Asia > 🇻🇳 Vietnam
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Vietnam can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Vietnam; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Vietnam?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest for a typical holiday/vacation, then you don’t strictly need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Vietnam?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🏙️ Main Cities in Vietnam
| CITY | IATA | Should 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌾 | Can Tho | VCA | 6 |
| 🏖️ | Da Nang | DAD | 3 |
| 🏙️ | Hanoi | HAN | 3 |
| 🏙️ | Ho Chi Minh City | SGN | 2 |
| 🛥️ | Hạ Long | HANh | 4 |
Vietnam spans over 1,600 km from the mountainous north to the Mekong Delta in the south. Whether you should rent a car in Vietnam largely depends on your confidence as a driver and the type of trip you have in mind.
🛣️ Why Renting a Car in Vietnam Is Not the Usual Choice
-
Self-driving is uncommon: Foreign visitors are generally not permitted to rent a car for self-drive unless they hold a Vietnamese driving licence. Most tourists instead hire a car with a driver, which remains common and affordable.
-
Traffic conditions: Driving in Vietnam—especially in cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City—is chaotic, with scooters everywhere and road rules less enforced than in some western countries.
-
Established train & bus network: Vietnam has a solid network of long-distance rail and road links connecting cities like Hanoi, Huế, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City.
🚆 Train Travel & High-Speed Rail Plans
-
Reunification Express: The north–south conventional railway runs around 1,726 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a classic overland journey broken up at stops like Huế, Da Nang or Quy Nhon.
-
High-Speed Rail (HSR) – under construction: Plans are underway for a high-speed rail line, but as of now it remains in development and not yet available for passengers.
-
Local rail gems: The Da Lat–Trại Mát cog railway offers vintage charm through mountain scenery.
🚘 When Hiring a Car (with driver) Makes Sense
-
Remote & rural regions: If you plan to explore places like the East Rift Valley, the Central Highlands, or the Mekong backwaters, hiring a car with driver gives you more flexibility.
-
Family or group travel: For larger groups, a private car with driver can be cost-effective, and offers flexibility from hotels to scenic stops without fixed schedules.
🛣️ Driving Conditions in Vietnam
-
Vietnam drives on the right.
-
Road quality varies: major highways are good, but secondary roads can be narrow or poorly surfaced.
-
Parking in cities is limited and chaotic.
-
Foreign driving permits may have restrictions — verify with your rental agency.
💡 Car Rental Tips
-
Hire a car with driver rather than self-drive.
-
Book early, particularly for holidays or peak travel periods.
-
Confirm drop-off location and any border-crossing permissions if your route includes crossing into Cambodia or Laos.
🧭 Conclusion
So — should you rent a car in Vietnam?
✅ Yes — if you’re hiring a car with driver and exploring rural, off-beat regions.
🚫 No — if you’re sticking to major cities or relying on trains and buses.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚄🌏 Mostly No — Vietnam’s established public transport and train links serve much of the country well. A private car (with driver) opens up more remote areas, though self-driving is not recommended.
Search for Car Rental in Vietnam with EconomyBookings.com
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary score brings together taxis*, how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation. *Taxis act as a hybrid between private cars and public transport, so they aren’t counted in the overall public-transport or non-car scores. 🚕
👍🏾 / 👎🏻 Would You Rent a Car in Vietnam?
Would you rent a car in Vietnam, or would you rely on public transport instead? 🚗🚄 Everyone travels differently, and the right choice often depends on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and what kind of trip you’re planning.
Hopefully this page has given you a quick, practical overview of the pros and cons of renting a car in Vietnam, and whether it’s really necessary or not. Maybe it’s helped you make up your mind — or maybe you’ve already visited and have insights to share.
We always welcome comments, questions, and comparisons with other countries 🌍 All feedback is read, and any questions or clarifications are usually replied to within 24 hours.