Car rental in Vietnam offers travelers the flexibility and freedom to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities at their own pace. Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Hanoi or venturing into the serene countryside, renting a car in Vietnam can enhance your travel experience. This comprehensive guide delves into the various aspects of car rental in Vietnam, providing insights to help you make informed decisions.
Tips For Car Rental In Vietnam
By huynhtuyen | Posted in Vietnam | February 28, 2025
Main Contents
Why would you consider a car rental in Vietnam?
Opting for a car rental in Vietnam presents numerous advantages. Foremost, it grants unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to craft your itinerary without being tethered to public transportation schedules. This autonomy is particularly beneficial when exploring remote areas where public transit is sparse.
Additionally, a personal vehicle offers comfort, especially during long journeys. You can travel in a climate-controlled environment, store luggage conveniently, and make impromptu stops to capture picturesque scenes or visit local attractions.
However, it’s essential to consider Vietnam’s traffic dynamics. Urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are known for their dense traffic and unique driving behaviors. For those unfamiliar with such conditions, renting a car with a local driver can be a prudent choice, ensuring safety and local expertise.


What types of services are popular for car rental in Vietnam?
Vietnam Car Rental with Drivers
Renting a car in Vietnam with a driver is a popular choice among tourists and business travelers. This service offers several benefits:
- Local Expertise: Drivers are typically well-versed with local routes, attractions, and can provide valuable insights, enhancing your travel experience.
- Safety: Navigating Vietnamese roads can be challenging due to varying traffic conditions. A local driver ensures adherence to traffic laws and safe driving practices.
- Convenience: Without the need to focus on driving, you can relax, enjoy the scenery, or prepare for meetings if traveling for business.


VM Car is a leading provider of Vietnam car rental with driver today.
Vietnam Car Rental without Drivers
For experienced travelers or those confident in their driving skills, self-drive car rentals offer freedom and flexibility. However, renting a self-drive car in Vietnam can be challenging for several reasons:
- Licenses: A Vietnamese driver’s license is required for self-driving. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized in Vietnam.
- Traffic conditions: Urban areas are often congested, while rural roads may be poorly maintained. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local driving rules and road conditions.
- Insurance: Ensure that your rental package includes comprehensive insurance to cover potential incidents.
Therefore, self-driving car rental is only suitable for tourists who have a lot of time in Vietnam.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Vietnam, and how can I rent one?
The cost of car rental in Vietnam varies based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and additional services. On average:
- Self-Drive Rentals: Prices typically range from $25 to $100 per day. Economy cars are on the lower end, while luxury vehicles command higher rates.
- Chauffeur-Driven Rentals: This service incurs additional costs due to the driver’s fee. Prices can start from $50 per day and increase based on vehicle type and duration.
- Long-Term Rentals: Extended leases often come with discounted rates. Negotiating directly with rental agencies can yield favorable terms.


VM Car managed by VM Travel, a company with more than 2,500 good reviews on Tripadvisor. Book Vietnam car rental with driver now to experience the best service possible!
Contact information:
- Website: vmcar.com.vn (this website).
- Hotline/Whatsapp/Viber: +84 905 55 77 68.
- Hue Office: 7/52 Tran Cao Van, Hue.
Hoi An Office: 228 Nguyen Duy Hieu, Hoi An.
Da Nang Office: 34 An Nhon 1, Da Nang. - Email: info@vmtravel.com.vn.
EXCELLENT Based on 2678 reviews Posted on Dave PVerified Day trip to The Imperial City of Hue We had a lovely day today with Justine (our guide) and the driver, for the trip from Chan May Port to Hue, and the Imperial City. They met us on time, where you said that they would be, the car was clean and the air conditioning worked. They gave us bottled water. Justine explained the day and we set off. Justine queued for the tickets where needed and gave us detailed information at all the sites, not hurrying us along. Justine took lots of pictures of us, and was able to answer questions. The restaurant was lovely, the food very good, and they were aware of our request that my wife is a vegetarian. They even stopped for us to get some toiletries on the way back and he assisted us across a very busy road to the shop. A really good day.Posted on Emil KVerified Can recommend - great experience! Fantastic transfer with Luyt from VM Travel - kind, knowledgable and experienced driver. Kim from the company helped us out a bunch as well - we even got to store our bags at the office while waiting for our train in Hue.Posted on Lisa AVerified Reliable, friendly, all round excellent. Alex was a great driver, lovely to be met by his smiling face at the train station. Sadly a violent tropical storm meant some changes to the plan but he worked hard to keep us dry and away from any hard sell where we stopped.Posted on Pablo MVerified Good experience Alex was super punctual and friendly, drives very quietly and very well, made extra stops to take some photos, highly recommendedPosted on Swati NVerified Exceptional Service – Highly Recommend! I had an excellent experience with VM Travel during my stay in Vietnam. I first contacted them through the chat option on their website and received a quick and helpful response. As a solo traveller, I really appreciated how flexible and accommodating they were. My day trips were tailored entirely around my preferences. Both day tours were reasonably priced, and there were no issues with late drop-offs or pickups from my remote hotel location.A special mention to Mr Top, my driver for both days, who was friendly, professional, and reliable. The office staff, Jena, coordinating everything was equally outstanding — responsive, organised, and genuinely caring.Highly recommend their service for anyone looking for stress-free and pre-set or customised tours in Vietnam!Posted on Jason SVerified Day drive from Hue to My Son, via Hai Van Pass Very careful and excellent driver. Was helpful and attentive. Arrived early and helped with check out, waited while I went to My Son and explained things well. Very kind and nicePosted on Paul SVerified DMZ Full Day Tour From Hue Khe Sanh and more A great full day tour from Hue seen a lot of history and a deeper understanding of the Vietnam war and local culture.A early start we were picked up from our hotel .Greeted by Linh our guide and Ton our driver.We had a nice group of people from Europe New Zealand and Australia Visit to the Citadel and museum a very moving place alot of history there .On the way to Khe Sanh we were very impressed with Linh”s knowledge and was very inspired and informative history she told us .Explained everything we needed to know and answered our questions. The map Linh showed us was very helpful understanding the area we were in .Khe Sanh was the main place we weee interested in seeing and was a great experience to visit the site and view the museum and aircraft bunkers and tanks there .A highlight for us . The local lady also had great coffee must try on the visit there .After we had a nice local lunch close by nice and pleasant surroundings.We then headed off to see Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River important landmark splitting the country into north and south 17th parallel.Nice museum there to view .The last place was also a highlight the Vinh Moc Tunnels great to see amazing how they were made and the infrastructure there a lot of history.The underground miniature village was great to see .A great day out and a lot of historical places visited thank you for the excellent experience Linh and Ton the driving was challenging for him he did a great job for us getting us there on time and safely.Great value for money too .Thankyou for this great tour Linh and Ton can highly recommend.All the very best to you Kind Regards Paul and Tania Australia 🇦🇺Posted on Beatrice RVerified A very full and exciting day 👏🏻❤️ We had a very good experience with this day trip. Our guide tour was Nhi, who was really delightful and informative. The group was small and therefore it was easy to get around. The whole trip was very nice and included so much to see in one day! I would definitely recommend it, even more so if you don't have a lot of time in Huế.Posted on Mellissa SVerified I would highly recommend this company for transport and tours! We used VM for several Hoian day tours with Ms Dung as our guide, who was fantastic. Collected us from the hotel on time every day, and shared lots of interesting information. We also had several airport transfers. All drivers were prompt and friendly, and all cars were clean and tidy. VM was very flexible and kindly changed times when we needed to.Posted on sandraronildVerified Great service! We used VM Car for three longer trips between cities in Vietnam. Great service all around and especially from our driver Alex who drove us from Phong Nha to Da Nang with stops in Hue and Van Hai Pass.
Top-rated locations for car rental in Vietnam
Hanoi City
Hanoi, with its blend of historical charm and modernity, is a prime location for car rentals. Services range from economy cars to luxury vehicles, catering to diverse preferences. Given the city’s traffic density, many opt for chauffeur-driven rentals to navigate comfortably. It’s essential to book in advance
Da Nang City
Car rental in Da Nang is ideal for those exploring the central region of Vietnam. The city is a gateway to attractions such as the Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the Hai Van Pass. Many rental companies provide both self-drive and chauffeur services, catering to different travel needs. Renting a car with a driver is recommended for first-time visitors unfamiliar with local traffic.
Prices for car rental in Da Nang vary based on vehicle type and rental duration. Economy cars typically start at $30 per day, while SUVs and premium models can range from $50 to $100 per day. To secure the best rates, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons.


Hoi An
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts numerous travelers seeking cultural experiences. While the city itself is walkable, renting a car is useful for visiting nearby sites like My Son Sanctuary or An Bang Beach.
Most car rental services in Hoi An offer both self-drive and chauffeur-driven options. Since traffic regulations and road conditions can be challenging for visitors, hiring a driver is often the preferred choice. Rental prices start at around $35 per day for standard sedans, with premium cars and larger vehicles costing more. Some rental agencies also provide customized itineraries for day trips.
Hue City
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is home to historic landmarks such as the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and royal tombs. Renting a car in Hue provides convenience for exploring these sites at your own pace.
Car rental in Hue is available at competitive rates, with basic models starting at $25 per day. Many services include an option for a driver, which can be beneficial for navigating the city and surrounding countryside. Booking through reputable agencies ensures quality service and well-maintained vehicles.


Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest metropolis, known for its vibrant culture and dynamic traffic. Car rental in Ho Chi Minh City is particularly beneficial for business travelers and tourists planning excursions to locations such as the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Due to the city’s traffic congestion, renting a car with a driver is a common choice. Prices for chauffeur-driven rentals start at $50 per day, while self-drive options range from $30 to $80 per day, depending on the vehicle type. Travelers are advised to check rental terms and insurance policies carefully before finalizing bookings.
Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Vietnam
To ensure a smooth car rental experience in Vietnam, consider the following tips:
- Check License Requirements: International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not accepted in Vietnam. Foreigners must obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license to rent a self-drive car.
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak travel seasons, reserving a car early helps secure better prices and vehicle availability.
- Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider road conditions and trip duration when selecting a car. Compact cars are suitable for city driving, while SUVs are better for rural areas.
- Review Insurance Coverage: Ensure the rental package includes comprehensive insurance to cover accidents or damages.
- Understand Local Traffic Rules: Traffic in Vietnam can be unpredictable. If unfamiliar with local driving habits, hiring a driver is a safer option.
By following these guidelines, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free experience with car rental in Vietnam, making their journey more convenient and enjoyable.
5/5 (12 votes)
Edit Content
Main Contents