| |
|
|
| |
Home
>
World
> South-East Asia
> Vietnam
|
Travel - Internal
AIR: Vietnam Airlines (VN) operates daily flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang and Nha Trang. Regular services are also provided between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Na San, Vinh, Qui Nhon, Dalat, Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku and Phu Quoc. The Northern Airport Flight Service Company operates flights by helicopter to Halong Bay from Hanoi.
Departure Tax: D20,000 from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and Da Nang. D10,000 from other airports.
SEA: A local network operates between ports. Cruise facilities are available. Contact the Embassy before departure.
RAIL: Visitors may use the rail transport system independently or as part of a rail tour. Long-distance trains are more expensive but are faster, more reliable and more comfortable. Although a few carriages now have air conditioning, facilities are still short of international standards, and foreigners’ rates are comparable to the air fares. The main rail route connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the journey can take between 30 and 40 hours. There are also services from Hanoi to Haiphong, Dong Dang, Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen and from Yen Vien to Ha Long. Contact Vietnam Railways (website: www.vr.com.vn) for more information.
ROAD: There is a reasonable road network. Traffic drives on the right. Roads, especially in the north, are often in a bad state of repair and may be impassable during the rainy season. Driving in Vietnam can be a hair-raising experience as the normal rules of highway discipline are rarely followed by the majority of drivers.There is a good highway from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Bus: Services are poor and overcrowded. Minibuses often run between tourist hotels in the major towns. Car hire: It is possible to hire chauffeur-driven cars. Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are required.
URBAN: There are local bus services in Ho Chi Minh City and in Hanoi, which also has a tramway. It is also possible to travel by taxi, motorbike or cyclo (cycle rickshaw; motorised version also exists); the last of these options can leave the traveller vulnerable to theft from opportunistic passers-by and the government is trying to phase them out, however. When travelling by taxi, it is advisable to note down the driver’s registration number (displayed on rear side of taxi) for security reasons.
Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.
Terms and Conditions apply.
|
|
|
|
|
