Our Vehicles with Drivers

Comfort matters between destinations, too: a comfortable seat for everyone, effective air conditioning, luggage stored properly and a driver who understands the pace of each day. Whether it is an airport transfer or a journey lasting several weeks, the right vehicle makes a real difference to the way you experience Vietnam.

Tonkin Voyage Travel chooses the right private vehicle and driver for your trip based on the number of travellers, the amount of luggage, the itinerary and the level of comfort you prefer. From cars and SUVs to family vehicles, premium vans, minibuses and coaches, your travel consultant will recommend a category that suits the journeys planned and the options available locally.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or friends, or as part of a corporate group, the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your party for the road journeys included in your itinerary. Our team coordinates the drivers and any vehicle changes required between regions, with particular attention to comfort, punctuality and a smooth experience throughout your trip.

Choosing the right vehicle for your group, luggage and itinerary

A vehicle with seven seats does not necessarily have enough room for seven travellers and all their luggage. The driver’s seat, the guide’s seat when a guide accompanies you, the layout of the rows and the remaining luggage space all need to be taken into account.

For a multi-stop journey, we prefer to leave a comfortable margin rather than fill every available seat. Four travellers with large suitcases may therefore need a more spacious vehicle than a family taking a day trip with only a few small bags.

Before recommending a vehicle category, your travel consultant considers the number of adults and children, the number and size of the suitcases, pushchairs, mobility equipment, golf bags or photographic equipment. Journey times, access to your accommodation and the roads along the itinerary also influence the choice.

Which vehicle is right for your group?

For every journey, Tonkin Voyage Travel looks for the right balance between comfort, quality of service and budget. The categories below show the recommended number of travellers for each type of vehicle. The aim is to leave enough room for the driver, the guide and the luggage rather than simply filling every available seat.

These are guidelines only and do not represent guaranteed luggage capacities. The final vehicle is confirmed according to the total number of travellers, the size of the suitcases and the itinerary. For a group of twenty travellers, for example, the choice between a coach with 35 seats and one with 45 seats will depend largely on the desired level of comfort and the amount of luggage.

1. Cars with 5 to 7 seats: ideal for two travellers

Cars with five to seven seats work well for couples travelling with a private driver and, when included for part of the itinerary, a private guide. They provide a comfortable and private way to travel between cities, places of interest and accommodation.

Toyota Innova, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Xpander or comparable models may be used. The final choice depends on interior space, ease of access and luggage capacity. In a vehicle with three rows of seats, leaving the rear row free for luggage can make a noticeable difference to comfort on a multi-stop journey.

2. Vans with 16 seats: for families and groups of 3 to 7 travellers

A van with 16 seats and a private driver offers plenty of space for a family or a small group of friends. Keeping the number of passengers well below the vehicle’s full seating capacity gives everyone more room and leaves valuable space for luggage, especially on longer road journeys.

Depending on availability, we may use a Ford Transit, Hyundai Solati or Mercedes-Benz minibus. The seating layout, ease of boarding and rear luggage space all help determine which configuration is best suited to your trip.

3. Minibuses with 25 seats: for groups of 8 to 14 travellers

For eight to fourteen travellers, a minibus with 25 seats offers more room and comfort than a smaller vehicle. It is particularly well suited to extended families and organised groups who want to travel together.

Hyundai minibuses or Toyota Coaster models may be suitable options, depending on the configuration and local availability. We check the actual number of usable seats and the luggage space on the vehicle proposed, while also allowing for the seats needed by your guide or other accompanying staff.

4. Coaches with 35 or 45 seats: for groups of 15 to 32 travellers

Coaches with 35 seats are recommended for groups of fifteen to twenty travellers, while coaches with 45 seats can comfortably accommodate groups of twenty to thirty-two travellers, depending on the amount of luggage being carried.

These vehicles are particularly practical for associations, staff groups and corporate groups travelling together. Their luggage holds keep suitcases separate from the passenger area. If you plan to make announcements, give commentary or speak to the group during the journey, let us know when booking so that we can confirm whether a microphone is available.

Where a site can only be reached by a narrow road, we may arrange a nearby drop-off point or use smaller vehicles for the final section of the journey.

5. Premium vans and limousines: for greater comfort

For travellers who prefer extra space and a more refined interior, Tonkin Voyage Travel can arrange premium vans, limousine vehicles and other higher-end models on request. Depending on the layout, these vehicles may offer wider individual seats, greater recline or charging points.

The term “limousine” does not refer to one standard type of vehicle or level of equipment. Our proposal therefore specifies the number of seats, the interior layout, the available features and the amount of luggage space. Availability is checked separately for each region and each stage of your journey.

Comfort and maintenance: our selection criteria

Our selection is based on three priorities: interior comfort, the overall condition of the vehicle and proper mechanical maintenance. Air conditioning, seat quality, seat belts for occupied seats, cleanliness and luggage space are among the points we look at. Some vehicles may have leather upholstery; exact finishes depend on the model confirmed. Luggage should be stored without inconveniencing passengers or blocking the aisles.

Tonkin Voyage Travel gives preference to recent, well-maintained vehicles. Age is considered alongside the vehicle’s overall condition and maintenance history: attractive upholstery alone is not enough to judge a vehicle properly. Points checked with the transport provider include the tyres, braking system and correct operation of the air conditioning. If the age or year of registration of the vehicle is particularly important to you, please mention this to your travel consultant.

Professional drivers and regional availability

Knowledge of local roads, punctuality and safe, considerate driving are among the criteria we use when selecting our drivers. Breaks and daily schedules are planned around the journeys involved and coordinated with your guide whenever a guide accompanies you.

The vehicle and driver may change between northern, central and southern Vietnam, particularly after a domestic flight. The models available vary by region and travel date; a limousine available in a major city, for example, may not be available or suitable for a mountain journey. We therefore confirm the vehicle category for each part of your itinerary, and requests for a particular model are always subject to availability.

In the event of a breakdown or unexpected unavailability, our team works with the transport provider to arrange assistance or a replacement and keeps you informed of any necessary changes. The solution and the time required will depend on your location and the vehicles available nearby.

The driver’s role is to provide your transport and transfers; drivers are not necessarily English-speaking. Your guide focuses on the visits, explanations and conversations with local people. To learn more about the role of our guides during a private journey, see Our English-Speaking Guides.

What our travellers say about our drivers

Smooth, careful driving, punctuality, a friendly welcome and thoughtful attention along the way can make a real difference to a private journey. These are qualities that travellers regularly mention when describing their experience with Tonkin Voyage Travel. Leanne noted that “Every driver was early, polite, helpful” and appreciated travelling safely and efficiently from one place to the next. Read her testimonial. After travelling through northern Vietnam, Bill and Eva described their driver Chung as “always punctual, polite & helpful” and particularly appreciated his cautious and considerate driving on challenging roads. Read their testimonial. Mary and Nigel simply wrote that “The drivers were wonderful”, while also highlighting the clean, comfortable cars, cold water and refreshing wipes provided during their journeys. Read their testimonial. For Kym and her family, having guides and drivers who were always on time helped everyone feel “very safe comfortable and relaxed” throughout the trip. Read her testimonial. Together, these comments reflect the trust and friendly rapport that can develop with the people accompanying you from one stage of the journey to the next.

Discover more testimonials from travellers who planned their journeys with Tonkin Voyage Travel.

Planning transport for your tailor-made journey

Tell us your travel dates, itinerary, number of participants, the ages of any children and the approximate amount of luggage. You can also let us know about your comfort preferences and any particular requirements. These details help us choose appropriately sized vehicles and prepare a proposal that fits your journey.

Your quotation sets out the vehicle category, the transfers included and the days on which a vehicle and driver will be at your disposal. Share your travel plans with Tonkin Voyage Travel by clicking on “Customize Your Trip”.