Thinking of driving solo to Vietnam....

[cflai9353]

Have been thinking of driving solo (with the family) to Vietnam from Malaysia for a while, but finally got down to researching this possibility the past few weeks..

Have been doing some contacts and concludes it is now possible but a very expensive affair...

An agent in Vietnam has quoted me the following prices...

Processing permits and documentation - USD 700

Mandatory guide to lead in a car for 2 weeks - USD 2,000, alternatively, guide sits in my car for the duration USD 1,300

Hmmmm, very expensive! May have to put it on hold until things get cheaper in Vietnam... alternatively, may have to form a convoy of a few cars to lower the average cost per car, but then, it will no longer be solo.....

[Ryo]

So, you needs two guides. One sitting on the other car with lead car driver and the other one sitting in your car? I can't believe it. Just one guide should be enough. Actually what will those guide do? Will they talk about historical place or temples for you?

[cflai9353]

Hi Ryo

I said "Mandatory guide to lead in a car for 2 weeks - USD 2,000, alternatively, guide sits in my car for the duration USD 1,300"

It is an alternative offer - either have an escort car leading in front with a guide for 2 weeks for USD2,000 or no escort car, then the guide will sit in my car for USD1,300....

Whichever the alternative, too expensive just to have the thrill of driving solo... la!

[Ryo]

Oh, OK, I understood. I am happy to sit on your car for free and I will do navigation if my schedule allows me to do so. :P
But, I guess that person has to be a goverment officer.

[cflai9353]

Hahaha, that would be an experience!

Only thing is that you have to become a licensed guide with an officially registered tour operator in Vietnam.....

[Alan]

Just a thought, have you considered renting a car in Vietnam, Budget Rental are here, you are not allowed to drive, they supply a driver. Would save you the $700 document fees, and I always feel I see more when I'm not actually doing the driving. Just something to consider.
Alan

[cflai9353]

Dear Alan

Car rental is definitely an alternative, especially when both my wife & I have local Vietnamese driving licenses.... Will have to check if with a local license, must I have a driver included.... dunno if there is a car rental that will rent a car without the driver...

The problem is that the car rental cost will probably offset the USD2,000 quite especially over a 2 week period ..

[kheirul]

bro.. i'm thinking of that also but looking at the cost.. huhuh......
need to think again

[cflai9353]

bro.. i'm thinking of that also but looking at the cost.. huhuh......
need to think again

Yes... expensive, the only way is to share the cost by organizing a convoy of several cars.

I am told you can hire self-drive cars from the right people (have to find one) - a 4/5 seater will cost around VND600,000 a day without insurance and fuel costs. You will require to have a Vietnamese driving license to drive there though.......

cflai9353

[Ryo]

Actually 600,000 is very cheap! I've heard the Vietnamese drivers license expires when your Visa expire. For me, I can take only 3 month Visa as a tourist. That means I have to get license everytime I go.