Traveling in Vietnam with a baby or toddler by car
For most families, getting around Vietnam means hiring a private car or joining a guided tour — whether it’s an airport transfer, a day trip to the countryside, or a longer multi-day journey. Cars are comfortable, flexible, and far safer for young children than motorbikes or open vehicles. But there’s a catch that surprises many parents: child car seats are almost never included.
Unlike in Europe, Australia, or North America, car seats have not been standard in Vietnam. Most local drivers don’t own one, and most tour and transport companies don’t provide them. That’s been the reality for years, and despite new legislation, it hasn’t changed overnight.
If you’re planning to travel Vietnam with a baby, toddler, or young child, knowing how to arrange a seat in advance can make a real difference to both safety and peace of mind.
Read the complete guide to traveling with kids in Vietnam for what to expect, what to prepare, and the best experiences for families.
Child car seat rules in Vietnam
Vietnam has historically had no legal requirement for child car seats. That changed in 2024, when the National Assembly passed a new Road Traffic Safety Law introducing mandatory child restraints for the first time. The rules are now in effect, though the details matter — especially for foreign travelers.
The official rules
From July 1, 2026, children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters tall must use an appropriate child safety device when traveling in a private car. They are also not permitted to sit in the same row as the driver. Violations carry a fine of VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 — roughly $30 to $40 USD.
It’s worth noting that the law doesn’t require a car seat specifically. It requires a suitable child safety device, which can include a car seat, infant carrier, booster seat, or dedicated child safety belt. The key is that the device meets the national technical standard (QCVN 123:2024/BGTVT) and is properly installed.
Exemptions
Not all vehicles are covered. Taxis, ride-hailing cars like Grab, and buses are officially exempt from the child seat requirement. This exemption was finalized by Vietnam’s National Assembly in December 2025, partly to avoid mass trip cancellations and acknowledge the practical challenges of equipping commercial vehicles. For most foreign tourists, this means the cars they use most often — airport taxis, Grab rides, and tour buses — are not legally required to have a seat.
The requirement applies to private vehicles and privately hired cars.
Enforcement in practice
Vietnam’s traffic laws have a reputation for inconsistent enforcement, and this one is no different — at least for now. The law is new, public awareness is still building, and police are not yet stopping private hire vehicles specifically to check for child seats. For foreign tourists, the realistic chance of being fined is low.
That said, the absence of enforcement is not a reason to skip the seat. Vietnam’s roads carry real risk, and a car seat exists to protect your child in a collision — not to satisfy a police check. The legal framework is now in place, and enforcement will tighten over time.
Do taxis and private car hire companies provide child seats?
The short answer is no — and it’s worth being direct about this so there are no surprises on arrival.
Taxis in Vietnam do not carry child car seats. This applies to street taxis, airport taxis, and ride-hailing services like Grab. Since taxis are legally exempt from the child seat requirement, there is no pressure on drivers or companies to change this. It’s not something you can request at the last minute and expect to find.
Private car hire and tour operators are a different category under the law, but the reality on the ground is similar. The vast majority do not provide child seats unless it has been specifically arranged and confirmed in advance. Even then, availability is limited and the quality of seats varies.
There are exceptions. Some specialist transport companies catering to foreign families do offer seats as part of their service, but they are not the norm. If a seat is important to you — and for young children it should be — never assume it will be available. Always ask before booking, get confirmation in writing, and if possible verify what type of seat is provided.
Outside of major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, finding a driver or operator who can provide a child seat becomes significantly harder. In rural areas and smaller towns, the realistic answer is almost always no.
How to arrange a child car seat in Vietnam
Given that most transport providers don’t carry seats, the responsibility falls on parents to arrange one before they travel. There are three realistic options: rent, bring, or buy.
Rent one
Specialist baby equipment rental services have emerged in Vietnam’s main tourist cities, and for shorter trips this is often the most practical solution. Companies like KidEase Rentals and Babonbo operate in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, and deliver directly to hotels, airports, or rental car companies. Seats are cleaned between rentals and sourced from reputable international brands.
This option works well if your trip is based in or around a major city. If you’re traveling to more remote areas, rental becomes much harder to arrange. Outside the cities listed above, don’t count on finding a rental service.
Book in advance. During peak travel periods — Christmas, Lunar New Year, summer — availability fills up quickly. A week’s notice is a reasonable minimum; two weeks is safer.
If you’re doing the Ha Giang Loop with Local Vietnam, a child seat is available on private tours. It’s worth mentioning when you book.
Bring one from home
For families visiting multiple destinations, spending time in rural areas, or hiring private transport for most of their trip, bringing a seat from home is the most reliable option. You know the seat, you know it fits your child, and you’re not dependent on local availability.
Most airlines allow a car seat as checked luggage, often free of charge, though policies vary so it’s worth confirming before you fly. The main downside is bulk — a full infant seat adds real weight and awkwardness when moving between hotels or using public transport.
A travel-friendly or foldable seat is worth considering if you plan to fly between cities or move around frequently. Booster seats, where appropriate for your child’s age and weight, are significantly easier to pack and carry.
Buy one in Vietnam
For longer stays, buying locally is a genuine option and often cheaper than expected. Vietnam’s child car seat market has grown sharply since the new law was announced, and international brands are now widely available. Joie, Chicco, Maxi-Cosi, and Graco can be found in baby specialty stores, large shopping malls, and on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada.
Prices for standard certified models typically range from around VND 2 million to VND 7 million — roughly $80 to $280 USD — which is considerably less than equivalent models in many Western countries. High-end models cost more. When buying, look for seats certified to ECE R44 or i-Size (R129) standards, which are the internationally recognized benchmarks for child seat safety.
Availability is good in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. In smaller cities and towns, selection is limited and you may not find certified international brands at all. If buying locally is part of your plan, do it at the start of your trip in a major city rather than hoping to find something along the way.
Practical tips
Before booking any transport in Vietnam, confirm directly with the driver or operator whether a child seat is available. Don’t assume — ask explicitly, and get confirmation in writing if possible.
If renting a seat, book at least a week in advance. During peak periods like Christmas, Lunar New Year, and the summer school holidays, rental stock in popular cities fills up faster than most parents expect.
If your child’s age and weight allows for a booster seat, it’s worth choosing one over a full infant seat for a Vietnam trip. Booster seats are lighter, easier to pack, and far less awkward when moving between hotels, airports, and vehicles.
Finally, if you buy a seat in Vietnam, keep the original box and receipt. Some airlines require proof of certification for checked car seats, and having the packaging makes that straightforward at check-in.
