Find fast, affordable New Year car rental options for 2026—self‑drive or with a driver. Compare prices, vehicle types and book your ride today!
When the government announced a four‑day stretch for the 2026 New Year holiday, families across Vietnam suddenly found themselves scrambling for transportation. Like many, 33‑year‑old Phuc Thanh from Ho Chi Minh City had to secure a vehicle—either self‑drive or with a driver—to travel to his hometown for the celebrations.
Why the Holiday Extension Caught Travelers Off Guard
The surprise extension gave little time for planning. Thanh explains, “We have a small child, so we prefer a private car. Usually I would book a self‑drive car well in advance, but this year the schedule changed so fast that I was ready to accept a driver if no self‑drive option was available.”
Availability of Self‑Drive and Chauffeur Cars
Despite the rush, most rental platforms reported plenty of inventory. Both self‑drive and chauffeur‑service cars showed high vacancy rates, making it relatively easy for last‑minute bookings. A quick search on a popular car‑sharing app revealed dozens of vehicles across several categories, from compact sedans to larger MPVs, as well as a growing selection of electric models from multiple manufacturers.
Price Snapshot for Popular Models
Pricing remained fairly stable compared with previous years. The special holiday rate applied only on January 1 (2026); the following day (January 2) reverted to standard daily rates. On average, self‑drive rentals were about 30 % higher on the holiday day.
- MG ZS 2024 Luxury – roughly VND 3.6 million for a three‑day rental starting the evening of December 31.
- VinFast VF 7 Plus 2024 – about VND 5.6 million for the same three‑day period.
- Omoda C5 Luxury – around VND 3.7 million.
For larger families, MPVs such as the Kia Carnival, Hyundai Stargazer, or Toyota Veloz Cross were recommended. Their three‑day holiday rates ranged between VND 4 million and VND 7.5 million, depending on model year and trim.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Family Trips
If you travel with several passengers or lots of luggage, an MPV offers the space and comfort needed for long journeys. On the other hand, a compact sedan or SUV may be more economical for couples or small groups.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
Self‑drive rentals exclude fuel, tolls, and any parking fees. Electric cars, like the VinFast models, can be charged for free at public V‑GREEN stations, but third‑party platforms may still charge the owner a mileage‑based fee.
When you opt for a chauffeur‑driven vehicle, the rental price usually includes fuel. You’ll only need to cover tolls and potential parking charges at the destination.
Whether you book a self‑drive car or a professional driver, it’s wise to review the terms carefully, compare rates across platforms, and lock in your reservation early—especially if your travel dates fall on the New Year holiday.