Vietnam is a popular travel destination in Southeast Asia, known for its beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and rich culture. The country has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, that are essential for both locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will explore the standard of buses and trams in Vietnam, the domestic and long-distance coach services, where to find information on bus timetables and ticket prices, the types of bus tickets available, and the tram system in Vietnam.
Standard of Buses in Vietnam
The overall standard of buses in Vietnam varies depending on the region and the type of bus. In larger cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there are both public and private bus services. The public buses are operated by local government agencies and tend to be older and less comfortable than the private buses. Private bus companies, on the other hand, offer a more comfortable and convenient travel experience, with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes even free WiFi.
In rural areas, the buses tend to be less comfortable and less frequent. However, they are still an affordable way to travel long distances across the country.
Domestic Bus and Long-Distance Coach Services
Vietnam has a well-developed domestic bus and long-distance coach network that connects major cities and towns. The two main companies that operate long-distance coach services in Vietnam are Hoang Long and Mai Linh. These companies offer comfortable and reliable coach services between major cities and towns, with air conditioning and reclining seats.
In addition to these companies, there are also numerous smaller bus companies that offer domestic bus services to smaller towns and villages. These buses are often less comfortable than the long-distance coaches, but they are an affordable way to explore the country.
Information on Bus Timetables and Ticket Prices
The best place to find information on bus timetables and ticket prices in Vietnam is at the bus station. However, this can be difficult for tourists who are unfamiliar with the local language and transportation systems. There are some online resources available to help with this, such as Baolau and Bookaway.
Baolau is a website that allows you to search and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights in Vietnam. It also provides information on bus timetables and ticket prices. Bookaway is a similar website that provides information on bus and other transportation options in Vietnam.
Types of Bus Tickets Available
There are several types of bus tickets available in Vietnam, depending on the route and the type of bus. The most common types of tickets are:
- Open tickets: These are tickets that can be used on any bus on a specific route within a set period, usually one month. They are a convenient option for those who are unsure of their travel plans.
- One-way tickets: These are tickets that are valid for a one-way journey on a specific bus and route.
- Return tickets: These are tickets that are valid for a return journey on a specific bus and route.
How to Buy a Bus Ticket in Vietnam
Bus tickets in Vietnam can be purchased at the bus station or online through websites such as Baolau and Bookaway. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak travel periods, to ensure availability.
When purchasing a ticket at the bus station, it is important to have cash on hand as many bus companies do not accept credit cards. It is also important to double-check the bus schedule and route before purchasing a ticket to ensure that it is the right one.
Trams in Vietnam
There are currently no trams in operation in Vietnam. The country does, however, have a number of other public transportation options such as buses, taxis, motorbikes, and cyclos (a type of pedicab). In recent years, Vietnam has also been developing its urban rail transit system with the construction of new metro lines in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Urban Rail Transit in Vietnam
The urban rail transit system in Vietnam is still in its early stages of development, but it is rapidly expanding. The first metro line in Vietnam, Line 1 of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro, is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations in 2021. The line will have 17 stations and run for 19.7 kilometers, connecting the districts of District 1 and District 9. Line 2 is also under construction, and is expected to be completed by 2026. Once completed, it will run from Ben Thanh in District 1 to Thu Duc District, covering a distance of 11.3 kilometers and having 9 stations.
In Hanoi, Line 2A of the Hanoi Metro is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2025. The line will run from Bac Tu Liem to Hoan Kiem, and will have a total length of 13.1 kilometers with 12 stations. Line 3 of the Hanoi Metro is also under construction, and is expected to be completed by 2028. The line will run from Nhon to Hanoi Railway Station, covering a distance of 12.5 kilometers and having 12 stations.
While Vietnam’s urban rail transit system is still in the early stages of development, it is expected to play an important role in reducing traffic congestion and improving mobility in the country’s rapidly growing urban centers.