Car Hire in Vietnam

Vietnam stretches 1,650 km from north to south, encompassing an extraordinary diversity of landscapes: the misty karst mountains of Ha Giang, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and the azure waters of Ha Long Bay. Driving is a revelatory way to experience the country's pace and character — though the road rules take some getting used to.

Best airports & pick-up locations

• Hanoi (HAN) — Northern Vietnam. Ha Giang loop, Sapa, Ha Long Bay access, Ninh Binh.
• Da Nang (DAD) — Central Vietnam. Hai Van Pass, Hoi An, My Son, Hue all within reach.
• Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — Southern Vietnam. Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc, Con Dao.

Driving in Vietnam

• Drive on the right. Speed limits: 90 km/h highways, 60–80 km/h national roads, 40–50 km/h urban.
• International Driving Permit required. Vietnamese traffic can be chaotic — expect constant horn use and motorbikes appearing from everywhere.
• Self-drive car hire (without a driver) can be harder to arrange than in other Asian countries; consider a car with driver for longer trips.
• Mountain roads in the north (Ha Giang, Sapa) are spectacular but require confident driving on narrow, steep routes.

Local tips & best routes

The Hai Van Pass between Da Nang and Hue is Vietnam's most famous driving road — a 21 km mountain road with sweeping ocean views. The Ha Giang Loop in the far north is a 350 km mountain circuit through karst peaks and ethnic minority villages. For a gentler drive, the road through the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City to Ca Mau passes floating markets and river life.