If you are planning to travel to Hanoi, it is necessary to take into account the different means of transportation in this city. As Hanoi is one of the major cultural, political and economic centers of Vietnam, it has a high population density. Over many years, this city has also become one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. Therefore, there are a variety of transportation options available in this capital.
In this article, Horizon Vietnam Travel presents you with the different means of transportation in Hanoi
Motorcycle, Car
In every corner of Hanoi, you easily see motorcycles with several categories, several shapes, several colors. With a motorbike, you can easily immerse yourself in the daily life of Hanoians, discover the hidden beauty of the ancient streets of Hanoi, enter some small streets where the car cannot venture.
If you prefer to travel alone, the motorbike is an ideal means of transport to get around Hanoi faster, more easily. You do not depend on the schedules of drivers or public transport. To rent a motorcycle for 1 day, the rates are 6 to 10 euros.
If you find that driving yourself in Vietnam is a danger, it is possible to rent the car with a driver in many agencies. Without a driver, the rates are 40 to 70 euros per day. With a driver, it is necessary to plan from 80 to 100 euros per day, but it all depends on the category of the car and the number of kilometers you plan to travel.
Moto-taxi, Taxi
You can easily catch a taxi on the streets of the capital city of Hanoi or request one from many taxi companies over the phone. Although the prices are displayed on the meter, it is better to ask for the prices before getting into a vehicle. Taxi CP (84 43 826 2626), Hanoi Taxi (84 43 853 5353) and Mai Linh Taxi (84 43 861 6161) are some of the most reputable taxi companies in Hanoi.
Taxis can also be chartered by the hour, half day, day… Then agree a price with the driver after having explained to him exactly all the places you want to go – the price depends mainly on the distance .
Motorbike taxis are also a quick and convenient way to get around Hanoi. You can find motorcycle taxis everywhere, at every crossroads, at every corner in the city. These vehicles are not equipped with meters, so negotiate well. In general, this costs much less than a taxi. The prices are very affordable, it takes about 7000-10,000 dong for one kilometer. And most drivers speak limited English, so it’s best to write down your destination address. The price should be negotiable and will depend on the distance you wish to travel.
For the past few years, “tech taxis” (Grab, GoViet, Be) have dominated the transport service market in Vietnam. When you use taxis, traditional motorcycle taxis, you will have to haggle. But with this new type, you will be able to easily control the price of your trip. The fare for this type of taxi is very reasonable.
Pedicab
The pedicab is considered one of the most extraordinary transports in the world by the Boredpanda newspaper. It is also the specially preferred transportation in Hanoi, as it can let you visit the city in a new way. A cyclo tour allows you to contemplate the beauty of a corner of the Old Quarter, to see the life unfolding in Hanoi, to immerse yourself in the daily life of the inhabitants,… It should cost you around 100,000 VND for an hour’s journey (Cyclists take you around Hoan Kiem Lake and some trades streets in the Old Quarter).
Riding the narrow streets of the Old Quarter on a cyclo is one of the best options to have a rewarding experience while visiting Hanoi.
Bus local
To save the maximum cost when traveling in Hanoi, it is better to choose public transport – the bus – to move around the city. It’s the cheapest way to get around, 7000dong/trip. There are local buses that serve regular routes around the city, most of them stopping near and in front of famous attractions such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, Hanoi Railway Station, the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the temple of literature,….
However, you are totally dependent on the schedules, the routes of these public transport. This method is also the choice of many people, especially during peak hours, it can sometimes be uncomfortable due to the crowds using it. Also, you may encounter some misadventures such as pickpocketing, fight on the bus. However, this is rare!
Subway
Hanoi needs more means of transport to reduce traffic congestion. An eight-line metro system is in the works. A line runs from Noi Bai Airport and stops at the expat area, Tay Ho, to West Lake, then to Hoan Kiem Lake and Hai Ba Trung, which is a real plus for you travelers . The city has launched the construction of a metro line linking the Hanoi railway station to the city center. This work should be completed by the end of this year.
Train
From Hanoi (the capital of Vietnam), you can travel anywhere in Vietnam by train. The station has two entrances. Located at 120 Le Duan Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, the main gate (Station A) is usually for the southbound train. And conversely, Station B located in Tran Quy Cap Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi instead sees northbound parade trains.
An overnight train journey from Hanoi to Hue or Danang leaves the capital in the evening and arrives in these cities the next morning. A morning trip allows you to contemplate the picturesque landscapes of Vietnam: rice fields, palm trees, water buffaloes, villages…
The train skirts the South China Sea, winding and skirting beaches and islands, then heading through verdant mountains over the Hai Van Pass to reach Danang. The Vietnamese sun, bright blue sky, crystal clear waters and yellow beaches will amaze you…
The train journey is an authentic experience that should not be missed when visiting Vietnam.
