Hanoi (Hà Nÿi) Local Transportation

Taxis: Everywhere in Hà Nÿi. Lines form outside the Vietnam Airlines office, the train station, and major hotels. Hanoi Taxi (☎853 5252) or Huong Lua Taxi (☎825 2525) will pick you up curbside (8000 per km). Insist that the driver use the meter. Airport Taxi (☎873 3333) runs to and from the airport (160,000).
Cyclos and Motorbike Taxis (xe ®m): Abundant and cheap 3-wheeled cyclos (a.k.a. pedicabs) are the bastard children of rickshaws and tricycles. Banned from most major thoroughfares, they are nonetheless a fun must-try for any traveler. Perfect for 1 person, perhaps a little cramped for 2. Agree on a price beforehand (15,000-30,000 per hr.; usually 5000 is a fair rate within town). Ask hotel employees for a ballpark figure if you’re unsure about a reasonable fare, or just ask around and haggle until you find a driver willing to take you where you want to go for your price. Hire motorcycle taxis for longer rides (2000-3000 per km; 15,000 around town). Few people wear helmets around town, but Let’s Go recommends it. Be persistent in asking for one. Also keep in mind that to many of your fellow road users, traffic rules are more of a suggestion than anything else—if they even know them in the first place. Never let the scenery distract you too much from the traffic situation. Hüng Motorcycles, 5 inh Li_t (☎926 0938; www.vietnamadventuretour.com). Open daily 7am-7pm. Rents both modern Honda motorbikes and (for those nostalgic for Soviet technology) Minsks for $6-25 per day or US$50 per month. They also provide helmets and raincoats and do motorcycle repair.

Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Haggling. Haggling with xe ®m drivers is indeed an art. Though it may seem cheap to haggle over a 1000 difference, you’ll soon discover the fun of it—and your driver may reward skillful haggling with an admiring smile.
Here are some of the basics for success:
1. Don’t look for a motorbike close to a museum, station, or other touristy area. Walk a few blocks and prices will fall drastically.
2. Don’t seem in dire need of transport. The best approach is to respond to their “Motobai?” beckoning with some feigned doubt and then walk on a little, letting the motorbike rider come after you. This will also separate him from his buddies, making your job easier.
3. Never let your driver know that you don’t know exactly where your destination is. Show him a business card of your destination and point in its direction if you know it. Always be sure, however, that he does understand exactly where you want to go.
4. Never get on the bike without first agreeing on a price. The best way is to use a notepad—“thirteen” may sound like a lot like “thirty” in the driver’s ears.
5. Unless you’re in the Old Quarter, never be the first to name a price. Wait for his offer, divide it by three and name that as your price. Be firm in your haggling and never concede to more than half their original price. Within the Old Quarter, immediately propose 5000 and don’t concede a single Œ·ng.
6. Don’t be afraid to walk out of negotiations, even if there are no other motorbikes around. Chances are the driver will follow you and give in with a smile.
7. Don’t lose your cool. Remain respectful even when firm.
8. Be wary of accepting rides from female bikers. If you’re male, they may want to offer you a whole different service.

Bicycles (xe ≤åp) and Motorbike Rentals (xe máy): In spite of Hà Nÿi’s hectic and challenging traffic, driving a motorcycle is a convenience that many think is worth the trouble. Most hotels, guesthouses, and rental shops in the Old Quarter, north of Hoàn Ki\m Lake, rent motorbikes (US$7-8 per day). Check out the rental shops on Hàng Båc and Ta Hi]m (US$5-6). Be warned, though, that Vietnamese traffic is not for the timid or the inexperienced. Bicycles can be rented from most lodging or rental shops for around 15,000 per day. If you plan to ride a bike or motorbike for a long time, wear something to cover your face and eyes from insects and exhaust. Helmets are usually available to rent for 5000. Be prepared to fork over 1000-2000 when you park your bike or motorbike in busy areas: a parking guard will write a number on your seat with chalk and give you the corresponding ticket when you pay. To avoid confusion or a chalky behind, wipe off the number when you take leave.