Car Rental in Hoi An

Where to drive

• Drive to Da Nang (≈30 km, 45 minutes) to experience its modern cityscape, iconic Dragon Bridge, and My Khe Beach.
• Explore the ancient Cham ruins of My Son Sanctuary (≈50 km, 1 hour 15 minutes), a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in a lush valley.
• Journey to the Marble Mountains (≈20 km, 30 minutes) to discover impressive cave temples, pagodas, and panoramic views of the coastline.
• Take a scenic coastal drive south to Tam Thanh Mural Village (≈40 km, 1 hour) to admire its vibrant street art and quiet fishing village atmosphere.
• Head north to the Hai Van Pass (≈70 km, 1 hour 45 minutes from Hoi An, or 30 minutes from Da Nang) for breathtaking mountain and ocean vistas, a truly iconic Vietnamese drive.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Vietnam, foreign drivers typically need a valid national driving license from their home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) that is recognized in Vietnam. The IDP must be issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. A valid passport and a major credit card in the main driver's name are also essential. The minimum age for car rental is generally 21, with some companies requiring drivers to be 23 or 25, and often with at least one or two years of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Hoi An vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars generally start from around 30-40 USD per day, while SUVs and larger sedans can range from 50-80 USD. Premium vehicles will naturally be higher. Prices tend to be highest during the peak tourist season from May to August and around public holidays, with more competitive rates available during the low season.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Vietnam, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are typically 60 km/h in urban areas and 80-90 km/h on open roads, but these can vary significantly and are often lower. Always check local signage. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is effectively zero (0.00% for cars). Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Child car seats are not universally required by law but are strongly recommended for safety, though availability from rental companies can be limited. Headlights should be used in tunnels and during periods of low visibility. Honking is common and often used to signal presence.

Parking

In Hoi An, parking in the Ancient Town is restricted, and it's best to park outside and walk or use a bicycle/taxi. Designated paid parking lots are available on the outskirts of the Ancient Town, and fees are usually quite low, around 10,000-20,000 VND per hour or flat rate for the day. Hotels often provide free parking for guests. Outside the main tourist areas, street parking might be available, but always check for restrictions or signs indicating private property.

Fuel stations

Fuel (petrol and diesel) is widely available at gas stations throughout Hoi An and central Vietnam. Major brands like Petrolimex are common. Payment is typically in Vietnamese Dong (VND) cash, though some larger stations may accept credit cards. The price of petrol is regulated by the government and is generally affordable, approximately 23,000-25,000 VND per liter for E5 RON 92 (standard petrol) as of 2026. Diesel is slightly cheaper.

Which car to choose

For navigating Hoi An's surrounding areas and central Vietnam, a compact sedan or a small SUV is generally a good choice. These vehicles offer a balance of maneuverability for city driving and sufficient comfort for longer trips to places like My Son or Da Nang. An automatic transmission is highly recommended due to the often busy and unpredictable traffic conditions, making driving less stressful, especially for those not accustomed to manual gears in Southeast Asia.

Frequently asked questions