International airlines  offices In Vietnam

Traveling by train can be a pleasant experience- often far preferable to going by road, especially if you splash out on a soft sleep berth. In recent years, Vietnam government pay more attention to the train industry to upgrade the train services and the  passenger volumes have risen significantly. Vietnam train network stretchs from Ho chi minh city to the Chinese border. The train offers 2 soft sleep berth and 4 soft sleep berth  in one cabin or 6  hard sleep berth in one cabin. The price depends on the type of cabin and the train.  Tickets sold at train-station booking office (Hanoi and HCM station have the special counters for foreigners) and travel agents (com $1-2).  Travel agents can sometimes still secure tickets even when the station tells you that they are sold out.

The most popular routes with tourists are the train from Hanoi to Hue, Hue to Saigon, Saigon to Nha trang, Danang to Nha trang and Hanoi to Lao cai (Sapa) or vice versa.

The fastest and the most comfortable trains from the North to the South (or vice versa) are SE1 and SE2. All are equipped with air conditioning throughout. The mineral water is often included in the price of ticket. But you also have plenty of opportunities to buy simple meals, snacks and other drinks on train. Safety on train are quite good nowadays.

For the train from Hanoi to Lao cai (Sapa) and via verse, there are many options for your choice. All trains are equipped with air condition and even a restaurant car. The best train is Victoria express but it  is for their guest only . You must stay at Victoria Sapa hotel to be able to book Victoria Express Train. Other good choice are Tulico, Royal, TSC, Ratraco, King Express, Livitrians, Fanxipan. Click here for more information about train between Hanoi – Lao cai (Sapa)

3/ BY BUS

Usually same price for locals and foreigners. Cheapest transport. Many buses leave very early in the morning (5:00 or 6:00).Long distance bus terminals are located far from town centers. You may have to rely on a cyclo to get there. Buses are usually crowded. You can reserve a bus but not a seat. No English understood

4/ BY TOURIST BUS

Tourist buses connect major cities, relatively new service, pickup service possible and  convenient. They take breaks on route, stopping at tourist spots. On arrival, they will stop at various hotels for you, but the hotels are all government-run and may be more expensive. Much more expensive than public bus, but cheaper than train (soft seats). Tickets sold at tourist cafes and Travel Agencies.

5/ BY TAXIS
Taxis are very popular on the streets of the big cities. The prices are in VN dong and the fares are not expensive. To use Taxi or cyclo, its advised to write down the directions, and the agreed-upon price, to avoid confusion.The cost varies. First 2km12,000D, add 1,600D/250m. Check that the meter is operating. Pay in Dong. The taxis, hanging around the tourist areas, sometime change the setting of the meter. In general, smarter- looking taxis and those waiting outside big hotels tend to be more reliable.

Taxis from airports to cities/towns

Hanoi: From Noi Bai airport to the city center is around 35km, the journey takes from 45 minutes to an hour. There are few information signs inside the new terminal building; you need to go outside and look for the signs for taxis and minibuses. The airport minibus service works reasonably well. Inside the terminal, touts will offer taxi services. Don't use the meter with a tout, as it may well be rigged. The 'official' taxi rank is outside the concourse and you buy tickets from the seller at the head of the taxi line.
Airport Taxis charge a flat rate of US$ 10 (one-way) for cars from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi.

You can take the Noi Bai taxi or 16-seat mini bus of Vietnam Airlines: US$2 from the airport to Vietnam Airlines Head Office at No. 1 Quang Trung St. From there you can walk to the Old Quarter.

The taxi drivers are skilled at befriending newly arrived passengers and by the time you reach the city will offer to recommend a 'good, cheap hotel'. If you want to avoid the sales pitch, just tell them that you've already got a hotel reservation, even if you don't.

To get to the airport from town, you can ask the help of hotel reservation to call the taxi or  take one of the minibuses that depart roughly every half-hour from opposite the same Vietnam Airlines office at No., 1 Quang Trung Str., (near Hoan Kiem Lake).

The average taxis prices in Hanoi
4 seat taxis: - First km: 0.64 USD/km
                  - From 1.63 km to 31 km: 0.61 USD/km
                 -  Over 31 km :   0.45 USD/km
7 seat taxis: - First km: 0.64 USD/km
                  - From 1.63 km to 31 km: 0.65 USD/km
                 -  Over 31 km :   0.5 USD/km

Hue: From Phu Bai airport to Hue city (13km)
Taxi:  about US$10

Hoian:  From Da Nang airport to Hoi An town (30km)
Taxi: about US$15.

Nha trang: From Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang (about 30-40km)
Taxi: about  VND 200,000 (US$13) for a 4-seat taxi, VND 230,000 (US$14) for a 7-seat taxi.
Transfer from the Cam Ranh airport to Nha Trang City (and return): A service of taxi (at officially fixed price) also exists between the Cam Ranh airport and Nha Trang city: cost is VND 170.000 (US$10) for a regular 4-seat taxi OR VND 230.000 (US$14) for a 7-seat taxi. It takes 45min for a taxi ride.

Ho chi minh city: From Tan Son Nhat airport to the Backpacker area (Pham Ngu Lao St, Dist 1)
Taxi: about VND 90,000 (about US$6), it takes about 25 minutes.

6/ MOTORBIKE TAXIS

It is very popular in the big cities, known as xe om. It is quick and convenient, but do not forget to write down the directions, and the agreed-upon price before the trip. Almost xe om driver cannot speak English.

7/ BY CYCLO
3-wheeled bicycle-rickshaw. Passengers sit in front and driver peddles behind. Great views, though scary. Bargain hard. Some drivers demand more money later. They are very aggressive. If you can't handle, this don't use them. Write the address and agreed price on paper. Same price for two people.

8/ MOTORBIKE AND BICYCLE

$5-10/day. They often hold your passport as a deposit and want you to sign a form. Get a translation of the form in a language that you understand. Available from cafes or hotels. Ask your own hotel to give you a good rate. Check brakes, tires, and gas before you set off. Don't ride in the larger cities unless you already know how.

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