VIETNAM MOTORBIKE DRIVING RULES AND REGULATIONS
You have three options to drive a motorbike legally in Vietnam:
If none of these apply, you can legally drive a scooter under 50cc without licence in Vietnam or travel pillion on the back of bike with a licensed driver. Most locations throughout Vietnam offer easy rider style tours, where you travel as a passenger.
Many bike rental and tour companies will ignore all of this and rent you a motorbike regardless. Some will ask you to sign a waiver. If you drive illegally and have an accident, you will void any medical insurance you might possess. Those same companies won’t assist you in the event of an accident as they have no concern about your personal safety and only want your money.
Driving illegally in Vietnam has many potential consequences that can be prevented by understanding and working within the rules. ETHOS understand that most travellers to Vietnam care about motorbike driving licenses so we have summarised the latest regulations for your information.
Contrary to some inaccurate sources, not all national driving licences are valid in Vietnam. This leaves you with two options:
- ASEAN driving licence;
- Vietnamese driving license (available if you’re in Vietnam long term on a work permit, residency permit etc)
- Full domestic motorcycle license in your home country (not provisional) accompanied by an IDP issued by a country that signed the 1968 Geneva road traffic convention and ratified at a later date.
If none of these apply, you can legally drive a scooter under 50cc without licence in Vietnam or travel pillion on the back of bike with a licensed driver. Most locations throughout Vietnam offer easy rider style tours, where you travel as a passenger.
Many bike rental and tour companies will ignore all of this and rent you a motorbike regardless. Some will ask you to sign a waiver. If you drive illegally and have an accident, you will void any medical insurance you might possess. Those same companies won’t assist you in the event of an accident as they have no concern about your personal safety and only want your money.
Driving illegally in Vietnam has many potential consequences that can be prevented by understanding and working within the rules. ETHOS understand that most travellers to Vietnam care about motorbike driving licenses so we have summarised the latest regulations for your information.
Contrary to some inaccurate sources, not all national driving licences are valid in Vietnam. This leaves you with two options:
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Our bikes
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Suzuki HJ125
Displacement (cc): 124.00 Transmission: 5-speed Starter: Electric/Kick Fuel Tank Capacity (L): 14.0 Weight (kg): 112.0 |
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Practical Road Rules For Motorbiking In Vietnam
Click here to read about road ettiquette and rules that will keep you safe when riding in Vietnam
Packing and Preparing |
For a suggested list of appropriate items to bring, click here
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ETHOS Multi Day Guided Rides
Experience code: EthosBike
ETHOS have a team of intrepid riding enthusiasts who are always looking out for amazing locations and interesting adventures. From hidden waterfalls to mountain trails in tribal villages, we can find just the ride for your biking ability and experience.
We have both male and female licensed guides available.
Our guided tours include motorbike, safety equipment, guide, fuel, meals, entrance fees, drinks and overnight accommodation. We offer the most authentic homestays and immersive tours in all of Vietnam.
All trips have a strong cultural emphasis with shared meals in tribal homes and fluent English speaking ethnic minority guides.
We have both male and female licensed guides available.
Our guided tours include motorbike, safety equipment, guide, fuel, meals, entrance fees, drinks and overnight accommodation. We offer the most authentic homestays and immersive tours in all of Vietnam.
All trips have a strong cultural emphasis with shared meals in tribal homes and fluent English speaking ethnic minority guides.
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If you would like to travel by motorbike as a passenger, we have options here