Vietnam Driving Guide for Travelers
Vietnam is a magnificent country with a tragic history. Those planning a holiday here will find many great places to visit, including Halong Bay. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi is another popular place to explore. Hoi An Ancient City, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mai Son Hindu Sanctuary are just some of the other places you might want to visit.
Car rental in Vietnam
You must be at least 18 years old to drive in Vietnam. Car rental companies may have their own rules regarding the minimum age to actually rent one of the vehicles, and additional charges may apply to young drivers. When renting a car, make sure you have insurance. Also, get an emergency contact number for the agency in case you need to call them for any reason.
Road conditions and safety
There are over 180,000 km of roads in Vietnam and unfortunately many of these roads are in very bad condition. A large number of roads are unpaved, and even where the roads are paved, there may be cracks and gaps in the pavement, as well as potholes. During the rainy season, a number of roads in the north are inaccessible. Motorways in the southern part of the country are in the best condition.
Seat belts are required in the front seat of a car, but not in the back seat. Very few people in the country use child restraints when traveling with children, so they are not always available. If you are traveling with children, you should speak to rental agencies ahead of time to find out if they have car seats.
Drivers in Vietnam generally do not pay much attention to basic traffic rules such as stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. They can control them and they can change without signaling. In addition, they often significantly exceed the set speed. Driving is potentially dangerous, so you need to make sure you drive with care at all times.
Speed limits
Speed limits in Vietnam are usually posted, but some smaller and rural roads may not have them. The following are typical speed limits in the country for various types of roads.
- In cities and towns - 50 km / h.
- Non-residential premises - 80 km/h
- Motorways - obey posted speed limits
Fees
There are only a few toll roads in the country. You should always check the current tolls before driving. The main toll roads are as follows.
- Ho Chi Minh City - Chung Luong Expressway
- Dau Giay - Phan Thiet Expressway
Even though driving in Vietnam can be difficult and dangerous, if you are a careful driver and pay attention to what other drivers are doing, you will be fine. Renting is great for helping you get to some of those remote places you want to visit.
