How to find a cheap car hire deal in Vientiane
Searching for a cheap rental car in Vientiane? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging $273 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book easily, save more, and drive away happy.
The cheapest daily rental price in Vientiane is $90.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $555 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
We've cracked the code on when to book. Three weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Vientiane car hire.
Check out the offers available with Sixt, Avis and TS Car Hire. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.
The coverage Sixt or another company includes with your Vientiane car hire can vary, so always go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you go the distance.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with prices averaging $131 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $156.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly $122 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Compact rental category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Vientiane.
Flying to Vientiane? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into Vientiane, make tracks sooner by booking a car hire at Wattay International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 3 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Vientiane
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Vientiane puts you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Vientiane car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Vientiane that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Vientiane car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Vientiane.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car hire in Laos.
If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Vientiane car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If it's your first time driving in Laos, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 30kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Laos, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you intend to drink, hand the keys to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Best hotels in Vientiane for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Centerpoint Boutique Hotel. Offering parking as well as internet access and a 24-hour front desk, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Vientiane.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Sinakhone Vientiane Hotel. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this stay, which also features a restaurant and room service.
Need more ideas? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Vientiane. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Vientiane and the right hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Pha That Luang, Wat Inpeng and COPE Visitor Centre give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Vientiane
Around 64 kilometres north of central Vientiane, Muang Phôn-Hông is one place you won't want to miss. Make tracks to its must-see sights like Care.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Luang Prabang, around 225 kilometres north of Vientiane. Kick things off at Old Quarter Luang Prabang, then follow it up with Royal Palace Museum.
Catch up on sleep in Luang Prabang at either Maison Zen Aphay or Villa Santi Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
