Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It is necessary to arrange a Chinese visa in advance.
Laos
There are seven (and counting) overland crossings between Vietnam and Laos. Thirty-day
Lao visas are now available at all borders. All of the border crossings between north and
central Vietnam and Laos have a degree of difficulty. Lao Bao is the simplest route.
The golden rule is to try to use direct city-to-city bus connections between the coun-
tries, as potential hassle will be greatly reduced. If you travel step-by-step using local
buses expect hassle and transport scams (eg serious overcharging) on the Vietnamese side.
Devious drivers have even stopped in the middle of nowhere to renegotiate the price.
Transport links on both sides of the border can be very hit and miss, so don't use the
more remote borders unless you have plenty of time to spare.
Getting Around
AIR
Vietnam has good domestic flight connections, and very affordable prices (if you book
early). Airlines accept bookings on international credit or debit cards. However, note that
cancellations are not unknown.
Vietnam Airlines
(
www.vietnamairlines.com.vn
)
The leading local carrier with the most compre-
hensive network and best reliability.
Vietjet Air
( 1900 1886;
www.vietjetair.com
)
A new, privately owned airline with an expand-
ing number of internal flights.
Jetstar Pacific
(
www.jetstar.com/vn/en/home
)
This budget airline has very affordable fares,
though only serves the main cities.
Vasco
(
www.vasco.com.vn
)
Flies to the Con Dao Islands from HCMC.
BICYCLE
Bikes are a great way to get around Vietnam, particularly when you get off the main high-
ways.
The main hazard is the traffic, and it's wise to avoid certain areas (notably Hwy 1).
Some of the best cycling is along quiet coastal roads in central Vietnam, in the southwest
highlands and up in the northern mountains (although you'll have to cope with some big
hills).
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