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By Car
• Going by car is the best and safest way to see Vietnam.
• Self-drive is unwise.
• Drivers in Vietnam and Cambodia (and pretty much region-wide) use the horn
constantly. Using horn doesn't mean a driver is angry
By Plane
Someone said “It's a good idea to fly the longer hops along Vietnam's
length: from Hanoi to Hue; from Danang to Nha Trang; and from Nha Trang to
Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa).”
By Train
The Reunification Express runs the entire length of Vietnam's coast -- from
Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, with routes out of Hanoi to the likes of Sapa, Lang
Son, and to coastal Haiphong. There are a number of classes, from
third-class hard seat to air-conditioned cushioned seat to sleeper, but in
general the more comfortable seats are affordable. Be warned that you need
to book trains a few days in advance, especially for weekend travel.
By Bus
• Local buses depart from stations usually a good distance from the town
center.
• Buses leave only when full -- and full means that everyone is
uncomfortable, two to a seat, produce hanging, bags under your feet and,
SARS be damned, chickens in bags and on people's laps
• You often have to negotiate a price with the driver or bus tout
One good alternative is to buy a ticket with assigned seat on the small
air-conditioned minivans that ply most major routes in Vietnam. Ask at any
hotel front desk, and expect to pay often double the local bus price (still
very affordable) and ride in relative style among locals but without the
hassles.
However, Travelling by motorbikes, motorbike taxis or renting your own
motorbike also can be seen around Vietnam, yet please take care. Hire a
guide can make your adventures a little more manageable. |
