Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 361

Plenty of local drivers will be willing to act as a chauffeur and guide for around US$10 to
US$20 per day.
Insurance
If you are travelling in a tourist vehicle with a driver, then it is almost guaranteed to be in-
sured. When it comes to motorbikes, many rental bikes are not insured and you will have
to sign a contract agreeing to a valuation for the bike if it is stolen.
Road Conditions & Hazards
Road safety is definitely not one of Vietnam's strong points. Vehicles drive on the right-
hand side (in theory). Size matters and small vehicles get out of the way of big vehicles.
Even Hwy 1 is only a two-lane highway for most of its length and high-speed head-on
collisions are all too common.
In general, the major highways are hard surfaced and reasonably well maintained, but sea-
sonal flooding can be a problem. Non-paved roads are best tackled with a 4WD vehicle or
motorbike. Mountain roads are particularly dangerous: landslides, falling rocks and run-
away vehicles can add an unwelcome edge to your journey.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
» Cyclos are bicycle rickshaws. Drivers hang out in touristy areas and some speak broken
English. Bargaining is imperative; settle on a fare before going anywhere. A short ride
costs 10,000d to 30,000d in most towns.
» Taxis with meters are found in all cities and are very, very cheap by international stand-
ards and a safe way to travel around at night. Average tariffs are about 10,000d to 15,000d
per kilometre. Only travel with reputable or recommended companies. Mai Linh
( www.mailinh.vn ) and Vinasun ( www.vinasuntaxi.com ) are excellent nationwide firms.
» Xe om , or motorbike taxis, are everywhere. Fares are comparable with those for a cyclo .
Drivers hang out around street corners, markets, hotels and bus stations. They will find
you before you find them…
TOURS
The following are Vietnam-based travel agencies that offer premium tours throughout Vi-
etnam. Handspan Adventure Travel ( Click here ) also runs innovative trips to seldom-vis-
ited regions.
Buffalo Tours ( www.buffalotours.com ) Offers diverse and customised trips including a nine-day
Gourmet Vietnam tour.