I don't personally know about Ho Chi Minh City, but I do know that in Hanoi, every time we saw a bus it felt like a huge invasion that just didn't seem to fit on the small, insanely busy streets that are full of motorbikes, bicycles and people walking around. The buses seemed monstrous in Hanoi and frankly, I could have done without seeing them and navigating around them.
I know that Ho Chi Minh City has a different vibe than Hanoi, so this bus tour may just be a great way to see all the sites. But the article states that they have plans to expand into Hanoi, and I wish that they wouldn't. I would rather encourage people to see the sights stuffed in a cyclo or hanging off the back of a motorbike-it makes for a more authentic experience.

City tourist bus route proposed

(22-03-2007)

HCM CITY— HCM City-based Mai Linh Taxi Corp yesterday proposed opening the first-ever bus route through tourist spots downtown.

Ha Phuong, director of Time Travel Tourist Co., an affiliate of Mai Linh Corp, yesterday gave a presentation to the city’s transport department about the proposed route.

The bus service, which would cost US$7, would begin in the tourist budget district on Pham Ngu Lao Street and stop at 14 venues in the city.

For the first phase of the project, it would run every 30 minutes, and then every 15 minutes at a later date.

"The service, using six 24-seat Hyundai County or Cheery buses, would be targeted toward medium-income earners, both foreigners and locals, who often do not have suitable options for travelling," he said.

The route would stop at Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the Opera House and the Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda.

The new service will offer passengers a chance to learn more about the history, culture and business activities of the country’s largest city, Phuong said.

The service will run on a trial basis in HCM City before it is expanded to Hue and Ha Noi, he added.

In a related matter, earlier on Monday Mai Linh Corp opened a two-way coach link from HCM City to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The normal fare for the return trip will be US$18, including food and drink, with visa fee excluded. A discounted fare of $15, however, will be offered until April 18. — VNS

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