Visitors will find a number of options for getting around Hanoi and
what they opt for depends on their pockets and their desire for comfort.
Getting Around in Hanoi. Public transport is limited to buses, which
are extremely cheap, but slow, crowded and a challenge for
non-Vietnamese speakers.
Public buses: run in Hanoi itself and from Hanoi to a
variety of destinations beyond the city. The regular buses that serve
the city itself can be quite difficult for the average tourist to
negotiate as timetables aren’t in English and the buses themselves are
not manned by English speaking staff. Hanoi’s buses are really only for
the hardcore traveller.
Motorbike taxis: anyone who owns a motorbike in
Hanoi thinks that he/she is a motorbike taxi operator irrespective of
whether they are officially permitted to do so and visitors will find it
easy to commandeer a vehicle to take them to their desired destination.
Fares are normally cheap within the city itself and often drivers are
happy to be hired by the hour to show their passengers the sights of
the city for just a few dollars. Lone female passengers should be wary
of taking motorbike taxis at night or in remote parts of the city. If
you are super-brave then for between $5 and $10 dollars a day you can
rent your own motorbike. Be warned however, the roads are extremely
hazardous!
Cyclos: are basically three wheel bicycles with two
wheels at the front between which is located a seat big enough for two
people (at a squeeze). Cyclos are a cheap way of getting around provided
you are a hard bargainer and have a good idea of how much the journey
you intend to make should cost.
Bicycles: you can hire a bicycle for as little as a
dollar a day and you’ll find getting around is easy if not a little
perilous on the busier roads. Spend some time observing how the locals
navigate the roads before you head out and you should manage to get by
without incident.
Taxis: white cabs are fairly common around the city
and if you are travelling in groups of two or more persons, they can be
an economical way of getting around. Be sure that the driver sets the
meter before the journey starts and keep an eye on where you are going,
if you pass the same landmark more than once then you’re being taken for
a ride in both senses of the word!
- Hanoi travel guide
- Vietnam tour package
- Transportation in Hanoi
