Vietnam self drive car hire?

Question

I know the perils and the pitfalls well, but while it was always possible to rent motorbikes, self drive car hire was out of the equation. Does anyone know any way to rent self drive cars in or near Hanoi? Just an old Soviet jeep would do!

Answer 1

You are very lucky that your first two posts are from such experienced Viet travelers. Although I love both of these guys,,, let me tell you my experiences...

As an American, you do not want to drive a vehicle with more than two wheels, you lack the patience to refrain from running people over. I have driven a car in Saigon and believe me when I say it is an exercise in frustration. The last time I drove a car was about 5 years ago when Saigon had about ten traffic lights. It has gotten much, much worse.

As an American, you will never be harassed by the police but you will be expected to pay money to every Viet you hit or run over. Unless you are Bill Gates, I predict about 20 kilos before you give up on the car.

Dan and Jon said the license would be a problem,,, Not true. the license PLATE will be the problem. You can't get one as a tourist. Jon said you can't rent a car,,, true.

I've had a motor bike since I was a kid. (I've had the same 300kg Harley for twenty five years). I didn't find riding a bike in Vn very difficult. However,,, when someone asks me what it's like to drive in Vn, I say every intersection is like 4 hives of angry bees,,,there all buzz-in like crazy and in a big hurry to find their honey. lol I am very experienced and it is still challenging.

If you think my advice is not good, the solution is to borrow a car from friend's or family. Rental is not an option in my socio-economic mileu. lol

Answer 2

I experience the same thing as Ong Jon does with my family and friends in Vietnam. The Viets don't seem to realize that I can drive a car after 25 years of driving in the U.S.

The problem with renting a car in Vietnam is the driver license. Vietnam doesn't recognize international driver permits, therefore you have to obtain a Vietnam driver license or permit in order to drive a car (let alone rent one) there. If you go as far as obtaining a Vietnam driver license, you should be able to find a car to rent or borrow pretty easy (you will have to do so to get your driver license anyway).

A pitfall you might not have considered is how difficult it is to drive in Hanoi. Many of the streets are narrow and not designed for cars, which makes motorbikes the vehicle of choice there. HCMC is a different story.

As for Soviet jeeps... It's surely an experience, but those Soviet jeeps aren't something you can rely on. Most all of the Soviet stuff in Vietnam is being scrapped because they fall apart too easy. Vietnam Airlines has had three crashes, and all three were Soviet airplanes.

You want a Daihatsu to drive in Hanoi.

Answer 3

Good advise from the guys above,what i do if i need a car for any amount of time is rent it with a driver.It saves you allot of money and you wont risk a heart attack.

Answer 4

i've never seen it anywhere in vn . although i've seen expats there w/ their own vihcles... my guess is you must first get a vn licence. then borrow or buy a car... better have insurance too.... i'm with you , i've been driving a car & truck for over 40 yrs and would feel much more comfortable driving a car than a motor bike in vn but my viet friends laugh at the thought ????