Can I hire a car and drive around Vietnam as a foreigner?

Self-drive car rental is rarely offered to tourists, and for good reasons. A foreign driver needs a licence that Vietnam recognizes, normally together with an International Driving Permit under the 1968 Vienna Convention, and rental companies often do not rent without a Vietnamese licence or local sponsor.

Traffic is also dense, rules are followed loosely, and motorbikes fill every lane. An accident can lead to long police and insurance procedures, and your insurer may refuse a claim if the licence is not valid.

The common choice is a car with a driver. It costs a little more than a self-drive rental, but you keep your hands free and your driver knows the local roads. It is the usual way to do routes such as Hanoi to Ha Long, Sapa or Ninh Binh.

Ask the company what is included, such as fuel, tolls and the driver's meals. Read the Vietnam travel guide for route ideas.