Getting Around Vietnam
Getting Around in Vietnam
Travelling within Vietnam, especially within the major cities of Hanoi and o Chi Minh can be a bit chaotic. There are domestic flights of Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific that connects the cities of the country. Other than that, one can opt for trains, bus, taxi and cyclos (a type of pedalled conveyance). One can get a close-up glance at VietnamÍs daily life while travelling through buses especially.
Read about Local Transport in Vietnam
Getting Around Vietnam By Air
There is a daily flight service by Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific that connects Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hu_, Danang to Nha Trang. There is also a regular service offered by Vietnam Airlines between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Dalat, Phu Quoc, Pleiku, Qui Nhon and Buon Ma Thuot. However, the flights are mainly used to cover long distance journey and to save time, as it can get quite expensive. Make sure to book your tickets well in advance during the Tet holiday in January/February is it is particularly busy around this time.
Getting Around Vietnam By Rail
The railway system of Vietnam scores quite low in terms of infrastructure and convenience. In fact, most of the network has not been expanded since the period of French colonization. However, the Express long-distance trains are faster than one providing local services and prove to be more comfortable and reliable. Moreover, the trains fall quite short of international standard despite offering a few carriages with air conditioning. One of the major train routes is between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City covering the distance between 30 to 40 hours. Other routes available are between Hanoi to Haiphong, Dong Dang and Lao Cai. Make sure to look after your belongings, as there have been a few cases of theft and pickpocketing.
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Getting Around Vietnam By Road
The road network in Vietnam is in reasonable condition; however, the standards vary depending upon their location. One might witness several rough patches during the rainy season. To travel within city the most recommended way is to take a taxi, which are available with great ease and are quite cheap. Always remember to check the meter before starting the journey. Other options for short distance travel are either motorcycle (which can be quite risky considering the lack of traffic rules, although wearing helmet is compulsory) or cyclos (pedalled conveyance). There is also local bus service in the city of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. One can also hire cars or bicycles but self-drive car concept do not exist in the country, so hire one with a chauffeur.
Getting Around Vietnam By Water
A popular tourist destination, Cat Ba Island located in the north can be reached by hydrofoil from Haiphong. One can also take a hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City to reach the beach resort, Vung Tau. The tropical getaway island of Phu Quoc in the Gulf of Thailand is also accessible by hydrofoil from Rach Gia in the Mekong Delta.
