Vietnam Expressway Rest Stops 2026: Where to Stop

On a long expressway drive with children or older relatives, the practical question is usually where you can stop when there is no rest area yet.

Where can you actually stop on a Vietnamese expressway? Rest stops are still being completed, so planning breaks matters. This 2026 guide lists reported operating stops and explains why stopping outside them is costly.

Photo: Expressway lanes near Ho Chi Minh City by trungydang, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

What is open

The Vietnam Road Administration reported five rest stops operating on the Hanoi-Can Tho corridor: Gie-Ninh Binh, Cao Bo-Mai Son, La Son-Hoa Lien, HCMC-Long Thanh-Dau Giay and Trung Luong-My Thuan. Others on the eastern North-South expressway include Phan Thiet-Dau Giay, Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet, Nha Trang-Cam Lam and Van Phong-Nha Trang. Investors aim to substantially complete the nationwide network in 2026 (VOV).

Why it matters

Stopping or parking on an expressway outside the designated places carries a fine of VND 12 to 14 million (Ministry of Public Security). Not every stretch has a rest stop yet, so plan breaks around the stops that exist.

Break plan

1. Rest about every two hours.
2. Fill the tank before long gaps.
3. Share your route with your driver in advance; with a car and driver, the driver can plan the breaks for you.

Practical scenario

Before a long trip, mark the next rest stop on your route and decide whether it is the right time to use it. If a child needs a break between stops, ask the driver to leave at the next interchange rather than stopping on the shoulder. Fill the tank at the last stop before a long gap.

Tip from Car Rental Vietnam: Before you set off, ask the driver which rest stop comes last before the longest gap; that is the time for everyone to use the toilets and buy water.

Why not to stop outside rest areas

Apart from the heavy fine, stopping on an expressway is very dangerous because vehicles behind you are travelling fast. The emergency lane is only for genuine emergencies. The rules are explained in our guide to stopping on expressways and safe practice. The list of rest stops above may have changed as new ones open; ask your driver or check the latest information before you go.

Planning your breaks

• Before you set off, mark the rest stops on your route and the distance between them.
• Take a break about every two hours, even if you do not feel tired yet.
• Fill up with fuel (or charge an electric car) at the last stop before a long stretch without one.
• Let everyone use the toilets and buy water at the last stop before the longest stretch.
• If a child needs a break between two stops, leave at the next interchange instead of stopping in the emergency lane.

Suggestions for popular routes from Ho Chi Minh City

• To Phan Thiet and Mui Ne: there are rest stops on the Phan Thiet – Dau Giay expressway. See Mui Ne by expressway.
• To Nha Trang: a long route, so split your breaks across the eastern rest stops. See Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang by expressway.
• To the Mekong Delta: use the Trung Luong – My Thuan rest stop. See the Mekong Delta by car guide.

Self-drive or leave it to a driver

If you would rather not drive the long legs yourself, book a car with a driver: the driver knows the rest stops, toll lanes and usual bottlenecks. With a driver, fuel and road tolls are included; with a self-drive car, you pay these yourself. All quotes currently get 10% off. Before a self-drive trip, read the pre-expressway checklist. Ask for a quote at /en/dat-xe.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the fine?

VND 12 to 14 million for stopping outside designated places.

Are all rest stops open?

No, the network is still being completed.

How often to rest?

About every two hours.

What if a child gets carsick between two rest stops?

Leave at the next interchange to rest; do not stop in the emergency lane.

Do you have child seats for long trips?

Yes, child seats are available on request; mention it when you book.

You can also read Vietnam Expressway Speed Limits: 120 km/h Max, 60 Min when planning your trip.