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Transportation AIR - There are two main international airports in Vietnam. The busiest is the Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City followed by the Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and Danang which a few international flights serve. Bangkok has emerged as the principle embarkation point for Vietnam but it is still possible to get direct flights from other major cities in Asia and Australia. International departure tax is US$ 10, payable both in Dong and US dollars, and US$ 1.5 is charged for domestic departure tax which must be paid in Dong only. Vietnam Airlines is the Vietnamese national airline, however, majority of flights into and out of Vietnam are joint operations between Vietnam Airlines and foreign airlines. Although a ticket you purchase printed "Vietnam Airlines", may board on other airline's aircraft. Recently Vietnam Airlines has retired its aging fleet and purchase Western-made aircraft but due to that fact, it still needs some improvement. Among several problems are the frequent delays and cancellations of domestic flights. Furthermore, both international and domestic tickets are expensive when purchased in Vietnam, for instance, a Bangkok-Hanoi ticket may cost almost half of the price cheaper if it is purchased through a travel agent in Bangkok. Domestic flights are only operated by Vietnam Airlines. Booking
requires your passport in which to show it at the check-in counter and the
security checkpoint. Vietnam Airlines charges US$ 30 if you want to refund
an unused domestic air ticket. LAND - Vietnam allows visitors to enter and exist at any of eight international borders. There are three borders connecting with Cambodia, two with Laos and three with China. All crossing points, especially at Laos borders, are filled with Vietnam police who likely to ask tourist for an 'immigration fees' or a 'customs fee' of some kind. This is illegal but it is known that Vietnamese border guards are accustomed to collecting tourists' money. Driver of cars and riders of motorbikes will need the vehicles' registration papers, liability insurance and an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your domestic license. You also need a Carnet De Passage En Douane, which is like a passport for the vehicle ad acts as a temporary waiver of import duty. The carnet may also need to specify any expensive spare parts that will be carried with you (e.g. a gear box). Anyone who is planning to take their own vehicle should check in advance what spare parts and petrol are likely to be available. Vietnam has an extensive network of dirt, cheap bus system that can reach virtually ever far-flung corner of the country. However, you should think long and hard before taking this service. Apart from being ramshackle, extremely slow and hugely overcrowded, Vietnam road is renowned for it probable hazard. Traveling during day time is ought to as at night it is likely to be more dangerous because of gaping potholes on unlit highways together with other traffic participants especially plentiful bicycles and pedestrians. Actually, most drivers refuse to drive after dark in rural area but it is possible to find overnight buses. Express minibuses, in contrast, generally make a beeline from place to place. This is the deluxe class - air conditioned is standard and you can be sure of there being enough space to sit comfortably- however, it is likely a little more expensive. Train is another option for traveling intercity. On the contrary to buses, train trip is more relaxed, safe and allow much room for your legs and body, however, it is very much slower. There are also other problems occur on trains such as some petty theft especially in budget class, children throwing things at carriages, everything from rocks to cow dung. Thus, if you would like to take a train, you are advised to keep the metal shield on the window in place. This article is authored
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