By Train

Visitors may use the rail transport system independently or as part of a rail tour. Express long-distance trains are faster than local services, more reliable and more comfortable. Although a few carriages now have air conditioning, facilities are still short of international standards. The main rail route connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the journey can take between 30 and 40 hours. There are also services from Hanoi to Haiphong, Dong Dang and Lao Cai.

Contact Vietnam Railways (tel: (04) 942 2770; www.vr.com.vn) for more information. Tickets should be bought at railway stations.

By Road

The road network throughout Vietnam is reasonable but the standard of the roads varies dramatically from good to appalling. Roads throughout Vietnam are designated by numbers and the main north to south route is Highway 1 connecting Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City. In theory, traffic drives on the right but in practice drivers take the most direct path avoiding the many thousands of bicycles, motorbikes and animals wandering along the road.

Coach/bus: Services are often poor and overcrowded, although long-distance buses are sometimes more modern and air-conditioned. Saigon Passenger Transport Company (tel: (08) 920 3623 or 829 7278) operates inter-province services from Ho Chi Minh City. Otherwise go in person to the bus station in advance to purchase tickets.

Car hire: It is possible to hire chauffeur-driven cars from travel companies. Self-drive car hire is non-existent.

Regulations: Seat belts are not compulsory in Vietnam.

Documentation: An International Driving Permit and a test (taken in Vietnam) are required for long-term residents.

By Air

Vietnam Airlines (VN) (www.vietnamairlines.com) operates daily flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hué, Da Nang and Nha Trang. Regular services are also provided between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Buon Ma Thuot, Dalat, Phu Quoc, Pleiku and Qui Nhon. The Northern Airport Flight Service Company operates flights by helicopter to Halong Bay from Hanoi.

By Boat

A local network operates between ports. There are hydrofoils from Haiphong to Cat Ba and Mong Cai and express boats from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc, which can be booked by local travel agents or in person at the dock. Greenlines (tel: (08) 821 8185) operates a hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Tau.