Are you thinking of driving the Ha Giang Loop yourself? We’ll guide you through everything you need to know — from license requirements and motorbike options to safety tips and route ideas.
Yes, but you must have the correct license and a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) that Vietnam accepts.
If you plan to drive the Ha Giang Loop yourself, it’s important to know that Vietnam only accepts the International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. You must also carry it together with your original driving license. Many websites sell “international driver’s licenses” online, but these are often not legally valid in Vietnam (ex: the IAA card is not accepted as a real IDP).
| Packing List | Detail |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Passport | Bring either your original passport or a photo of it (recommended) |
| 🪪 Drivers License | You must carry your original driving license along with your IDP |
| 🏍️ 1968 IDP | Your IDP must be obtained BEFORE you arrive to Vietnam. You will not be able to get one in Vietnam. If your IDP is not the 1968 version, it may not be valid for Vietnam. |
| ️📝 Rental Agreement | Ha Giang Safari or your rental carrier will provide |
| ️🎒 Essentials | Closed shoes, warm layer + rain jacket in winter season, sunglasses, medication, toiletries, gloves, small day bag to strap on the back of your bike, cash (for drinks, souveneris, tips) |
In Vietnam, motorbike licenses are separated by engine size. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand what you need for the Ha Giang Loop.
This is the most common motorbike license category in Vietnam and covers most small to mid-size bikes.
Tip: Most travelers riding the Ha Giang Loop choose 110cc–150cc semi-auto bikes, which normally fall under A1 — making it the most relevant license for self-driving.
This license is for bigger, heavier motorbikes with more power (usually for experienced riders).
Tip: A2 bikes can be great for advanced riders, but they can feel harder to control on steep mountain roads — especially in fog, rain, or sharp downhill turns.
This is for low-powered bikes and scooters, often used for short city rides and beginner-level driving.
Tip: 50cc bikes are usually not recommended for the Ha Giang Loop, because the mountains require stronger engines for climbing and safer handling.
This license is for driving cars in Vietnam, not motorbikes.
Tip: Even if you have a car license, it does not automatically allow you to legally ride a motorbike — you still need the correct motorbike category (A1/A2) for the Ha Giang Loop.
Deciding how to experience this Ha Giang Loop tour is crucial for safety and enjoyment.
Renting a motorbike with Ha Giang Safari Hostel & Motorbikes is easy and stress-free, with convenient pickup right at our hostel. All of our bikes are well-maintained and safety-checked before every ride. Choose to self-drive the Ha Giang Loop alone or join one of our guided tours!
🏍️ Motorcycle: Semi-automatic 110CC (old)
💸 Rental: 150,000 VND per day
🛡️ Insurance: 90,000 VND per day
🏍️ Motorcycle: Semi-automatic 110CC (new)
💸 Rental: 180,000 VND per day
🛡️ Insurance: 70,000 VND per day
🏍️ Motorcycle: Automatic 125CC
💸 Rental: 260,000 VND per day
🛡️ Insurance: 120,000 VND per day
🏍️ Motorcycle: Manual 150CC Off-Road Style
💸 Rental: 500,000 VND per day
🛡️ Insurance: 250,000 VND per day
🏍️ Motorcycle: Manual 150CC Sporty Road Bike
💸 Rental: 350,000 VND per day
🛡️ Insurance: 200,000 VND per day
The Ha Giang Loop is safe for beginners only if you already have basic riding experience and feel confident controlling a motorbike on mountain roads. The route includes steep drops, tight corners, uneven roads, and changing weather. If you’re not confident, the safest option is to go with an easy rider, so you can still enjoy the adventure without the stress.
No, you must get it in your home country.
Often not, because those countries are not part of the 1968 convention list mentioned.
An easy rider is a local driver who rides the motorbike for you while you sit comfortably as the passenger. It’s one of the most popular ways to experience the Ha Giang Loop because it’s safe, relaxed, and perfect for taking photos and enjoying the views— especially if you don’t have the right license or you don’t feel confident driving yourself.
Yes, beginners can safely experience the Ha Giang Loop by choosing an easy rider. Ha Giang Safari recommends easy riders for guests without mountain riding experience.
For most travelers, the best choice is a 110cc–150cc motorbike. These bikes have enough power to handle steep mountain roads while still being easy to control. If you’re very experienced, you can ride a bigger bike, but for the Ha Giang Loop, comfort, braking, and handling matter more than speed.
You don’t need a tour guide to do the Ha Giang Loop, but joining a tour makes things much easier. A guided tour helps with route planning, safety, timing, scenic stops, homestays, food, and support if anything goes wrong — plus it’s more fun in a small group! Contact us to join one of our tours.
In Vietnam, motorbike rentals are available, but legally you should have the correct license and a valid IDP (1968 version) to ride. Riding without the proper license is risky because you may face fines at checkpoints, and many travel insurance policies may not cover accidents if you aren’t legally licensed. For safety and peace of mind, we always recommend riding legally or choosing an easy rider if you don’t have the correct documents.
