Discover why self‑drive car rentals are selling out and prices are up to 2× higher for Vietnam’s Tet holidays. Book now to secure a ride!
Vietnam’s Lunar New Year (Tet) travel plans are shifting. Instead of buying airline or train tickets, more families are opting for self‑drive car rentals to cover the long holiday stretch.
Demand spikes across vehicle classes
According to Hiếu, a manager at Thiên Bảo Car in Ho Chi Minh City, rental requests are already outpacing supply weeks before the lunar calendar hits the 27th day. Unlike previous years, customers are not just after the popular 7‑seat SUVs; they’re booking everything from compact sedans to premium MPVs.
Prices almost double
Rental rates have surged dramatically. A Toyota Yaris Cross, usually rented for VND 700,000‑900,000 per day, now commands VND 1.5‑2 million. Premium models breach the VND 4 million mark. Even on major rental platforms the lowest daily price hovers around VND 1.4 million, with only a handful of cars left.
Electric vehicles in high demand
The push toward greener travel is evident. At Hoang Phat’s fleet, six VinFast electric SUVs were fully booked within days, and the stock ran dry faster than gasoline‑powered cars. The electric models come with free charging perks, making them a favourite for cost‑conscious travelers.
Booking rules and discounts
Rental agencies are limiting short‑term (1‑3 day) bookings during Tet. Most cars are now offered in 5‑day or longer “combo” packages, with a 10 % discount for rentals of 10 days or more. These bundles also include insurance, delivery fees (if applicable) and optional on‑site vehicle monitoring services.
Is self‑drive the smarter choice?
Despite higher rates and stricter terms, self‑drive rentals are proving cheaper than buying multiple airline tickets for an entire family during peak travel weeks. With operational cost savings and the growing appeal of electric cars, experts predict that self‑drive rentals will dominate Vietnam’s holiday mobility market in the years to come.
Plan your Tet road trip today and lock in the best rates before the fleet runs out.