Hanoi - hiring a car and driver

Posted by quinnc (171 days ago)

I know Hanoi has car rental places for tourists at tourists rates but does anyone know if there is a service for expat families where you can hire a car and driver for a reasonable monthly rate - we've been advised we would likely prefer to have a car and husband's company will ship one over but I know in a lot of places, like Manila, for instance, you can rent a car and driver for about $160 US per month for about 40 hrs per week. Anyone know if this type of service available in Hanoi?

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Posted by ldldjr (170 days ago)

You don't want to drive in Ha Noi, believe me! Unless of course you are crazy - no offense meant.

I do not know of such companies, but I can give you the phone number for a reliable taxi driver who once you arrive you can contact him and see if he can give you some contacts. This would be making an arrangement with an individual rather than a company - which I would think would be cheaper. My wfie and I relied on this taxi for much of our time in Ha Noi. He is honest, and I think he would give a good referral.

Let me know if you want the number.

Posted by DakLak (134 days ago)

I have lived in VN for 17 years and would NEVER dream of driving in either Ha Noi or HCMC during the day - I drive at night just to drop things off in these cities.

As the other poster suggested, owner/operated taxis provide an option BUT SETTLE THE COST FIRST as Ha Noi taxi drivers are amongst the most dishonest in the world.

You can also rent an unmarked vehicle + driver from taxi companies such as DeLuxe (a Mai Linh company) for reasonable rates. IF YOU GO OUT OF TOWN you are responsible for feeding and housing (cheap hotels) the driver. Car rental WITHOUT driver is not available.

Fuel prices have just been increased by 30% (yes, thirty) and driving your vehicle will be difficult apart from having expensive meetings with police as they view car drivers as mobile ATM's. (Bribes)

Bring International Drivers Licences with you so you can convert them into VN licences.

Also be aware that Ha Noi has a temperate climate so bring warm clothing AND good rainwear - including overpants. Ha Noi is also in a flood plain and (webbed feet would be useful) you should make sure your housing dooesn't suffer from flooded streets, etc.