A Ha Giang Loop license is essential if you plan to ride a motorbike legally in Vietnam. To be fully compliant, you must have two valid documents: an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention with category A, A1, or A2 for motorbikes, and a motorcycle license from your home country that matches 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.
Let’s get started!
Ha Giang Loop license requirements
To legally and safely ride the Ha Giang Loop, you must have the correct licenses and documents. Vietnam enforces traffic laws strictly, especially on the steep mountain roads of the loop.
You need two main licenses:
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention in category A, A1 or A2.
- A matching motorbike license from your home country.
- Ha Giang Immigration Permit (for restricted areas like Dong Van or Meo Vac).
Below is a clear breakdown of each required document.
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.
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Your home country motorbike license
This is the official driving license issued by the country where you reside, confirming that you are qualified to drive and that your license remains valid. When riding in Ha Giang, you must carry your original license with the vehicle category A and present it together with your IDP so that authorities can verify personal information and the legality of operating the vehicle.
Note: 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).
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Ha Giang Immigration Permit
This permit is required for entering restricted border areas like Dong Van and Meo Vac.
How to apply?
You can get it 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 fee is about 230,000 VND per person (around $10 USD), and you only need to bring your passport and basic travel information.
This permit is required for traveling to certain restricted areas such as Dong Van and Meo Vac.
If you want a quicker and hassle-free option, Lila Inn & Tours can help arrange the permit for you.
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Passport
Always keep your original passport with you in case the police need to verify your identity.
Can you ride without a license?
Under Vietnamese traffic law, you can ride a motorbike with an engine size below 50cc without a license. Anything 50cc or above requires a valid driver’s license.
However, a 50cc bike is not strong enough for the Ha Giang Loop. The route includes steep mountain passes, long uphill climbs, sharp turns and rough surfaces. At Lila, we use motorbikes from 150cc because they provide the power and control needed for safe riding.
So even though riding a very small bike may be allowed in other places, riding the Ha Giang Loop without a valid license is not possible or safe.
And if you plan to travel in the colder months, remember to check a Ha Giang Loop packing list for winter to make sure you stay warm and comfortable throughout the journey.
The truth about riding without a license 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
Riding without a proper license in Ha Giang comes with serious consequences. Below are the main risks you need to know before attempting the Loop
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.
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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.
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 Ha Giang loop tour 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.
Car tours
Jeep and SUV tours are a safe and comfortable way to explore the Ha Giang Loop, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. These sturdy vehicles let you enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery without worrying about the road.
With an experienced local driver, you can relax, take photos, and discover hidden gems along the route.
Conclusion
Riding the Ha Giang Loop without a proper license is too risky. You could face fines and miss out on the journey, so it’s better to get the right license or choose a safe alternative.
If you want to explore safely, plan your Ha Giang Loop 3 day tour with us and follow our Ha Giang motorbike loop map to enjoy every twist and turn without worry.
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Frequently Asked Questions (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.
