City guide article

Driving tips

Traffic in Hanoi is chaotic, with motorbikes, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians in a seemingly continuous rush to reach their destinations. As such it is not recommended for first time visitors to drive themselves. If this option is preferred then the tourist is advised to remember to rent a car from their hotel or on the hotel’s recommendation where they will also be given brief instructions on driving tips if such a request is made. Motorcycles can also be rented for around US$5-6 a day, and can be arranged by most hotels. This is good for making lots of trips around the city for individuals or a group of two. Remember to park on the sidewalk with other bikes, and be sure to lock the front wheel. Locals will help arrange the bikes near their stores and many stores or boulevards will have attendants that offer to park your bike.

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Overview

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Transportation

Buses

Transportation

Train

The main Hanoi train station ticket office is at the western end of Pho Tran Hung Dao; trains from here go to destinations south. The ticket office is open from 7.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-7.30pm. Foreigners can buy tickets for southbound trains at counter 2, where the staff speaks English. It’s often best to buy tickets at least one day before departure to ensure a seat or sleeper. To the right of the main entrance of the train station is a separate ticket office for northbound trains to Lao Cai (for Sapa) and China. Tickets for China must be bought at a separate, specified counter. Check with Vietnam Rail (Duong Sat Viet Nam; www.vr.com.vn ) for current timetables.

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Transportation

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful and usually have trip meters, although it is also common to agree on the price before taking a taxi to any location. Taxis are often expensive so negotiation is advised, and it is also important to be very clear as to your destination as drivers will attempt to take you to other locations from where they may receive commission. Once in Hanoi there is an abundance of taxis; and tourists also sometimes tour the city on ‘cyclos’ which are modified cycle rickshaws, especially in the Old Quarter. Tourists should be wary, negotiate a price and be clear as to their destination before getting in as a driver may demand an exorbitant amount for traveling a few hundred yards or take the passenger to an entirely different location from the one specified. Hanoi's traffic is chaotic, with seemingly perpetual traffic jams, and a large number of motorcyclists and pedestrians. As such, driving yourself is not recommended.

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Transportation

Car for Hire

To hire a car with a driver, contact a hotel, traveler’s café or travel agency. Tourists are better of hiring a car directly from the hotel that they are staying at or one based on the hotel’s recommendation. In parts of the northwest in the wet season some roads may only be suitable for a 4WD so visitors should keep this in mind when hiring a vehicle. If you plan to tour the north by bike, there are several good firms that can arrange guides and rentals and help with itinerary planning. One of the best recommended is ‘Cuong’s Motorbike Adventure’ which rents out bikes for US$5 a day, including a full range of spares and a repair manual. Visitors are also advised to refer to the Minsk Club website (www.minskclubvietnam.com) if they are interested in renting a bike.

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