Preparation of documents
In tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Nha Trang, there is no shortage of motorbike rental points. Visitors looking for reputable car rental shops can refer to reviews on Google Maps or travel advice sites such as TripAdvisor.
To rent a car, you need documents including an original passport or a notarized copy. A driver's license requires a valid International Driving Permi (IDP) or a driver's license changed to the corresponding Vietnamese driver's license. If you only have a driver's license from another country, you may have trouble getting your documents checked.
The car rental deposit is usually from 500,000 VND to two million VND. Visitors do not leave their original passports at the car rental shop, if required, they can use a notarized copy. Original passports should be carried with you at all times or stored safely at the hotel.
Visitors need to make sure the travel insurance package covers accidents while driving a motorcycle. Some insurance companies do not pay if the traveler does not have a valid driver's license.
Photo: Ivivu
Choose the right vehicle
Scooters or scooters are a popular choice when tourists rent for a short time, traveling less than 100 km. The scooter is easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Digital cars are usually more fuel-efficient, suitable for long-distance trips.
Large displacement vehicles are suitable for long roads and difficult terrain. If renting a car over 175cc, visitors need to have a class A2 driver's license, IDP needs to clearly state the right to drive a large-displacement motorcycle.
Scooters have a rental cost of about 120,000-200,000 VND; digital cars have a rental price of 80,000-150,000 VND; large displacement vehicles from 800,000 VND per day.
Visitors need to carefully check the rental contract, read the terms of responsibility for repairs when the car breaks down or has an accident.
Before receiving the car, visitors need to check the front and rear brakes, lights, horns, turn signals, and rearview mirrors. Ordinary gasoline is only a small amount, tourists need to fill up immediately after renting. Take photos of the car before renting to avoid being claimed for pre-existing damages.
When driving a car
Many foreign tourists commented that traffic in Vietnam is "chaotic", especially in big cities with a thick density of vehicles.
Tourists driving need to pay attention to large vehicles such as buses and trucks, these vehicles usually do not give way; go in the right lane. Limit night driving in low-light areas or passes.
Tourists should buy gasoline at official gas stations, avoid buying retail on the roadside because it can be diluted.
If you are stopped by the police to check your documents, you need to stay calm and polite. Without a valid driver's license, visitors may be subject to administrative fines.
Obey traffic laws
Vietnamese law requires wearing a helmet when driving a motorcycle, visitors should choose a good quality one.
When moving, it is necessary to go on the right side of the road. The speed limit in the city is about 40-50 km/h, outside the city is about 60-80 km/h depending on the area.
Do not cross red lights, do not enter prohibited lanes. Pedestrians, bicycles and other motorcycles may appear unexpectedly from alleys or intersections, and visitors notice to slow down when reaching the intersection, or stop.
In some areas, large vehicles such as trucks or buses tend to be "prioritized", so it is recommended to give way to safety.
Visitors need to pay attention to the signals by hand as many local drivers use their hands to signal instead of turn signals.
Photo: Ivivu
Emergency situations
When the car breaks down, visitors can call online car repair services, search for roadside shops or call the rental unit for assistance.
In the event of a traffic accident, visitors need to remain calm, take photos of the scene and call 113 (police) or 115 (emergency).
If you don't want to cause legal trouble, visitors try to solve it gently on the spot, but do not accept the error if the cause is unknown.
Practical Experience
Visitors should refuel early because in some rural or mountainous areas, gas stations are quite sparse. Always fill the tank before moving far.
Avoid prohibited areas. In big cities, some lanes or routes are only for cars, driving a motorcycle on the wrong road can be heavily fined.
Pay attention to the weather. The rainy season in some tourist destinations usually lasts from May to October, making the roads slippery. If you're not used to it, avoid driving when it's raining heavily.
Keep personal belongings safe. Do not leave bags or valuables in the front basket of the vehicle, as they may be robbed.
According to VnE