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Tag: public transport

  • Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City – Public Transport and Travel Tips for Vietnam

    Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, and the heart of the Asian nation. Its bustling pace can intimidate tourists at first, but with a little know-how the area is much easier to navigate than many Eastern centers.

    Life moves fast on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s not advisable for tourists to try to drive themselves about.

    Instead rely on the expert taxi drivers and motorbike taxi riders, who are accustomed to the city's pace. Transport is quite centrally located. Trains run from District 3, which is just north of the heart of the city. Buses are a more affordable, and often more accessible transport option. They run all over the city, and due to recent upgrades are much safer and more reliable than they have been in the past. Buses from Cholon will take you to the Mekong Delta, and those from Binh Tranh travel to the north. The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is also just seven kilometers from the city. Mopeds and bicycles are available for hire, and these are a great way for tourists to explore the city at their own page. If you've got time to spare, you could also consider walking about. If you do decide to set off on foot though, make sure you heed the city's traffic. Follow the lead of the locals and exercise plenty of caution when crossing roads. Unlike so many Asian locations, the Vietnamese writing system predominantly uses Latin-based lettering. This makes signs quite easy to read, although street numbers are less straight forward.vietnam travel directions compass Ho Chi Minh City's most affordable accommodation and eateries are located around Pham Ngu Lao. If you've got more cash to spend on a bed, you’ll be pleased with the hotels around Dong Khoi Street. Ho Chi Minh City is a hive of activity, with market stalls, al fresco cafes, and sidewalk vendors lining the streets. It's an area made for exploring, so follow our tips and don't be afraid to lose yourself in this exciting part of the world.

  • Getting Around Vanuatu, A Guide to Transport in Vila and Luganville

    Many tourists are content to spend their Vanuatu vacation lazing by the pool of their resort with a cocktail in hand. But if you hope to explore, there are a few transport options worth considering.

    Vanuatu’s bus service may seem chaotic to Western tourists. The buses don’t run to any timetable, and there are no regular bus stops! But you’ll find many of these buses in the major tourist areas of Vila, Luganville, eastern Santo, and eastern Malekula.

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    Look for the vehicles bearing a red letter B near their numberplate, and flag them down as you would a taxi. As there are no set routes, the drivers will happily drive you to any destination on the island.

    The taxis in Vila and Luganville look like regular sedans, while in regional areas you’ll find four-wheel drive vehicles marked with a red letter T. The amount charged will depend on the distance you’re traveling, and the condition of the road. To avoid a nasty scare at the end of your journey, you can ask the driver before you set off. Taxis are scarce on Sundays and public holidays, so be prepared to wait longer when traveling on these days.

    If you’d prefer to take charge of your travel consider hiring a car or scooter. Cars are available to drivers aged 23 and over, while scooters are available for riders 17 and over. An international drivers license is not required, but drivers must have held a license in their own country for at least one year. The tourist centers of Vila and Luganville have a maximum speed of 50 km/h, but there are no speed limits in rural area. However as many roads are in poor condition, it’s not advisable to go too fast! Cars in Vanuatu travel on the right side of the road, and seatbelts are not compulsory.