To legally ride a motorbike on the Ha Giang Loop (and anywhere in Vietnam), you need two valid licenses: an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention – category A, A1 or A2 for motorbikes, and a driver’s license from your home country in the same category.
In reality, many travelers try to “get by” with just an IDP or skip proper checks, but this is not accepted. Fines can reach up to 315 USD for motorbikes and up to 787 USD for cars.
To help you enjoy a safe, legal, and stress-free Ha Giang Loop journey, Lila will walk you through everything you need to know about licenses and the key rules to follow before hitting the road.
Licenses Required to Drive in Ha Giang Loop
In Vietnam, every driver must obey our national traffic laws, including wearing a standard helmet, obeying speed limits, not driving under the influence of alcohol, and giving way when required. Breaking these rules can result in heavy fines or even severe accidents.
Especially on the Ha Giang Loop, which is full of steep mountain passes and sharp curves, the enforcement of both traffic laws and license requirements is even stricter.
To ride safely and legally here, you need two licenses: an International Driving Permit (IDP) and your home country’s equivalent license. The IDP must be issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, category A, A1, A2.. For restricted areas like Dong Van and Meo Vac, a Ha Giang Immigration Permit is also required.
Here comes a detailed instruction on these necessary documents:
1. International Driving Permit (IDP)
Only IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention are accepted in Vietnam. The older 1949 Geneva IDPs (commonly issued in the US, Australia, and others) are not valid here. Also, your IDP must show Category A (motorbike), and it must be carried together with your original national license.
How to obtain an IDP permit for the Ha Giang Loop?
- Apply in your home country (where your original driver’s license was issued).
Make sure you get the IPD issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. - You can apply online or in person at your national driver’s license authority.
- Bring along your valid national driver’s license, an application form, passport photos, and the payment fee.
- The fee is around $20–$40 USD.
2. Vietnamese Driving License
If you’re planning on staying in Vietnam long-term, you can convert your home license into a Vietnamese one. This is the most reliable option and is fully recognized by the police.
How to get a Vietnamese Driving License?
- What you need: your passport, a valid visa or temporary residence card showing that you have lived legally in Vietnam for at least 3 months, your original national driver’s license, and a certified translation of your license.
- Where to apply: at the Vietnam Directorate for Roads or the local Department of Transport (usually in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or in your city of residence).
- Once approved, you’ll receive a Vietnamese motorbike license (either A1 or A2, depending on the size of the bike).
3. Ha Giang Immigration Permit
This permit is required for traveling to certain restricted areas such as Dong Van and Meo Vac.
How to apply?
- Apply at the Immigration Office in Ha Giang City (346 Nguyen Trai street) or at local police stations in border districts, such as Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, or Meo Vac.
- The cost is around 230,000 VND per person (about $10 USD).
- Just bring your passport and basic travel details.
- An easier way: Let Lila Inn & Tour help arrange it for you.
4. Passport
Always keep your original passport with you in case the police need to verify your identity.
Can You Ride Without a License?
According to the Vietnamese traffic law, you can ride a motorbike with an engine size under 50cc without a license. If the engine is 50cc or above, a valid driver’s license is required.
However, a 50cc bike is far too underpowered for the Ha Giang Loop, which features numerous steep mountain passes, lengthy uphill climbs, sharp hairpin turns, and rough surfaces. At Lila, our riders exclusively use 150cc+ motorbikes, which have sufficient power to handle climbs and provide more control on the descents.
Riding the Ha Giang Loop without a valid license is impossible.
Get your Free Ha Giang Loop Guide Plan your dream trip with our Free guide, including suggested itineraries, top attractions, safety tips, and local insights from Lila Inn & Tours By subscribing you agree to receive marketing communications from us. To opt out, click unsubscribe at the bottom of our emails.
The reality in Ha Giang
Many travelers still rent motorbikes without a valid license, hoping to avoid the police checkpoints. However, based on Lila’s experience, Ha Giang has so many checkpoints that slipping through is nearly impossible.
In some cases, riders try to show an International Driving Permit that doesn’t follow the 1968 Convention, hoping it will be accepted. However, this will not work. The police in Ha Giang are strict, and if your documents aren’t in order, you can be stopped, fined, or even have your bike taken away.
The risks of riding without a License
- Legal penalties
Before, if the police stopped you without the right license, you’d usually just get a fine of about 40–80 USD and maybe lose your bike temporarily.
However, under the new regulation for 2025, you can be fined up to 315 USD for riding a motorbike without a valid license in Ha Giang, and up to 787 USD for driving a car.
- Insurance issues
If you are riding illegally, the travel insurance won’t cover you in case of accidents. You’ll be responsible for paying all medical bills, bike damages, and potential compensation costs.
- Safety concerns
The Ha Giang Loop is not for everyone. The roads are narrow, steep, and full of sharp turns along with heavy trucks and local traffic. Without a license that proves your proper riding skills, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. Especially for first-time riders, the risks are even higher.
Read more in our article:
Is the Ha Giang Loop Dangerous? 
Safety Alternatives for The Ha Giang Loop
We understand that sometimes it is difficult to acquire the right license for the Ha Giang Loop. But don’t worry! There are some safe and exciting alternatives for you to enjoy the loop.
1. Easy Rider Tour
An Easy Rider is a local driver who takes travelers around on motorbikes. They’re experienced riders who know every twist and turn of the mountain roads, and many are licensed professionals. All you need to do is just to hop on the back, relax, and enjoy the views.
As a local tour company with over 8 years of experience guiding over +24,000 travelers across Ha Giang, Lila is proud to offer you safe and enjoyable Easy Rider tours that focus on three key priorities:
- Safety first with Easy Riders who have over 5 years of riding experience, are professionally trained, and strictly follow safety rules: no overtaking on bends, no riding side-by-side, and never exceeding speed limits.
- Small group tours with fewer than 10 travelers, allowing us to better care for each guest’s experience while ensuring the privacy and personal space you deserve.
- Off-the-beaten-path adventures that take you to lesser-known places most tourists never reach.
And Lila believes you’ll see that what we say is exactly what we do on every Easy Rider tour.
2. Jeep or SUV Tours
Jeeps and SUVs are a great way to enjoy the views in the comfort of a sturdy vehicle. These tours are especially popular with families, groups of friends.
Conclusion
Riding the Ha Giang Loop without a proper license is not worth the risk. You could face heavy fines and, more importantly, miss out on a truly enjoyable journey. That’s why it’s always better to obtain the right license or pick an alternative that works for you.
If you want to explore the Loop without worrying about licenses, rules, or planning, just reach out to Lila. We’re here to ensure your Ha Giang adventure is safe, stress-free, and unforgettable.
FAQs
- What are the fines if you’re caught without a valid license on Ha Giang Loop?
According to the 2025 traffic regulations in Vietnam, the fine for riding a motorbike without a valid license is from 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND. For cars, the penalty is much higher, ranging from 18,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND.
- Are police checkpoints common on the Ha Giang Loop?
Yes. Ha Giang is famous for its numerous checkpoints, making it almost impossible to avoid inspection even if you hope to “get lucky”.
- Can showing an IDP from countries like the US, Australia, or Spain get me through?
No. IDPs must follow the 1968 Vienna Convention format to be valid in Vietnam. IDPs from countries not part of that convention (or issued under the older 1949 Geneva format) are not accepted.
