Car rental in Vietnam

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Travel Vietnam Like a Local: What to Know About Renting a Car

Car rental in Vietnam

Exploring Vietnam by car offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the country's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture at your own pace. However, renting a car in Vietnam comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Here's what you need to know to navigate the roads like a local:

Licensing and Legal Requirements

To rent a car in Vietnam, you'll need:

  • A valid international driving permit (IDP)
  • Your home country's driver's license
  • A passport

It's important to note that self-driving for tourists is relatively new in Vietnam, and not all rental companies offer this option. Many travelers opt for hiring a car with a driver instead.

Road Conditions and Traffic

Vietnam's road infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years, but driving conditions can still be challenging, especially in urban areas. Be prepared for:

  • Heavy traffic in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
  • Motorbikes weaving through traffic
  • Occasional potholes and uneven road surfaces
  • Different driving customs and rules compared to Western countries

Choosing the Right Vehicle

When selecting a rental car, consider:

  • Compact cars for easy navigation in crowded cities
  • SUVs for rougher terrain in rural areas
  • Air conditioning for comfort in Vietnam's tropical climate

Remember to thoroughly inspect the vehicle before driving off and document any existing damage to avoid disputes later.

Planning Your Route

Vietnam offers stunning scenic drives, such as the Hai Van Pass between Hue and Hoi An. However, it's crucial to plan your route carefully, considering:

  • Travel times may be longer than expected due to road conditions
  • Rest stops and gas stations might be scarce in rural areas
  • Some regions may require special permits for foreign visitors

By keeping these factors in mind and approaching your journey with patience and flexibility, you can enjoy a truly immersive Vietnamese road trip experience. Remember to respect local customs, drive defensively, and embrace the adventure that comes with exploring this beautiful country on four wheels.

Video Guide for Travelers

Road Trip Ideas in Vietnam for Scenic Views

Vietnam's diverse landscape offers an array of breathtaking scenic routes perfect for exploration by a rented car. From misty mountains to pristine beaches, this Southeast Asian gem is a road tripper's paradise. Here are some must-visit destinations for your Vietnamese adventure:

Ha Giang Loop

The Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam is a 350km circular route renowned for its dramatic landscapes and ethnic minority villages. Navigate your rental car through winding mountain roads, passing terraced rice fields and limestone karsts. Don't miss the Quan Ba Heaven Gate for panoramic views of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark.

Hai Van Pass

Made famous by Top Gear, the Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue offers stunning coastal vistas. As you ascend the mountain in your vehicle, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the East Sea and lush forests. Stop at the top to explore old French and American bunkers while taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Mekong Delta

Drive through the lush Mekong Delta region, known as Vietnam's rice bowl. This network of rivers and canals is dotted with floating markets, orchards, and traditional villages. Make sure to visit Can Tho, the region's largest city, and take a boat tour of the nearby Cai Rang floating market.

Dalat to Nha Trang

This route takes you from the cool highlands of Dalat to the sunny beaches of Nha Trang. Along the way, you'll pass through:

  • Picturesque flower farms
  • Coffee plantations
  • Waterfalls like Elephant Falls and Pongour Falls
  • The scenic Khanh Le Pass

As you descend towards the coast, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the South China Sea.

Sapa and surroundings

While Sapa itself is a popular tourist destination, driving through the surrounding countryside offers unparalleled views of terraced rice fields and traditional villages. Visit the Silver Waterfall and take the winding road up to the Tram Ton Pass, Vietnam's highest mountain pass at 1,900 meters above sea level.

Remember to check local regulations and road conditions before embarking on your journey. With careful planning and a sense of adventure, a road trip through Vietnam will reward you with unforgettable experiences and spectacular views.

Pro tip: Book your car rental in advance through Bookingautos to ensure availability and competitive rates for your Vietnamese road trip adventure.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Economy

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

24 € / Day

Best price

17 € / Day

Popular car rental places in Vietnam

List of required documents

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

Top 10 Tips You Should Know

Download Google maps for offline access

Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.

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Book in advance

Vietnam is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.

It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.

Which car to choose

Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car Fiat Panda or Ford Focus. These models are the most popular with our customers in Vietnam.

In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Peugeot 308 Estate will cost €33 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

Rental companies in Vietnam may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

  • Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Vietnam 2

Fuel Policy

For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:

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If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

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Mileage without limits

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

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Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Vietnam, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

When renting a car in Vietnam, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.

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If we talk about the best companies in Vietnam, then it is worth highlighting SIXT with a rating 9 and BUDGET, the average rating of which is 8.9 points.

Car pick-up procedure

You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.

Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.

Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.

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Tony
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Michael
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Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
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The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
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Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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