Vietnam, getting there and around

A visa is required upon entering Vietnam for tourists not from Japan, Nordic and ASEAN nations.

Vietnam can be reached by plane. The country has three international airports, the Da Nang, Hanoi's No Bai International Airport, and Ho Chi Minh. The busiest airport is the Ho Chi Minh. Although Bangkok is the major embarkation point for travelers going to Vietnam, tourists can go directly to the country from the United States, Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Cambodia.

Travelers from China may c ross the Vietnamese border at Dong Dang (Friendship Pass), at Lo Cai, and at Moi Cai but this is seldom used. There are also border crossings between Vietnam and Laos, and Vietnam and Cambodia.

Traveling within Vietnam is possible through domestic planes operated by the Vietnam Airlines and the Pacific Airlines. Vietnam has a major train system, the Reunification Express, running between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Vietnam has long-distance public buses traveling to major cities in the country. Open tour buses are also available and are run by tour agencies.

Driving cars is not allowed for foreigners. However, tourists can hire a car with a driver, or go around Vietnam by bicycle. There are also motorcycle taxis which are fairly inexpensive. A taxi ride within the city will cost around 5000 Dong . Tourists may ride motorcycles but license is required.

Boat tours are suggested when touring Hue, Nha Trang, Halong Bay, and anywhere in the Mekong region.