietnam's cities, transport is plentiful. In Hanoi and HCMC, local buses are available, if slightly confusing for the uninitiated. Most travelers take advantage of the ubiquitous cyclo or motorcycle taxis (motos) to get around town. Remember, always agree on a price before you take a ride and bargain hard – a third of the initial asking price is often sufficient. Cyclos should charge about 5000 Dong for short trips around town. The drivers usually speak a little English or French and usually know the city like the backs of their hands. Metered taxis are also available for your convenience if you don't feel like negotiating.
Just about everywhere in Vietnam, it is possible to hire motor cycles and bicycles to get around on your own. Be careful. The traffic can be frenetic and treacherous in even the most picturesque places and if you are not a confident and experienced cyclist (motor or otherwise), it can be a hair-raising and even dangerous experience. Better to enjoy the sights by foot than spend your entire afternoon trying not to have an accident or, worse still, the rest of your vacation on crutches!
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