Renting a car with a driver in Vietnam can be a convenient and comfortable way to explore this beautiful country. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss popular routes, costs, rental options, reasons to rent, driving tips, hiring a car and driver, alternatives, and frequently asked questions about Vietnam car rentals.
Popular routes for renting car with driver
Some of the most popular routes in Vietnam to rent a car and driver include:
Hanoi to Halong Bay
Hiring a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay allows you to make stops along the way at places like Ninh Binh, Perfume Pagoda, or Yen Tu Mountain. The trip is around 3.5-4 hours in each direction.
Some scenic stops include:
- Ninh Binh to see Trang An Grottoes
- Yen Duc village and historic temples
- Ha Long city viewpoint over the bay
Having a driver allows you to take in sights worry-free.
Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is a lush, tropical region perfect to explore by car. The drive from Ho Chi Minh City is 2-3 hours depending on your destination.
Top stops include:
- Ben Tre to tour coconut plantations
- Can Tho floating markets and countryside
- My Tho and Vinh Long islands
With so much ground to cover, renting a car and driver provides the most flexibility.
Hue to Hoi An scenic route connecting former imperial capital Hue to charming Hoi An takes around 3 hours.
Interesting attractions include:
- Lang Co Beach with clear turquoise waters
- Hai Van Pass with panoramic mountain and ocean views
- Marble Mountains near Da Nang
With stunning coastal scenery the entire drive, having a car and driver makes stops simple and stress-free.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Vietnam?
When budgeting to rent a car in Vietnam, costs depend on the vehicle type, mileage, inclusion of a driver, duration, and any extra fees.
Type of Car
Luxury vehicles or vans/minibuses will be more expensive than economy 4-seat sedans or hatchbacks. Larger vehicles that can carry more passengers tend to run $70-100 USD or higher daily. An economy car might range from $40-60 USD per day.
Distance
Most rental companies charge based on mileage if you venture beyond a set radius from pick-up. Extra kms are around $.20-.40 cents per km. So for a 400 km roundtrip from Hanoi to Halong Bay expect to budget an additional $160 USD or so.
Extra Fees
Added costs may include meet/greet at airport ($10-20 USD), tolls, parking fees, or occasional tourism/sightseeing tax. Most legit companies include taxes so review policies closely. Tipping drivers $5-10 USD per day is customary.
Duration
Longer rentals of 5+ days will offer discounts compared to short 1-3 day trips. Weekly rates could save 20% or more over daily prices. Airport pick-up/drop-off fees also amortize over longer trips.
In summary, realistic budgets for a newer mid-size sedan with driver could be:
- Short 1 Day Trip – $100-150 USD
- 3 Day Excursion (200 km) – $300-500 USD
- 7 Day Road Trip (1,000 km+) – $800+ USD
Options for car rental in Vietnam
When booking a rental car in Vietnam you can choose from local or international rental companies. Here are the main options:
Local Vietnamese Agencies
Small Vietnamese companies can offer lower prices but service quality varies:
Pros:
- Cheaper rates on basic vehicles
- Drivers very familiar with domestic routes
Cons:
- Limited vehicle options
- Inconsistent customer service
- Communication barriers
Good local choices are Saigon Tourist Rental or Hanoi Taxi Tour.
International Chains
Major providers like Hertz, Avis, or Budget have branch locations in Vietnam.
Pros:
- Modern vehicle fleets
- International standards assurance
- Ease of reservations
Cons:
- Premium pricing on vehicles/drivers
- Less flexibility for custom trips
International favorites are Hertz and Avis.
Private Driver Services
Private tour companies like Vietnam Drive offer personal guides and tailored itineraries.
Pros:
- Luxury vehicles – range rovers, vans, buses
- Door-to-door tour packages
- English speaking guides
- Customizable private tours
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Preset routes and schedules
Top operators are Saigon Tourist and Vietnam Drive.
Research options thoroughly to balance affordability and service quality that best suits your trip aims and budget. Read reviews and compare pricing across vendors. Consider trip distance, vehicle occupancy and amenities needed when deciding on a company.
Why rent a car in Vietnam?
Here are compelling reasons to consider renting a car versus other transport modes when traveling through Vietnam:
Convenience
Having your own vehicle and driver eliminates the hassles of crowded public transit, complex route planning and language barriers. Leave whenever needed with bags kept safe inside the car.
Flexibility
Go off the beaten track to that hole-in-the wall restaurant or secluded beach. Having a rental car allows you to change plans on a whim without the constraints of group tours or rigid itineraries. Make as many stops as desired at any scenic outlooks or cultural attractions.
Comfort
Ride relaxed in air conditioned comfort versus sweltering hot and noisy on buses or trains. Many high-end rentals offer WiFi, charging ports, snacks, and refreshments. Stop readily for bathroom breaks or leg stretching as needed.
Cost Savings
When traveling with 3 or more people, having a dedicated car and driver can actually cost less than individual bus or trains tickets. By splitting the rental cost, the per person expense is very affordable
While not always the cheapest option upfront, a rental car provides opportunity for savings over other modes in terms of convenience, flexibility and comfort.
Driving car in Vietnam
Navigating Vietnam’s roads as an international driver presents immense challenges with chaotic traffic, ambiguous signs and aggressive local habits. Here’s what to expect:
Road Conditions
Outside main highways, roads are often narrow, poorly maintained and lack clear markings. Sudden bumps, debris and wandering livestock require vigilance. Mountain routes add sharp S-turns and blind corners.
Traffic Congestion
Hanoi, Danang and Saigon see extreme peak gridlock from millions of bikes and scooters. Narrow lanes make passing difficult and intersections turn into free-for-alls with little regard for lights or signs. Defensive driving is a must.
Driving Culture
The default local style is aggressive acceleration, close tailgating, and near constant honking to indicate passing intent. Right-of-way goes to the bigger vehicle in collisions so trucks and buses intimidate smaller cars. Continual hazards stem from roadside markets, makeshift repairs, roaming vendors, etc.
For visitors, these conditions make self-driving extraordinarily intense if not impossible in Vietnam’s major cities. While still chaotic by Western standards, having an experienced local driver eases the journey tremendously across Vietnam’s complex roadways.
Vietnam car rental with driver
The easiest and most enjoyable way to road trip Vietnam is hiring a car with a dedicated driver. Here are key benefits:
Stress Reduction
Avoid the exhaustion of fighting chaotic traffic yourself. Your driver smoothly navigates while you relax taking in gorgeous scenery whizzing by. They’ll get you safely and timely to every planned destination.
Route Expertise
Local drivers possess extensive knowledge of best routes, newest tunnels and highways, potential construction zones, and ideal places for quick bites and bio breaks. Trust their wisdom getting you efficiently from points A to B.
Language Assistance
Drivers handle all parking fee negotiations, tickets purchases, left turn standoffs with oncoming trucks, and communications with police. You avoid the frustrations and scams foreign travelers often encounter.
Insider’s View
Drivers offer personalized guidance to hidden local spots few tourists ever experience. You gain authentic cultural insights beyond commercial tourism hot spots. May even get invited home for a true Vietnamese meal!
While car rental costs are higher with a driver included, the manifold benefits for stress-free travel make it a smart investment for your Vietnam adventure.
Alternatives for car rentals in Vietnam
While convenient, car rentals are not the only transport option for intrepid travelers. Here are some alternative ideas for getting around Vietnam:
Local Buses
Extensive public bus networks like Phuong Trang serve all major cities very affordably, though with only Vietnamese language support. Buses range from basic to modern sleepers on popular routes. The lowest cost way to go.
Train Travel
Overnight trains link most cities and tourist destinations quite comfortably. Book early for sleeping berths on routes like Hanoi to Hue or Saigon to Nha Trang. Enjoy scenic landscapes along the way.
Internal Flights
Vietnam has very affordable domestic flights to make quick long distance hops. Carriers like VietJet and Bamboo operate thousands of routes across Vietnam out of Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.
Guided Group Tours
Join ready-made small or large group tours by bus, train or flights offered through most hotels/hostels. Set schedules with guides, meals and hotels included provides a simpler travel option.
Depending on trip aims and budgets, these options all serve as potential alternatives or compliments to a rental car for fully exploring Vietnam.
FAQs
Here are answers to common questions travelers have about renting a car with a driver in Vietnam:
Do I need an international license?
No, only your valid home driver’s license is required. The car rental company provides necessary Vietnam permits and registrations.
Are drivers fluent in English?
Not always, but drivers for reputable agencies catering to foreigners will have basic communication proficiency and some even quite fluent. Don’t expect perfection but can manage essential exchanges.
Can I provide turn-by-turn directions?
Absolutely, feel free to guide using Google Maps or others. Drivers welcome GPS assistance finding locations though their inherent knowledge is extensive from years navigating routes.
Are optional costs like tolls included?
Read the fine print carefully! Rental fees, fuel costs, driver meals/lodging and parking are standard inclusions but occasional tourist taxes or unattended parking fees may be extra. Reconfirm all details with the rental company beforehand.
How are payments handled?
Most legit companies allow credit card payments or PayPal. Avoid agencies asking for full cash upfront payments. Reputable firms accept 50% deposits to book then collect remaining fees after. Pay only once service rendered.
Conclusion
Renting a car with a driver delivers the optimal way to journey across Vietnam in comfort and ease. While more expensive than DIY travel, having a dedicated vehicle and local expert simplifies logistics immensely for first-timers exploring Vietnam’s intricate landscapes.
Compare rates across rental companies and read recent reviews before booking longer excursions. For most travelers, paying extra for driver convenience spares hassles and enhances opportunities to freely discover magic along the way in Vietnam.
