Vietnam

From Hitchwiki
Revision as of 17:08, 5 September 2011 by Zenit (talk | contribs)

Earth > Asia > South-Eastern Asia > Vietnam
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Flag of Vietnam Vietnam
Information
Language: Vietnamese
Capital: Hanoi
Population: 87,375,000
Currency: Dong (VND)
Hitchability: <rating country='vn' />
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots

Vietnam is a country in South-Eastern Asia, with borders with Cambodia, Laos and China. Hitchhiking in Vietnam is generally easy, especially if sticking to the AH1 (Asian Highway 1) from Hanoi to Saigon. The hitching method is to use the flat palm sign, like in China. Using the thumb also works too.

Hitchhiking

On the Hanoi - Saigon highway hitching with trucks is very easy. Be prepared to go very slowly, the speed limit is often 80km/hr. It took user Worldhitch 5 days while going mellow. In the cities, the endless stream of motorbikes can be annoying, and many will stop, even if you have luggage. However most will expect payment and state this beforehand. You can get free rides with them though. This is most effective when travelling into a town from its outskirts. Unintentially ending up in cities should be avoided since there are very few trucks in them and very many buses and motorbikes.

In rural areas hitchhiking is easier. Trucks have no problem stopping for you. Using a sign with "Xin Xe" followed by your destination works well. Expect every bus to stop as well, even if you don't have your hand stretched out. Most of the time they will charge, but you may get a free ride. Ask before entering. The Vietnamese can be very generous.

There is a substantial problem with Police corruption. This is usually no problem for hitchhikers. However your driver may request that you pay the "fine". Drink driving is also common. It is up to the hitcher to use their discretion in these situations.

You may even try to get a boat ride on the Mekong.

Cities