Travel Tips

Car Seats in Vietnam: What Families Should Know Before Travelling

Travelling around Vietnam with children is very doable, but car seats are one of those small details that are better arranged before you arrive.

In many countries, parents expect child seats to be standard in taxis, transfers or private cars. In Vietnam, that is not usually the case. Car seats can often be arranged, especially for private transfers, but they normally need to be requested in advance.

This matters most for airport pickups, cruise transfers and longer journeys between places like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Da Nang or Hoi An.

Are Car Seats Common in Vietnam?

Car seats are not automatically included in most vehicles in Vietnam. If you book a normal taxi, app car, airport transfer or private car without asking, it is safer to assume there will not be one.

Vietnam has also been updating its child road safety rules. The latest reported update says children under 10 years old and under 1.35 metres should not sit in the same row as the driver, unless the vehicle only has one row of seats. The same updates also mention suitable child safety devices for private cars, while taxis, buses and other commercial passenger vehicles have been reported as exempt from the child-seat requirement from 1 July 2026.

For travellers, the practical point is simple: even if car seats are not standard in everyday vehicles, arranging one in advance is still a sensible choice for young children, especially on longer journeys.

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When Should You Request a Car Seat?

Request a car seat when you book your transfer, not on the day of travel.

This gives the travel company time to check availability, choose the right vehicle and prepare the setup before pickup. It is especially useful for longer routes such as Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Hanoi to Sapa, Da Nang to Hoi An or airport transfers after a long flight.

If you are travelling with a toddler or younger child, share the child's age, height and approximate weight. This helps the team arrange the most suitable option, whether that is a child seat or a booster seat.

Private Transfers Are Usually Easier for Families

A private car is usually the easiest option if you are travelling with children, luggage, a pram or a car seat.

For families who need a child car seat, booking a private car in advance is usually the easiest option, with enough space for the car seat, passengers and luggage.

The car can be prepared before pickup, so there is less stress on the day. You also get more space, better timing and a smoother journey, especially if you are heading to a cruise, airport or another city.

This is much easier than trying to find a car seat last minute in a taxi or app car.

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What About Grab, Be and Xanh SM?

Grab, Be and Xanh SM are useful for short city journeys in Vietnam. Xanh SM uses electric vehicles, and all three are common in major cities.

For families, the main thing to know is that car seats are not standard in these cars. For short rides, many travellers still use them, but for longer journeys, airport transfers or trips with luggage, a pre-booked private car is usually more practical.

Should You Bring Your Own Car Seat?

Some families prefer to bring their own car seat, especially for infants or very young children. This gives you more control over the fit and style of seat.

The downside is luggage space. Vietnam trips often involve several transfers, hotel changes, domestic flights or cruises, so carrying a bulky car seat can become inconvenient.

If your itinerary mainly uses private transfers, asking your travel company to arrange one in advance is usually easier.

What to Tell Your Travel Company

When requesting a car seat, keep the details simple and clear.

Share your child's age, height and approximate weight. Also mention your route, group size and how much luggage you are bringing.

This helps the company prepare the right vehicle and avoid surprises on the travel day.

When arranging a car seat through a transfer company, check that it is suitable for your child's age, height and size before confirming.

Final Thoughts

Car seats in Vietnam are not always standard, but they can usually be arranged with advance notice.

For families with young children, private transfers are often the easiest option. The car can be prepared before pickup, the journey feels calmer, and there is more space for luggage, prams and family travel.

Vietnam is very family-friendly, but transport works best when the small details are planned early. A car seat is one of those details that can make the journey feel safer, smoother and much easier.