Over Land Routes to enter Vietnam
It is now possible to enter Vietnam overland from either Cambodia, Laos, or China.
From Laos: There are now three border crossings, including Lao Bao (some 80km south-west of Dong Ha), Cau Treo (100km west of Vinh), and Na Meo - Nam Xoi (213km from Thanh Hoa City).
From Cambodia: Your only choice is to go south-east from Phnom Penh to Moc Bai, and from there to Hochiminh City.
From China: The Beijing-Hanoi train enters Vientam at Dong Dang, north of Lang Son, at the border crossing known as Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship pass). Ha Khau Border Gate (Lao Cai Province) and Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh Province) are open to foot traffic.
Note: Remember that whichever crossing you use, your Vietnam visa must show the correct border gate as your “entry point”. For help with arrangements, you can contact a reliable travel agent in Vietnam or a representative abroad who have comprehensive listings of the company itineraries, hotel information, transfers, and transportation.
Basic Safety on the road
It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on. In addition to paying attention to your personal safety (avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark), you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!
If you practice these healthy hints you can focus on the scenery - not medical emergencies - and return home with nothing more troubling than some tacky souvenirs!
Travel by Cars, Motors & Bicycles
Cars for rent: are available at travel agencies. They offer four to eight seated cars with drivers. It is easy for services in big cities.
Motorbikes for rent: are available in most cities and towns, regularly frequented by tourists. Puttering around on a motorbike can be an enjoyable and time-efficient method of sightseeing. It costs around US$20-US$30 per day to rent a motorbike.
Motorbike Taxis (“Xe om” in Vietnamese): are faster and no more expensive than cyclos, and available at any time. Xe om drivers are easily found in Vietnam, and they do good customer-care (Yet, sometimes too much enthusiastic). This is a better choice than motorbike renting in case you are not familiar with the streets. But remember to bargain!
Bicycles for rent: Cycling is perhaps the best way to sightsee around towns. You should pay about US$5 per day for the a bike.
Travel by Cyclos
Cyclo is a tricycle taxi similar to rickshaws. It is a fun and, sometimes, adventurous way to tour the cities. They are available in many tourist cities such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh.
However, some big city like Ho Chi Minh has a strict rule on which routes the cyclos can go because they can cause traffic congestion. Besides, each town has its own price structure. For instance, in Saigon, rates start from around 1 USD for a short trip (about 10 minutes) while the fares can be a bit more expensive in Hanoi. Thus, before you get on a cyclo, make sure you and the cyclo driver agree on the same price. Hold on to your belongings when travelling in a cyclo as passing motorists and the like have been known to grab these as they pass.
Bus lines in Vietnam
There are various types of express-coaches that transport passengers inside and between the cities and provinces.
Hanoi:
- Southern Bus Station: 225 Giai Phong St., Hanoi. Tel: 864 1467
- My Dinh Bus Station: close to My Dinh National Stadium, approximately 15km from the centre of Hanoi.
- Gia Lam Bus Station, Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien District. Tel: 827 1529
- Luong Yen Bus Station: Nguyen Khoai Road, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi
Hochiminh City:
- West Bus Station (Ben Xe khach Mien Tay), 137 Hung Vuong St., Binh Chanh Dist. Tel: 877 6593
- East Bus Station (Ben Xe khach Mien Dong), 292 Dinh Bo Linh St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 898 4893
Taxi in Vietnam
Taxis with meters are available in the big cities and provinces. Most metered taxi drivers can speak a little English.
In Hanoi: The price is US$1 for the first 2km, and every kilometer thereafter costs between US$0.45 to US$0.60, depending on which taxi company you choose.
In Hochiminh City: The price is US$0.50 for the first km and US$0.45 for each km thereafter. (Prices are at writing time).
Note:
When going for over 30km, remember to negotiate with the taxi operator. When negotiating about the price, try to agree the price in the currency you intend to pay with (Dong or US Dollars) to save arguments later about the exchange rate you were expecting. Always double check the conversion rate you have been offered.
Also, you’d best not to take freelance taxis (“taxi du`”), which are without meters or with much higher meters. Or else, you may have to pay more than the real price.
It is now possible to enter Vietnam overland from either Cambodia, Laos, or China.
From Laos: There are now three border crossings, including Lao Bao (some 80km south-west of Dong Ha), Cau Treo (100km west of Vinh), and Na Meo - Nam Xoi (213km from Thanh Hoa City).
From Cambodia: Your only choice is to go south-east from Phnom Penh to Moc Bai, and from there to Hochiminh City.
From China: The Beijing-Hanoi train enters Vientam at Dong Dang, north of Lang Son, at the border crossing known as Huu Nghi Quan (Friendship pass). Ha Khau Border Gate (Lao Cai Province) and Mong Cai Border Gate (Quang Ninh Province) are open to foot traffic.
Note: Remember that whichever crossing you use, your Vietnam visa must show the correct border gate as your “entry point”. For help with arrangements, you can contact a reliable travel agent in Vietnam or a representative abroad who have comprehensive listings of the company itineraries, hotel information, transfers, and transportation.
Basic Safety on the road
It's easy to let your guard down when you travel. After all, you're more relaxed and there are so many new sights to focus on. In addition to paying attention to your personal safety (avoiding secluded places and not walking alone after dark), you'll need to reset your thinking when it comes to traffic safety, too. The rules of the road aren't the same overseas as they are at home. In some countries, people drive on the opposite side of the road and you'll need to be aware of this before you cross the street - look in the opposite direction from the one you're used to. Pedestrians don't always have the right of way overseas, either. Be sure there are no cars coming when you step into the street: If there are, they may not stop for you!
If you practice these healthy hints you can focus on the scenery - not medical emergencies - and return home with nothing more troubling than some tacky souvenirs!
Travel by Cars, Motors & Bicycles
Cars for rent: are available at travel agencies. They offer four to eight seated cars with drivers. It is easy for services in big cities.
Motorbikes for rent: are available in most cities and towns, regularly frequented by tourists. Puttering around on a motorbike can be an enjoyable and time-efficient method of sightseeing. It costs around US$20-US$30 per day to rent a motorbike.
Motorbike Taxis (“Xe om” in Vietnamese): are faster and no more expensive than cyclos, and available at any time. Xe om drivers are easily found in Vietnam, and they do good customer-care (Yet, sometimes too much enthusiastic). This is a better choice than motorbike renting in case you are not familiar with the streets. But remember to bargain!
Bicycles for rent: Cycling is perhaps the best way to sightsee around towns. You should pay about US$5 per day for the a bike.
Travel by Cyclos
Cyclo is a tricycle taxi similar to rickshaws. It is a fun and, sometimes, adventurous way to tour the cities. They are available in many tourist cities such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Danang, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh.
However, some big city like Ho Chi Minh has a strict rule on which routes the cyclos can go because they can cause traffic congestion. Besides, each town has its own price structure. For instance, in Saigon, rates start from around 1 USD for a short trip (about 10 minutes) while the fares can be a bit more expensive in Hanoi. Thus, before you get on a cyclo, make sure you and the cyclo driver agree on the same price. Hold on to your belongings when travelling in a cyclo as passing motorists and the like have been known to grab these as they pass.
Bus lines in Vietnam
There are various types of express-coaches that transport passengers inside and between the cities and provinces.
Hanoi:
- Southern Bus Station: 225 Giai Phong St., Hanoi. Tel: 864 1467
- My Dinh Bus Station: close to My Dinh National Stadium, approximately 15km from the centre of Hanoi.
- Gia Lam Bus Station, Nguyen Van Cu St., Long Bien District. Tel: 827 1529
- Luong Yen Bus Station: Nguyen Khoai Road, Hai Ba Trung Dist., Hanoi
Hochiminh City:
- West Bus Station (Ben Xe khach Mien Tay), 137 Hung Vuong St., Binh Chanh Dist. Tel: 877 6593
- East Bus Station (Ben Xe khach Mien Dong), 292 Dinh Bo Linh St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 898 4893
Taxi in Vietnam
Taxis with meters are available in the big cities and provinces. Most metered taxi drivers can speak a little English.
In Hanoi: The price is US$1 for the first 2km, and every kilometer thereafter costs between US$0.45 to US$0.60, depending on which taxi company you choose.
In Hochiminh City: The price is US$0.50 for the first km and US$0.45 for each km thereafter. (Prices are at writing time).
Note:
When going for over 30km, remember to negotiate with the taxi operator. When negotiating about the price, try to agree the price in the currency you intend to pay with (Dong or US Dollars) to save arguments later about the exchange rate you were expecting. Always double check the conversion rate you have been offered.
Also, you’d best not to take freelance taxis (“taxi du`”), which are without meters or with much higher meters. Or else, you may have to pay more than the real price.
