If your trip to Ho Chi Minh City is all locked in but your travel itinerary is looking a little empty, let us give you a few hints and tips.Stop by Ben Thanh Market. It’s one sight you’ll usually find on most visitors’ must-do lists. Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Area and Saigon Square are also close by and worth a detour.

The joy of renting a car is that you can travel anywhere, anytime. Make the most of your freedom by discovering all there is to do in My Tho. It’s just 37 miles away. Dong Tam Snake Farm, My Tho Market and Vinh Trang Pagoda alone make the drive out worth it. Situated 40 miles away, Vung Tau is another place to aim for. If you visit, be sure to check out Back Beach, Front Beach and Tuong Dai Chua Kito Vua.

After a long day of mixing with like-minded people, it’s always good to know you can rest and relax someplace nearby. If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City for work-related reasons, these are some of the convention centers that are close to hotels, cafés and restaurants:

• HIECC Ho Chi Minh International Exhibition Conference Center (3 miles away).
• Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (4 miles away).
• Ho Chi Minh City International Exhibition and Convention Centre (4 miles away).

Here are our top tips on how to jump behind the wheel of a rental car with some extra cash in your pocket:

• Compare as many different deals as possible (we make that task a walk in the park!)
• Set an email Price Drop Alert for your next exciting vacation destination. You never know what terrific deals will make a pit stop in your inbox
• Research is the key to getting your hands on the best rental bargains in town, so be sure to look into both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets before you splash cash on your ride
• If you have some wiggle room in your schedule, modify your dates to find better prices on different days of the week
• No one likes being whacked with a late fee. Avoid having to pay for another day by making sure your pickup and drop-off times are similar
• Sometimes rental companies reward you with discounts if you pay in advance, so be sure to keep your eyes open for these penny-pinching offers
• Don’t let the deal you want slip through your grasp. Book now and drive away with your dream ride.

Having your own car in Ho Chi Minh City will give you the freedom to go wherever you want at your own pace. Maybe you can’t wait to escape town, hit the open road, and go wherever the wind takes you. If that’s the case, drive off in one of our full-size or mid-size SUVs and take a look at the bays in the surrounding area. If you just can’t get enough of the bright city lights, go for something small. Dashing around heavy traffic will be a lot easier in a compact or economy car.

You’ll be glad to know that there’s a wide variety of both luxury and economy vehicles to rent in Ho Chi Minh City. What you go for will depend on your budget and the activities you’ve got planned. Prestige vehicles often spare no expense when it comes to comfort and class. If you want to treat yourself, why not book an elite SUV, or perhaps a cushy mid-sized sedan? On the other hand, if you just need something to get you around town as economically as possible, maybe go for a no-frills compact vehicle (or something else that won’t blow your budget).

Driving around a new location doesn’t have to be a white-knuckle experience. If you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, get comfortable in the driver’s seat with these helpful pointers:

People drive on the right side of the road in Ho Chi Minh City. Even though the conditions may be similar to home, we recommend driving with a little extra care in places you’ve never been.

It can be. Cruising around the block looking for a place to park is all part of the fun in Ho Chi Minh City. Getting within walking distance of busy attractions is easier if you research your options ahead of time.

Ho Chi Minh City enjoys all the excitement of a city with 3,467,300 residents, but that can also mean heavier traffic. The early peak is typically from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, while the later rush hours are between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Speed limits vary in Ho Chi Minh City, but typically range from 60km/h to 90km/h. Most residential zones have a maximum speed of 40km/h unless signed otherwise.

Usually, your chosen rental car company will bill the fined amount to your credit card. Alternatively, the company may supply your contact details to the relevant local agency so they can issue a fine straight to you.

It is illegal to use your cell phone while you’re behind the wheel in Ho Chi Minh City, and you could even be fined for just holding a phone when you’re in control of a vehicle. That said, the use of hands-free or Bluetooth functions is permitted, as long as you keep your attention on the road.

While driving in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s against the law to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) in excess of 0.05%. Thinking of having one or two drinks while you’re out? Consider using a ride-sharing service or booking a taxi.

Traffic laws in Ho Chi Minh City allow drivers at a red light to turn into the direction of traffic nearer to them, without having to wait for it to turn green. Before making the maneuver, the vehicle must come to a complete stop and the driver must be certain that the way is clear before moving on.

No, but we recommend wearing them all the same. If this is your first time cruising around Vietnam, buckle your seat belt and exercise caution.