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Vietnam's road network is
extensive and growing. Heavy government investment in
highway construction and upgrades, especially since the
late 1990s, has allowed the country's total road length
to increase rapidly by nearly half between 1999 and
2004.
In the two large delta regions, where most of the
population is concentrated, a vast network of navigable
rivers and canals is integral to local transportation.
These waterways are generally inaccessible to larger
vessels and their cargoes, as are the numerous seaports
that dot Vietnam's coasts.
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have international airports.
In addition, a number of smaller cities are connected by
domestic air routes. The state-owned airline, Vietnam
Airlines, has been growing steadily and substantially
since the early 1990s, serving both domestic and
international travelers. In addition, the company has
acquired several long-range aircraft to handle more
direct flights to Europe and North America.
Travel by car
- Going by car is the best and safest way to see
Vietnam.
- Self-drive is unwise.
- Drivers in Vietnam use the horn constantly. Using horn
doesn't mean a driver is angry.
Recommended
car rental services in Vietnam
Travel by plane
Someone said “It's a good idea to fly the longer hops
along Vietnam's length: from Hanoi to Hue; from Da Nang
to Nha Trang; and from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City (or
vice versa).”
* Vietnam airlines'
domestic routes and
international destinations
* Official website of
Vietnam Airlines
*
Airports
transfer and
car hire
services
Recommended
air tickets
booking
service in Vietnam
Travel 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 Hai Phong. 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 train
ticket in advance, especially in summer and around Tet
holiday.
*
Hanoi - Sapa tourist trains
information
*
5-star Express train
Saigon - Nha Trang - Saigon
* Official website of
Vietnam Railway Corporation
Recommended
Sapa
train and
trans-Vietnam
train tickets booking service
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.
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.
Recommended
open bus
travel service in Vietnam
Cruises
*
Halong Bay cruises
*
Mekong river cruises
*
Hoa Sen Cruise
However, traveling 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.
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