City Guide

• Overview
• The Basics
• Contacts
• Attractions
• City Tours
• Excursions
• Shopping
• Airports
• Transport
• Climate
• Photos
• Hotels in Hanoi
• Flights to Hanoi

Activities

• Northwest Loop Adventure Ride

Maps

Directory

• Hostels
• Tour Operators
• Cheap Airfares

Time

Transport

Public transport is limited to buses, which are extremely cheap, but slow, crowded and a challenge for non-Vietnamese speakers. There are plenty of taxis to be hired and this is the safest and easiest way to get across the city, but make sure the meter is switched on and change is given. Motorbike taxis are also a cheap and easy way to get around, but the driving can be nerve-wracking. Renting a car or a motorbike are also popular options; all cars come with a driver/guide, which is a good idea considering the chaotic nature of the streets. Visitors should be cautious about renting a self-drive motorbike, bearing in mind the primary cause of injury and death among foreigners in Vietnam is due to motorcycle accidents. Two-seater cyclos (cycle rickshaws) are plentiful and can be flagged down anywhere, but should be avoided at night. Fares should be negotiated beforehand and a map is useful, as many drivers don't speak English.