Transportation

Local Transport: Vietnam continues to develop and modernise its already excellent transportation facilities, with air traffic between domestic destinations growing at an incredible rate. Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines now fly to 22 Vietnamese airports.

Though most of the annual flights operate out of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Danang, Cam Ranh and Phu Quoc, even the most far-flung locales service daily flights. Domestic airport tax is US$2 per adult at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports and US$1 per adult at other airports.

Vietnam’s 2,600-kilometre railway system centres in Hanoi, with the 1,726-kilometre “Reunification Express” offering the only north-south service along the narrow coast. Still, the train to Ho Chi Minh City has lines that stop at over 150 stations along the way. Hanoi also acts as a hub with spokes leading to Lao Cai, Haiphong, Quan Trieu, Dong Dang, Kep-Uong, Bi-Halong and Kep-Luu Xa. Air-con fares are moderately priced and can be booked at the stations, at agents or over the Internet.

Vietnam’s road system is improving, and rental cars are available at major destinations. Bus transportation provided by travel agents is far superior to the state transport service, especially for long distance trips. A hydrofoil service to popular island destinations embarks from many of the larger coastal cities.

Metered taxis are available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Cyclos, the three-wheel peda-cabs are common throughout the country, with fares bargained for in advance. Motorcycle taxis are also available. Bicycle and motorcycle rentals are also widely available throughout the country

International Air Access: Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport welcomes flights from over 15 foreign destinations, and close to 20 international routes service Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Airport, which is being expanded. Within the Mekong Sub-region, direct flights link to Bangkok, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, while regional service connects to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Kunming and Taipei. The Hanoi-Beijing rail line crosses the Vietnam border at Lang Son (Dong Dang).