Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Asia
Reload this Page >

Self-drive in Vietnam

Search

Self-drive in Vietnam

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 01:08 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Self-drive in Vietnam

i think it would offer much more freedom but.....
Is it legal? is it recommended? DH has driven in Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bali and many parts of the world. Are the road signs only in Vietnamese?

Please comment.

Thanks.
mohan is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 03:54 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I lived in Hanoi for 6 months last year....and there is NO WAY I would get behind the wheel of a car! I wouldn't even attempt a bicycle. I am sure people will tell you to go ahead, but it really can be dangerous - especially in the urban areas. My recommendation is to just get a driver. It is not that expensive....just make sure the driver can speak English a bit.
gailmo is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 04:50 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,375
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
there is no way I would drive in Vietnam-it's not like Hong Kong where there are road rules!!!!
northie is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 05:17 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Only legal if you have a Viet license, but it would be suicide for sure. I try to stay off Viet roads as much as possible - I fly in Vietnam.
daawgon is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2009, 11:21 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 9,368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It is not possible for foreigners to drive in Vietnam without a Vietnamese license (so really only an option for resident expats). I have used the bus system to get around independently which is great if you have the time. The train is alos an entertaining method of travel and you will get to meet the locals and see the scenery which you would otherwise miss travelling by air. Hiring motorbike is probably the best way t see the country but even though I am an experienced motorcyclist, I would not dream of choosing this option in Vietnam.

As gailmo has said, a car and driver is the best option but in my experience, it can sometimes be a struggle to get them to go where you (as opposed to they) want to go.
crellston is offline  
Old Sep 20th, 2009, 05:19 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all. I was thinking of driving from Hoi An to My Son and around Hue, but it's not possible so i don't entertain the idea anymore.
mohan is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rhkkmk
Asia
59
Jan 9th, 2015 03:20 PM
BazzaK
Asia
9
Apr 13th, 2012 11:55 PM
peripateticduo
Asia
10
Jul 17th, 2011 01:54 PM
Healthone
Asia
8
Apr 1st, 2008 08:50 PM
ahm888
Asia
10
Oct 20th, 2006 10:58 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -