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Vietnam is not an easy country to get around in. Public road transport can be a long and tiresome adventure. The problem can be attributed to the large concentration of people and a general lack of funds. As a result the entire system is cramped and inefficient. There is also a problem concerning price discrimination. There are, however, many transportation options available.
Taxis
Ho Chi Minh City has many taxis and a competition between two operators has forced fares down. The more economical of the two is Vinataxi (Tel: [84](8) 842-2888), which is known for its yellow cabs. The other is the Airport Taxi Co. (Tel: [84](8) 444-6666), known for its white cabs. Unmarked taxis can be chartered from most hotels for trips out to the airport or out of town. Chartering a taxi for the day should cost around VND414,600 to VND552,800.
Trains
Air travel notwithstanding, the train is probably the most comfortable means of travel in Vietnam. A railway line links Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City, passing through many towns and cities including Danang, Hue and Nha Trang. A Super Class Sleeper seat goes for about VND1,658,400. The trip from HCMC to Hanoi takes about 48 hours. The difference in price between first class and second class is minimal and worth paying, as first class offers more comfort.
FAST FACT:
One station close to Ho Chi Minh City is called Hna ga. There have been many improvements done to this station including an air conditioned waiting room, a post office and a bank. From Hna ga there are regular daily connections with Hanoi and all Northern points. When travelling by train keep in mind that first class travel is considered comfortable and clean, second class is acceptable, but other classes are often referred to as nightmarish.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest form of transport, but tend to be slow, old and overcrowded. There are two main bus stations. Buses north to Hue, Danang and all significant points on the road to Hanoi depart from the Mien Dong terminal. This station is located north of the city.
From the Mien Tay terminal are all buses headed south to An Long, Ca Mau, Can Tho, Ha Tien, Long Xuyen, My Tho, Rach Gia and elsewhere. This terminal is southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, there is also a station in Cholon which services towns like Ben Luc, Long An, My Tho and My Thuan.
There are also a number of minibuses, which are beginning to travel the more popular routes. They tend to be less comfortable but much quicker than regular buses. The minibus office at 39 Nguyen Hue Blvd is one of the most central offices. If you plan to travel by express bus, a one day advance booking is recommended. Take note that minibuses are not a normal means of transport for daily expatriate living.
For more information contact the following:
Mien Dong Bus Station
277/6 Quoc Lo 13
Ward 26, Binh Thanh District
HCMC
Tel: [84](8) 898-4893
Mien Tay Bus Station
137 Hung Vuong Street
An Lac, Binh Chan
HCMC
Tel: [84](8) 877-6593
Cyclos
The Cyclo is a three-wheeled bicycle which is a popular form of transportation in Vietnam. They can be hired for a single ride (VND13,820), for the entire day (VND138,200) or to reach a specific destination. Many cyclo drivers speak some English.
Cyclos are restricted from certain main streets in both HCMC and Hanoi. If you still want to travel by cyclo, be aware that the driver may have to push his cyclo, otherwise the police will catch him. A driver will often stop and tell you to walk until (s)he is in an unrestricted area.
In cities and towns, bicycles are the best way to get around. Bicycle taxis are also available, as are motorcycle taxis. The latter are a quick way to navigate the city and are only marginally more expensive than a cyclo.
Airport Transportation
Vietnam Airlines, the national airline of Vietnam, operates international and domestic flights through Tan On Nhat, the Ho Chi MInh City International Airport. Most major airlines do not fly directly into this city, so you will probably have to switch flights in one of Vietnam's closest neighbours: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From any of those countries, domestic flights are available to Vietnam.
Unmarked taxis can be chartered for trips out to the airport. Keep in mind that Vinataxi has been banned from picking up at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Driving
You must have a Vietnamese license to drive your own car in Vietnam; international driver's licenses are not valid. But bear in mind that in Vietnam, it is almost impossible to drive your own car. The traffic, made complicated by pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles, requires an exotic driving style. There is little adherence to traffic laws. As a result, accidents are frequent on city streets. The situation only gets worse at night, when many drivers use either very bright headlights or none at all.
Because of the hazardous driving situation, you should seriously consider hiring a driver. Drivers are easily available to drive your own car for approximately VND1,382,000 per month. Alternatively, you can hire a driver and a car for approximately VND9,674,000 to VND13,820,000 per month, depending on the make and model of the car.
© 2000 Living Abroad Publishing Inc. The articles and opinions of Living Abroad Publishing Inc. are for general information only, and are not intended to provide specific advice, recommendations or endorsements. Living Abroad Publishing Inc. is not responsible for any errors or omissions.