Traffic Rules in Vietnam: Essential Navigation Insights
Vietnamese cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, feature extremely dense traffic. Be prepared for constant streams of motorcycles that may weave between lanes and appear unexpectedly. In historic quarter centers, streets are often narrow, winding, and congested with traffic — here it's important to consider vehicle dimensions and maintain attention.
Understanding typical congestion periods is crucial for smooth navigation:
- Morning rush: 7:00 am to 9:00 am
- Evening peak: 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Key recommendations for optimal travel:
- Avoid city centers during peak hours when possible
- Plan extra time for traffic delays, especially during rainy weather
- Use side streets and alternative routes in historic areas
- Consider flexible timing for longer journeys
Beyond historic centers, traffic is usually more organized, but traffic jams during rush hours are common.
Outside cities, the road situation changes dramatically. A good network of national highways connects major regions, however many roads in rural areas or leading to popular natural attractions are narrow, with uneven surfaces and steep winding sections. Here it's important to reduce speed, especially after rain.
Speed Limits and Traffic Navigation
Speed limits vary:
- In cities: 40-50 km/h
- Outside cities: 60-80 km/h
- Expressways: up to 120 km/h, but such roads are limited
- Watch for signs as limits may change on different sections.
Honking in Vietnam is often not a sign of aggression, but a way to signal your presence. Use it briefly and carefully. Headlights or daytime running lights are mandatory even during the day on many highways outside cities.
Road markings, especially in cities, may be worn or contradict signs. In disputed situations, road signs take priority. Be especially cautious when driving in dark conditions outside cities.
For navigation in and around cities, it's more reliable to use offline mode in Google Maps, Waze, or Maps.me apps. Mobile internet coverage may be interrupted in mountainous areas or remote provinces.
Parking in Vietnam
In major Vietnamese cities, parking is predominantly paid, especially in centers and tourist areas. Free parking spots are rare and can be found at some cafes or hotels, but only for customers. Street parking in historic districts is difficult due to narrow passages and lack of markings.
Main Types of Parking in Vietnam
- Shopping centers and large supermarkets typically offer free first hours for visitors, followed by hourly rates.
- Official paid parking lots are located near attractions, train stations, and airports. Look for blue signs with the letter "P". Payment is by time.
- Street parking with unofficial attendants is often found on sidewalks, near beaches, or popular spots. A person in a vest or with a badge charges a fixed rate or by time. Always clarify conditions.
- Hotel parking — some hotels provide parking for guests, sometimes paid, sometimes free.
- Free roadside areas outside cities — in rural areas or near natural attractions, you can park free on the roadside, choosing safe and permitted locations.
Use guarded parking at shopping centers or official parking lots, and always take a payment receipt.
In smaller towns or at attractions outside centers, parking is easier, but still check that you're not blocking exits or passages.
Gas Stations in Vietnam
Traveling by rental car in Vietnam, you'll quickly master the local gas station system. In cities and along major highways, you'll most often encounter stations from major chains:
- Green signs: Petrolimex
- Red and white: PVOil
- Blue and red: Caltex (Chevron)
- Yellow: Shell
These are easily recognizable and offer standard services: here you'll find a mini-market with water, snacks, and sometimes a small cafe where you can drink traditional Vietnamese coffee or grab a bite. In rural areas or mountain serpentines, you may encounter small local stations under brands like Saigon Petro or VPCO — they're also reliable, but infrastructure is more modest.
Fueling Process
Approaching a pump, be prepared that a station employee will fuel your car for you — self-service is rare here. Just open the gas tank cap and specify which type of fuel you need.
Payment occurs immediately after fueling. The most universal method is cash in dong; in cities, network stations usually accept cards. At modern stations in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can increasingly pay through mobile apps by scanning a QR code.
When planning long journeys, especially to mountainous areas, consider that network gas stations are less common. Try to fuel up at the first opportunity, don't wait for low fuel levels.
How to Book a Car Rental in Vietnam
Start booking by specifying desired rental dates on the Localrent website. Choose the required rental cities and meeting points with the rental manager in the "Specify location" field. Then:
- Apply filters — specify transmission type, car class, engine size, specific brand, and other criteria
- Select a car from results, study the vehicle profile — included mileage, technical specifications, payment methods
- Add options — child seat, additional insurance, or second driver service if needed
- Specify exact pickup/return time and location, enter driver details, contact phone, and email
- Pay the advance by bank card online. After successful payment, you'll receive a voucher by email — save it to collect the car
When meeting with the rental company representative, inspect the vehicle together. Record all existing damage like scratches and dents in the handover report. Sign the rental agreement, pay the remaining amount and deposit. Ensure you receive the complete document set: contract, insurance policy, inspection report, and emergency contacts.