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Getting around Hanoi

Public transport: 

The public bus system in Hanoi is very cheap but confusing, and few short-term visitors to Hanoi will attempt it. There are around 60 bus routes operated by five different bus operators, but information for all routes can be found on the website of the Hanoi Transport Management and Operation Centre (www.hanoibus.com). Monthly passes are available.

Taxis: 

Taxis are the best way to travel around Hanoi. Restaurants, bars and hotels are quite happy to summon a taxi; otherwise vehicles can be hailed on the street. Visitors are advised to check that the meter is turned on. Reliable taxi companies are Airport Taxis (tel: (04) 3873 3333), Hanoi Taxi (tel: (04) 3853 5353) and Mai Linh Taxi (tel: (04) 3822 2666).

Driving: 

Most visitors to Hanoi are quite traumatised when they encounter the traffic for the first time. The streets are crammed with bicycles and motorbikes, which dart between the growing number of cars. Happily, visitors are only allowed to hire cars with drivers.

Car hire: 

It is not possible to hire a car to drive yourself but you can hire one with a driver from tour operators such as Exotissimo Travel (tel: (04) 3828 2150; www.exotissimo.com), Vidotour (tel: (04) 3734 5429; www.vidotourtravel.com), and Buffalo Tours (tel: (04) 3828 0702; www.buffalotours.com).

Bicycle hire: 

In a city that is home to thousands of bicycles, you can hire a bicycle for a day or longer period from a number of outlets on Hang Bac Street in the Old Quarter. Good-quality bicycles and helmets can be hired from Marco Polo Travel (tel: (04) 3997 5136; www.bikingvietnam.com) at 49 Nguyen Khoai.

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