Can You Ride the Ha Giang Loop Without a License? Here’s the Reality for 2025

Hey! I’m Josep, a Catalan who’s been living in Ha Giang for years, riding thousands of kilometers on these roads. As a co-founder of Borderlands Tours, I’ve met hundreds of travelers dreaming of the Ha Giang Loop, but many ask me: “Can I do it without a license?”

In this post, I’ll break down the legal situation, the risks of riding without the proper paperwork, and the big changes coming in 2025. If you’re looking for an adventure without the hassle, I’ll also share safer alternatives based on my firsthand experience.

Is It Legal to Ride the Ha Giang Loop Without a License?

Current Requirements

In Vietnam, to legally ride a motorbike, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention, with category A (motorcycles), plus your valid national license. Without both, riding is technically illegal—even if many travelers do it anyway.

Important: Not all IDPs are valid here. Countries like the United States, Australia, and New Zealand never signed the 1968 Vienna Convention, so their IDPs aren’t recognized in Vietnam.

Even Spain, which did sign, issues an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. That means that even if you have a Spanish motorcycle license and the international permit, it’s still not valid for Vietnam. The formats don’t match what Vietnamese authorities accept.

And forget about the rule in some countries that lets car drivers use scooters up to 125cc—that doesn’t apply in Vietnam at all. Here, anything with an engine above 50cc requires a proper motorcycle license. And trust me, you don’t want to do the loop on a 50cc. The climbs are steep, the roads are long, and you’ll end up pushing the bike more than riding it.

The Reality in Ha Giang

Many travelers rent motorbikes hoping to avoid police checkpoints. But from what I see every day, that’s almost impossible now. Ha Giang has more roadblocks than anywhere else in Vietnam, and the chances of getting stopped are pretty much 100%.

And just a heads-up: even if you try to play dumb and show your international permit, if it’s not issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention format, they won’t accept it. They’re expecting you to ride through with confidence, hoping for leniency—but you won’t get it. They’ll whistle you over from a distance the moment they see you’re a foreigner, and you’ll get fined. The minimum (if it’s under the table) is usually around 2 million VND, and it can be more.

New Regulations for 2025

Starting in 2025, the new law increases fines tenfold. Previously, getting caught meant paying around €40–€60. Now, it can go up to €800. That’s a massive difference. Note: This is only if the fine is issued legally, with an official receipt.

The Risks of Riding Without a License

Your Safety

The Ha Giang Loop isn’t for beginners. Sharp turns, steep climbs, and unpredictable traffic (trucks, buffaloes) demand experience. If you don’t have a license, chances are you lack the skills to handle it.

I’ve seen my fair share of serious accidents from my window here in Ha Giang. Plus, many rental groups encourage riders to keep up with their pack—whether they have experience or not. Riding too fast or getting caught between groups can be extremely dangerous.

No Insurance Coverage

If you ride without a valid license, your travel insurance won’t cover you in case of an accident. A friend of mine had to pay €3,000 after a crash in 2023 because his insurance wouldn’t help.

And if you get seriously injured? Ha Giang is not the place to need medical care. Even the city’s private hospital is… let’s just say, not great (I’ve had bad experiences there myself).

Safety Alternatives for the Ha Giang Loop

I get it—this situation seems convenient for tour companies and hostels. But trust me, this isn’t about selling tours. Many travelers end up skipping Ha Giang altogether because of these restrictions.

If you still want to experience the Loop without the stress, here are your options:

1. Easy Riders (Motorbike with a Local Driver)

Join a local guide who rides for you. At Borderlands Tours, we have experienced drivers who know every turn and hidden stop. No stress—just sit back and enjoy the view.

2. Jeep or SUV Tours

Want comfort? We offer private routes through Ha Giang and Cao Bang—no motorbike needed. You’ll finish the tour without a sore backside and with some epic Instagram shots.

3. Get an IDP

If you have a motorbike license in your home country, get an International Driving Permit before coming. That way, you can ride legally and enjoy the freedom without the risks.

4. Public Buses

Not common, but if you’re on a tight budget, you can explore Ha Giang by local buses, hopping off at different stops along the way.

Final Thoughts

Riding the Ha Giang Loop without a license (or even with an invalid one) is a nightmare. The legal, financial, and safety risks aren’t worth it for most people. And with the new 2025 law, it’s becoming even harder.

I get the frustration (I love solo travel too), but as someone who lives and breathes Ha Giang, I recommend experiencing it the right way.

At Borderlands Tours, we offer an authentic private (no groups) adventure without the headaches. Interested? Drop me a message, and let’s talk!

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