There is an article in the Reader's Digest in 2005 about the danger of taking a long distance bus on many countries in Asia. The roads are bad, the buses are in poor conditions, the drivers are reckless and tired (driving for long hours). There are many accidents on the road.
Has the situation improved? When I took the tour to Giuzhaigou last year, it was quite safe.
Logically, the risks for such long tiring routes are higther, when compared to trains.
ReplyDeleteThe new high-speed train is now safer, faster and relatively cheaper between cities in China. The smaller bus coaches are more risky especially on the highways.
I used to travel between Shanghai-Suzhou-Wuxi-Nanjing by small coaches by the HuNing Highway. It takes at least 3.5 - 4 hours direct from the old Hongqiao airport to NJ. Now even with the shift to Pudong, and you need to get to the SH railway station first in about an hour even with traffic jam, the train ride to NJ just take slightly longer than 2 hours and is very comfortable.
I want to alert Singaporeans going on package tours in other countries, to be aware about this danger and not to put their life at risk.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this risk cannot be avoided. So, they should have $500,000 in personal accident insurance and pay $300 in premium a year.
I am covered by AXA @$150/yr
ReplyDelete