The order comes less than one year since prime-minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc endorsed a proposal to use the buses in major cities. Hanoi only inaugurated a sightseeing route utilising double-deckers at the beginning of the month while Da Nang’s first route launched three weeks ago.
Double-decker sightseeing routes were also scheduled to be added to transport options in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Quang Nam, Kien Giang and Lam Dong. Even without sightseeing tour buses, choices for getting around most Vietnamese cities are varied.
12GO ASIA says most of the cities have regular urban buses, taxis, motorcycle taxis and cyclos. A cyclo is like an Indian rickshaw, but with the double wheels at the front. Most international tourists take at least one cyclo trip when visiting Vietnam.
Vietnam puts brakes on double decker sightseeing buses
News in Asia
Vietnam’s Transport Ministry has ordered operators to stop using open-topped double-decker buses for city sightseeing tours. A statement released by the ministry says the suspension is temporary and will allow the prime-minister’s office to assess the viability of using the London-style buses on the streets of Hanoi and Da Nang.