Car rental vs taxi – What’s the difference?
If you’re only planning to take a few short rides around Hue—like from your hotel to a restaurant or a quick stop at a museum—then a regular taxi or a ride-hailing app like Grab or Xanh SM is perfectly fine. These options are metered, fast, and easy to use for basic city travel.
However, if you want to explore beyond the city, visit multiple sights in one day, or travel to places like Hoi An or Phong Nha, a car rental with driver is a much better choice. It gives you a fixed price, more comfort, and the flexibility to stop wherever you like without the hassle of arranging a new taxi every time. It’s also safer, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or don’t want to navigate language barriers on the go.
Hue car rental options
Renting a car in Hue is simple and flexible. Whether you’re heading out for a day trip, a scenic transfer to another city, or a multi-day journey, you can choose the right vehicle and plan your own route—with the comfort of having a local driver.
Driver options
All car rentals in Hue come with a professional driver—self-driving is not common or recommended for travelers.
Drivers are experienced and safe, and some speak basic English, but they are not licensed tour guides. You can ask them for practical help, but don’t expect explanations about history or cultural sites along the way.
Types of cars available
- 5-seater: Best for solo travelers, couples, or two friends traveling light
- 7-seater: More space for families or 3–4 adults with luggage
- Minivan (9–16 seats): Ideal for groups, big families, or longer trips with more comfort
All vehicles are air-conditioned and kept in good condition for long-distance travel.
Types of trips you can use it for
- Point-to-point transfers (e.g. Hue to Hoi An, Hue to Phong Nha)
- Sightseeing day trips around Hue, such as tombs, pagodas, and rural villages
- Multi-day travel through Central or Northern Vietnam
- Custom stops and timing—plan your own itinerary and travel at your pace
What’s included in the price
When you rent a car with driver in Hue, the price typically includes:
- The private car
- A local, experienced driver
- All fuel costs, toll fees, and parking
However, it’s important to note what’s not included. The price does not cover:
- Entrance fees to any sights you visit
- Meals or drinks during the trip
- A tour guide (though this can be added if requested)
In short, you’re paying for the transport and logistics, not for a guided experience. If you’d like more cultural insights or help with navigating local stops, adding a licensed guide is a good option.
Prices for renting a car in Hue
Prices for car rental with driver in Hue depend on the type of vehicle, the distance, and how long you plan to use the car. Below are estimated price ranges to give you an idea. Final prices may vary based on your exact itinerary, the number of stops, and whether you’re doing a return trip or a one-way transfer.
Estimated prices (One-day use or one-way transfers)
| Trip / Use Case | 5-Seater Car | 7-Seater Car | Minivan (9–16 seats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hue City Tour (4–6 hours) | $45–55 | $55–65 | $75–90 |
| Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass (Full Day) | $65–85 | $75–95 | $95–120 |
| Hue to Phong Nha via DMZ (Full Day) | $85–100 | $95–115 | $120–140 |
| Hue to Da Nang (Direct, no sightseeing) | $50–60 | $60–70 | $80–100 |
| Hue Airport or Train Station Pickup (one-way) | $15–25 | $20–30 | $30–40 |
These prices are based on private use, including fuel, tolls, and driver fees. If you’re planning a multi-day trip or have a custom itinerary, it’s best to request a quote directly.
Recommended trips around Hue by car
Hiring a private car with driver is one of the best ways to explore Hue and its surroundings. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop where you like, and enjoy the comfort of door-to-door transport. Whether you’re planning a relaxed sightseeing day or a scenic transfer to another city, here are some popular routes to consider.
1. Hue City Tour: Tombs, Temples & Imperial City
A full-day city tour by car is a great way to visit Hue’s top historical sights without rushing. You can follow a classic route like:
- Hue Imperial City
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Dong Ba Market
- Minh Mang Tomb
- Khai Dinh Tomb
If you’ve already seen some of the above or want to explore lesser-known places, you can swap in Tu Duc Tomb and the nearby Incense Village (Thuy Xuan Village). The day is fully flexible—you decide which stops to include and how long you want to stay at each.
2. Hue to Hoi An (or Da Nang) via Hai Van Pass
This is one of the most scenic coastal drives in Vietnam and a popular reason for renting a private car with driver. Instead of just driving the highway (which takes about 3 hours), you can make stops along the way, including:
- Hai Van Pass – panoramic views of the mountains and sea
- Lang Co Beach – short photo stop or swim
- Elephant Springs – freshwater stream and natural pools (optional)
- Marble Mountains – limestone caves and pagodas just outside Da Nang
You can even upgrade the experience by choosing to do the transfer in an open-top military jeep for a more adventurous ride.
3. Hue to Phong Nha via the DMZ Route
If you’re traveling from Hue to Phong Nha, a car with driver lets you turn the journey into a meaningful Vietnam War history trip. Without detours, the drive takes about 4.5–5 hours, but along the way you can visit:
- Vinh Moc Tunnels – underground village used during the war
- Hien Luong Bridge – the former border between North and South Vietnam
Optional add-ons include:
- Khe Sanh Combat Base – a key U.S. Marine outpost during the war
- Mine Action Visitor Center – museum focused on UXO (unexploded ordnance) and war recovery
This can be done as a long half-day or a full day depending on how much you want to see.
4. Airport & Train Station Pickup
If you’re arriving in Hue by plane or train, booking a private car pickup is the easiest and most comfortable option. You’ll be met at the airport or station and driven directly to your hotel—no need to deal with bargaining or finding transportation after a long trip.
This service is also available in reverse, with hotel pickup for departures.
Booking a car with driver in Hue
You can easily book a private car with driver in Hue through Local Vietnam. We’ll help you plan your route, match you with the right type of vehicle, and make sure everything fits your travel style and schedule.
If you’d like to get more out of your trip—especially at historical or cultural sites—you can also add a licensed local guide. This gives you more insight, better communication, and greater flexibility for stops along the way.
We also offer multi-day car rentals, fully customizable itineraries, and quick support before and during your trip. Prices are clear and fair, with no hidden costs.
Additional tips
Tipping drivers
Tipping is not part of Vietnamese culture and is never expected. However, if your driver goes out of their way to help or gives extra assistance—especially beyond driving—a small tip is appreciated.
What to bring
For longer rides, bring small cash for snacks or drinks at local stops along the way. It’s also a good idea to pack a bottle of water and light snacks, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas or doing a full-day trip.
Be clear in your plan
Drivers in Hue are professional and reliable, but they follow a set itinerary. If you start adding stops during the trip or ask for spontaneous sightseeing advice, it may not always work well—especially if there’s a language barrier.
If you want more flexibility or deeper cultural knowledge during your journey, it’s best to add a local guide. That way, you can make the most of your time without confusion or miscommunication.
