Vietnam was among the first countries in the world to introduce a program known as “Car Free Day”, in order to avoid the use of cars and motorcycles to preserve the ecosystem. Many people have been participating in bike rides in the central city of Hoi An; an activity that offered the opportunity to promote the use of vehicles that are environmentally friendly. Below are some of the tips for fun and successful car trip in Vietnam:
1. Utilize Low Cost Taxi rides in Vietnam
In sharp contrast to other countries in Asia, the Vietnamese taxis and taxi services are privately managed. There are also several independent taxi cab companies. Each has a fleet of vehicles with different rates. A taxi is very cheap in Vietnam and the Vietnam Taxi charges do not have any kind of supplement, other than the per mile or per kilometer price. The price of cab fare is calculated based on the miles and also depending on the time one has been using the taxi.
2. Enjoy Rides on Coaches in Vietnam
In as far as Transportation by bus in Vietnam is concerned; the most recommended means of transport for those on a car trip and the adventurous riders is the use of coaches. Buses that ply the Hanoi route are red and yellow, and the ones in Ho Chi Minh are white and green. However, depending on the level of traffic congestion, the buses here may take other routes and may be regulated to stop or not to stop at a given destinations. Payments for tickets are done directly on the bus.
3. You can also choose to Move in a private car
It should be noted that if one’s driving license has expired, one cannot rent a car. However, you can hire a driver who is a Vietnamese or get permission to drive after your licenses have been verified. It is much easier to hire a taxi and agree on the price to be charged with the driver for long trips or for full days. In case one is a foreigner and has a driver’s license brought in from the one’s respective country of origin, one will be exposed to theoretical examination before the license is validated. In addition to the theoretical examination, it is also mandatory that one passes the practical test on the Vietnam streets.
4. Roof Top Bus Tour and rides
Several companies offer open tour as a connection between Ho Chi Minh city and Hanoi by bus, allowing stops in intermediate cities. One can also be picked up and dropped off at a hotel. The system is the same for all companies that offer it. However, because of the steep valleys and cliffs; it is better not to look down while on the bus’s roof because you ma get a heart attack. Those who have been to India can testify.
5. Bike Renting in Vietnam
Other than private transport means like taxi, you can also scroll through the various cities walking or in case you want a little more freedom, you may hire a bike for yourself or a motorcycle taxi (Xe om). It is very easy to find a bike in any Vietnamese city because almost in every corner that you walk through, there is bike for a very little fee waiting for you.
Author Bio:
Annie Bonneville is a Passionate blogger. She writes on behalf of London congestion charging contact. She loves to write as a guest blogger with interest in automotive and finance.