Car Travel

Even though the Vietnamese government now recognizes international drivers' licenses , self-driving is still not recommended in Ho Chi Minh City for those unfamiliar with the chaotic traffic. Most car-rental places offer car-and-driver rental, which can give you great freedom to explore the city and surrounding areas without the stress of driving in it. Hiring a car and driver for a full day starts at about 1,180,000d for a four-seater and 1,288,000d for a seven-seater, although the fee is based on where you want to go. For getting around within the city, taxis are often more useful; with a rented car, your driver will have to find somewhere to park in a city designed for bicycles, not automobiles. Most of the bigger hotels in Ho Chi Minh City can arrange short- or long-term car-and-driver rentals, or you can contact Drive Vietnam, Bali Limousines, or Avis, the latter with locations downtown and at the airport.

Car Contacts

Avis. 96/427–2009; washington.avis.com.

Bali Limousines. 28/3974–9749; www.balilimo.vn.

Drive Vietnam. drivevietnam.com.