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Getting There & Away
For a capital city there are surprisingly few flights into Hanoi,
but that's changing. You can get direct flights into Hanoi's Noi
Bai airport from Europe (Paris, Vienna and Moscow), Australia
(Sydney and Melbourne), and most major Asian cities (Bangkok, Hong
Kong, Phnom Penh, Tokyo, Seoul, Vientiane, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
and Taiwan), including several Chinese destinations. There are no
direct flights to Hanoi from United States
The bus system is confusing but inexpensive, and there is cheap
public transportation from Hanoi's several bus stations to all
parts of Vietnam. Most travelers avoid the buses as unsafe, and
it's prudent to stay alert while using them. Public minibuses can
be booked through most hotels and provide slow, uncomfortable
transportation to destinations in and around Hanoi.
The capital's main train station, Ga Hang Co, provides access
to the 2600km (1612mi) Vietnamese railway system, which runs up
and down the coast between Hanoi and Saigon with links all over
Vietnam and twice-weekly service to Beijing. Though sometimes even
slower than the buses, these dilapidated trains are more relaxing
and roomy, as well as safer, for cross-country travel.
Getting Around
There are plenty of taxis and mini-buses plying their trade
between the airport and city center, and it is possible to hire
either for a trip around town. Buses are cheaper, but with 13
different lines and numerous schedules that are difficult to find,
it's certainly a challenge. The price can't be beat, however.
The cyclo (xich lo), or pedicab, is a sort of rickshaw with a
view. Negotiate a fare beforehand, then sit back and relax as you
witness the chaotic streets of Hanoi from your own mobile throne.
Bicycles are another good way to navigate Vietnam's capital. You
can rent anything from leaden Chinese road warriors to high-tech
Japanese mountain-bikes, perfect for navigating those potholes and
farm animals. Hanoi is strictly BYOH: Bring Your Own Helmet.
Renting a car or motorbike is a popular option, despite the
presence of water-buffalo, chickens, maniacal truck drivers,
bicycles laden with three or four struggling pigs, packs of
hormone-crazed teenage boys in vehicles of every shape, size and
color, all sharing the narrow, pockmarked roads and obeying
traffic laws that have no parallel in the known universe. Consider
riding with a local guide for a day or two before going it on your
own.
All car rentals come with a guide, which is not a bad, or even
particularly expensive, thing. Uncomfortable but rugged Russian
4WDs are the least expensive, while Japanese luxury cars are
available, if a bit pricey. Motorbikes can be rented with or
without a driver and are great fun in a suicidal sort of way.
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