Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On most popular routes, modern air-conditioned Korean and Chinese deluxe buses offer
comfortable reclining seats or sleeper beds for really long trips. Deluxe buses are
nonsmoking. On the flip side, most of them are equipped with blaring TVs and some with
dreaded karaoke machines.
Open Tours
Connecting backpacker haunts across the nation, open-tour buses are wildly popular in Vi-
etnam. These air-con buses depart from convenient, centrally located departure points and
allow you to hop-on, hop-off at any major city along the main north-to-south route.
Prices are reasonable. A through ticket from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Hanoi costs
between US$25 and US$49, while Nha Trang to Hoi An is around US$12.
Travellers' cafes, tour agencies and budget hotels sell tickets. Sinh Tourist ( 08-3838
9597; www.thesinhtourist.com ) started the concept and has a good reputation.
Local Buses
Local buses in the countryside are slow and stop frequently. Conductors tend to routinely
overcharge foreigners on these services, so they're not popular with travellers.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Having your own wheels gives you maximum flexibility to visit remote regions and to
stop when and where you please. Car hire always includes a driver. Motorbike hire is
good value and this can be self-drive or with a driver.
MOTORBIKE TOURS
Specialised motorbike tours offer an unrivalled way to explore Vietnam's scenic excesses on traffic-
light back roads. A little experience helps, but many of the leading companies also offer tuition for
first-timers.
Explore Indochina ( 09-1309 3159; www.exploreindochina.com ) Expertly arranged trips on vin-
tage Urals or modified Minsks. Jeep tours are also offered.
Free Wheelin' Tours ( www.freewheelin-tours.com ) Trips and custom-made tours utilising the com-
pany's own homestays.
Hoi An Motorbike Adventure ( www.motorbiketours-hoian.com ; tours US$40-1050) Specialises in
short trips on well-maintained Minsk bikes.
Offroad Vietnam ( 04-3926 3433; www.offroadvietnam.com ) Well-organised tours to remote
areas of northern Vietnam. Also rents quality Honda road and trail bikes (from US$20 per day)
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