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Local transport: |
Airlines: Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines operate
domestic flights to all major cities.
Trains: There
is a rail network, but trains are slow and not recommended for longer distances.
Buses: The road system is good, and there is a comprehensive
bus service, but this tends to be slow, and sometimes unreliable.
Taxis:
Metered taxis are available in Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City. Check that the meter
is operating before setting off.
Cyclos: The ubiquitous
3-wheeled bicycle-rickshaw. Passengers sit in front and driver peddles behind.
Hanoi versions are wider than in Ho Chi Minh and can take two persons. Good sightseeing
vehicle, though, inevitably, many scary near-collisions. Agree fare in advance
- if any doubts, write it down. Hanoi cyclo drivers speak very little English.
A map is often essential for giving directions.
Motor
Bike Taxi: Costs the same or a little higher than a cyclo.
Bicycle
Rental: Inexpensive and a very good way to get around. Deposit usually required.
Available from cafes or guesthouses. Check brakes & tyres before you sign up.
Motorbike Rental: Don't, unless you are an experienced
rider. Passport usually required as security deposit. Don't rent unless the contract
agreement is in English and all conditions are clear. Check brakes, tyres, and
fuel before you go. |
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Hanoi Airport: | | Noi
Bai Airport is about 35 km or 45 minutes north of Hanoi. A minibus charges
US$4 per person to downtown but may involve a circular tour of several hotels.
Official airport taxis currently charge a flat rate of US$15 to town and US$20
from town to airport. |
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Ho Chi Minh Airport: | | Tan
Son Nhat Airport is 7 kilometres or 20 minutes from town. A metered cab outside
the airport area costs US$5. The airport taxi desk charges US$25. An airport "Skybus"
operates to and from the Vietnamese Airlines office in town, and costs US$2 per
head. |
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Airport tax: | |
US$10 for International flights and 20,000 dong for domestic flights For
more information on domestic air travel in Vietnam - click
here - |
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Car hire: | |
Self drive not yet common, but cars with drivers are convenient, easily arranged,
and with numerous options, including minivans. |
| International
Checkpoints |
Land
- North: Mong Cai, Huu
Nghi, Dong Dang, Lao Cai
- West: Cau Trea, Lao Bao
- Sout West: Moc
Bai, Vinh Xuong
Air - Noi Bai Hanoi
- Tan Son Nhat
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Da Nang - Da Nang City
Sea - North:
Hung Phong, Quang Ninh
- South: Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Con
Dao
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