Car Rental vs. Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps
If you’re just going across town or heading to the beach, Grab, Be, or regular taxis are usually the easiest and cheapest options. But if you’re planning a day trip, multiple stops, or longer distances like Hue or Ba Na Hills, renting a car with a driver offers more comfort, flexibility, and convenience. It also means you don’t need to worry about finding return transport or booking multiple rides throughout the day.
Renting a car always includes a driver
In Vietnam, renting a car usually means renting a car with a driver — self-driving is rare and not recommended for most foreigners. Traffic rules, road conditions, and local driving habits can be confusing if you’re not used to them. Plus, the price difference between renting with or without a driver is small, so it’s not worth the hassle.
Driver is not a guide
Your driver’s main job is to get you safely from place to place. Some speak basic English, especially in tourist-friendly areas like Da Nang, but don’t expect them to act as a guide or accompany you into attractions. For historical insights or help navigating sites, you’ll need to hire a guide separately.
Car rental options in Da Nang
When booking a car in Da Nang, you usually choose by size, not specific model or brand. Most services offer a few standard categories:
- 5-seater – Best for 1–3 passengers with light luggage
- 7-seater – Ideal for small groups or families needing extra space
- 16-seater – For larger groups or tour-style travel
Keep in mind: just because a car has 7 or 16 seats doesn’t mean you’ll be comfortable with every seat filled. For longer routes or if you have a lot of luggage, it’s better to leave some seats free for space and comfort.
Prices for car rental in Da Nang
How pricing works
Car rental with driver in Da Nang is typically priced based on your itinerary — how far you go, how long the trip takes, and the type of car. There are also fixed prices for popular routes, especially airport transfers and day trips.
Here are some general price examples (for a 5-seater car):
- Da Nang to Hoi An (one-way): from 300,000–400,000 VND
- Half-day trip to Ba Na Hills: from 700,000 VND
- Day trip to Hue via Hai Van Pass: from 1,500,000 VND
Prices increase slightly for larger cars or more complex routes.
Example price ranges (5-seater car)
These are only examples and estimates.
Half-Day (within Da Nang)
- City highlights / Marble Mountains / Linh Ung Pagoda
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Price: from 600,000–800,000 VND
Full-Day (in and around Da Nang)
- Da Nang city + Marble Mountains + Son Tra Peninsula + My Khe Beach area
- Duration: ~8 hours
- Price: from 1,000,000–1,200,000 VND
Full-Day with longer distance
- Da Nang – Hoi An round trip with some free time in Hoi An
- Price: from 1,000,000–1,300,000 VND
- Da Nang – My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An – back to Da Nang
- Price: from 1,300,000–1,500,000 VND
Multi-stop day trip example
- Ba Na Hills in morning, Marble Mountains and Hoi An in afternoon
- Duration: full day with waiting time
- Price: from 1,400,000–1,700,000 VND
What’s included
- Private car
- Professional driver
- Gasoline
- Toll and parking fees
What’s not included
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Meals or drinks
- Local guide
- Tips (optional)
This is a transport service, not a guided tour — the driver will take you where you want to go but won’t provide commentary or join you at sights.
Popular routes with a private car
Da Nang – Ba Na Hills
A popular half-day or full-day trip. The driver will wait for you while you explore Ba Na Hills, which includes the famous Golden Bridge, cable car, gardens, and theme park areas.
Tip: Go early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during high season or weekends.
Da Nang Airport or train station transfer – Hoi An
Ideal if you’re arriving in Da Nang and heading straight to your hotel in Hoi An.
A private pick-up is more convenient than finding a taxi or ride-hailing app, especially if arriving at night or with luggage. Some services offer name-board pick-up inside the terminal.
Da Nang – Hoi An Day Trip
If you’re based in Da Nang but want to explore Hoi An Old Town, this is a great one-day option. A private car gives you flexibility to stop at beaches, rice fields, or even make short detours on the way. You can choose your own departure and return times.
Da Nang – Hue (One-way or day trip)
- Fast route: Via the highway – quicker but less scenic
- Scenic route: Over the Hai Van Pass, with optional stops at Lang Co Beach, a local waterfall, or a fishing village
You can do it as a long day trip, but it’s more relaxed as a one-way sightseeing transfer, either from Da Nang to Hue or vice versa.
Optional transport styles: car, motorbike (Easy Rider), or open military jeep.
Tips for renting a car in Da Nang
Should you tip the driver?
Tipping isn’t expected in Vietnam, but if your driver is helpful, friendly, or goes beyond basic service, a small tip is appreciated. Around 50,000–100,000 VND is typical for a day trip — not required, but a nice gesture.
Be clear about your itinerary
Before the trip, clearly communicate your full plan: where you want to go, how long you’ll stay, and if you want to make stops along the way. It helps avoid confusion and ensures the driver knows what to expect. Adjusting the itinerary on the spot can be difficult, especially without a guide.
Add a guide if needed
Drivers provide transportation only. If you want more insight into the places you visit, easier communication, or someone to accompany you inside attractions, ask about adding a guide when you book.
Get the driver’s contact info
Ask for your driver’s WhatsApp or Zalo number before getting out at a stop. It’s the easiest way to stay in touch if you need to adjust pickup time, location while visiting a site or if you can’t find the driver.
Bonus tip: stay connected
Make sure you have mobile internet to use maps, contact your driver, or translate. You can get a Vietnamese SIM card or use an eSIM if your phone supports it.
- Check our guide: Best eSIM for Vietnam
- Or: How to buy a Vietnamese SIM card
