Modern, efficient mass transit has not yet arrived in Hanoi. There is no subway or elevated train system, and while there is an extensive network of bus routes, they are generally slow and extremely crowded. Most expats rely on taxis, which are often cheaper than a bus or subway ticket would be back home–cab fare is only about $5 from the center of town to the outlying areas of Westlake. For short distances many foreigners also make use of moto-taxis, or “xe oms” (pronounced “say-ohm”), where motorbike drivers will ferry you around quickly and efficiently. As with everything in Hanoi, once you settle into your routine, you’ll find out which option works best for you–many expats even have “regular” taxi or xe om drivers who wait at appointed times to take their fares to or from work.
