License Requirements in Ha Giang

What are the license requirements in Ha Giang and Cao Bang?

If you’ve Googled this question, you’ve likely been met with outdated or conflicting information so we’re here to set the record straight!

First off, Vietnam laws require you to hold an international driver’s license. This license must be issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, which is not the same as the 1949 convention. Before paying the fees to obtain one, please double check that your home country issues the licenses within the same convention. Some countries do not issue under the 1968 convention and unfortunately, there is no way to get around this.

Step two: okay so you’ve obtained your international driver’s license under the 1968 convention – what next? Make sure you have a copy of your home country license because the police may ask to see this at one of the various checkpoints in Ha Giang. If you’ve got both of these, you’re good to go! Best wishes and drive safe!

If I don’t have the ability to obtain an international license, can I still drive on the loop?

Well, the short answer is legally, no. Some travellers choose to rent a motorbike and drive without a license anyway. We do not recommend this option and here is why:

• Illegally renting/driving a motorbike invalidates your travel and medical insurance. If you were to have an unfortunate incident on the loop, there is no coverage if you require immediate medical assistance or hospital stays. Additionally, if the accident involved other individuals, you would have no 3^rd party liability coverage. While accidents on the loop are infrequent as part of an experienced guide and tour group, we still recommend that you maintain full travel and medical insurance.
• Police checkpoints are frequent on the Ha Giang region due to its international recognition as a popular tourist destination. Without the proper documentation, you will be facing fines from the local police (unfortunately there is no such thing as “talking your way out”). They pull over hundreds of tourists per week, this is very routine and not a one-off. These fines can range in price depending on the size of bike you choose to rent.

The reality of the Ha Giang Loop is that the driving laws are strict, not unlike the driving policies in many other countries. If you are not legally able to drive a bike, we can recommend numerous options to ensure you still get the thrill of a lifetime! Tour options