Most asked and answered

What is an Easy Rider motorbike tour in Vietnam ?

( Best #1 choice ) Easy Rider Tour is generally understood that customers will not drive by themself but sit behind to our tour guide or drivers ( Our Easy Riders are English-speaking, licensed tour guides who know the ins and outs of Vietnamese roads, nature, history and culture. Touring with an Easy Rider means that you comfortably sit on the back of the motorbike behind the guide – wearing protective gear – while you travel from one city to the next, stopping regularly to enjoy sights, local experiences, drinks and meals ).

You do not have to worry about luggage because your luggage will be encased in a waterproof, dustproof bag and tied in the rear carefully.

What is Selt- Driving and international driving permit for motorbike tour in Vietnam ?

Self- Riding - Similarly to the above type of tour, travel vehicle is the motorbike. But with this service, the customer will self-ride. Depending on the level of proficiency and preferences.

On the tour, you can drive yourself if you are:

- a party of at least two people; on every tour at least one person sits behind an Easy Rider.

- in possession of a valid motorcycle license (A1 or A2), and

- in possession of a valid 1968-version of the International Driving Permit (IDP), obtained in your home country.

We will make sure to get you a well maintained motorbike (manual or clutch) and protective gear. The rate for sitting on the back or driving your own bike is the same, gasoline is included.

There are several police check-points on popular routes (Ha Giang Loop; Hai Van Pass), where tourists are checked for a valid 1968-version of the international driver’s license. The consequences for not having valid papers are considerable and increase dramatically each year. We therefore ask that you present a valid 1968-version of the international driver’s license to the guide prior to the tour. Can’t? You can still join the tour, but you’ll be sitting behind the guide.

For safety reasons, we don’t allow passengers on the motorbikes for self-driving.

What is international license valid for motorbike tour in Vietnam ?

If you want to explore the top destinations of Vietnam by motorcycle or car, you will need an international driving license. Only the 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for use in Vietnam. Other types of international driver’s licenses, including the IAA driving license, are not.

The validity of the International Driving Permit in Vietnam has been arranged through the 1968 Vienna Convention. The convention was signed by Vietnam at August 20, 2014 and established by law in Circular No. 29/2015/TT-BGTVT dated July 6, 2015.

Where can i obtain an IDP?

You can only get your IDP in your home country, the permit cannot be obtained once in Vietnam or on the road. Usually, you can obtain the IDP at your national drivers’ association.

Where happens if i drive in Vietnam without the proper licensing ?

There are several police check-points on popular routes (Ha Giang Loop; Hai Van Pass, Hue), where tourists are checked for a valid 1968-version of the international driver’s license. The consequences for not having valid papers are considerable and increase dramatically each year. If you are stopped by the police, you will be fined (about €200 or 5 million VND (2025)) and may even have your vehicle impounded for 10-15 days.

Also, driving a motorcycle without the proper licensing affects the validity of your (travel)insurance in case of an accident caused by or to you. This is at the driver’s own risk.

Residents of which countries can use an international driving permit ( IDP ) in Vietnam?

Since 2014, most foreigners are permitted to drive in Vietnam with an International Driving Permit (IDP). You can only get your IDP in your home country, the permit cannot be obtained once in Vietnam or on the road. Driving with only a motorcycle license from your home country is not sufficient.

Take note, the 1968 Convention has not been ratified by countries as Australia, Canada, Iceland, India, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, and United States of America. This means that an International Driving Permit obtained in these countries is not valid in Vietnam.

Click here for a list of all countries who signed the 1968 Convention. IDPs from those countries are valid in Vietnam.

Is the iAA international driving license valid in Vietnam?

No, IAA’s international driving license, issued by the International Automobile Association based in the United States, is not valid in Vietnam. The police will handle presenting an IAA international driving license as a violation for not having a driving license.

What permits do i need to drive in Vietnam?

In order to legally be allowed to drive in Vietnam, you need a (1) valid A1 or A2 driving permit from your home country, in combination with a (2) International Driving Permit (1968-version). Please check which kinds of motorized vehicles you can drive in Vietnam with your driving permit:

• AM license: 2 or 3 wheeled vehicles with an engine size up to 50cc
• A1 license: you can drive light motorbikes with an engine size up to 125cc
• A2 license: you can also drive bikes in category A1, as well as motorbikes with an engine size over 125cc
• B(1) license: car

Can i apply for a Vietnamese driver's license ?

Yes, although this is not convenient if your are visiting Vietnam as a tourist / with a tourist visa. To convert your driving licence into a temporary Vietnamese driver’s licence, you’ll need to hold a valid Vietnamese residence permit of at least three month’s validity. Beware you need to take a theoretical exam in the Vietnamese language:

Foreigners wishing to apply for a Vietnamese driver’s license or motorbike license must contact the nearest Department of Transportation for official instructions.

I am American/Canadian/Australian and planing a Vietnam motorbike tour, is there a way i can obtain a valid IDP for Vietnam ?

No, we are afraid not. As long as the 1968 Convention is not ratified by your country, as a tourist, there is no way you can get an international driving permit (IDP) that is valid for Vietnam. This is only possible when (1) you are residing in Vietnam for more than 3 months and (2) are willing to take a theoritical exam in the Vietnamese language… 

If you still want to explore Vietnam by motorbike – which we fully understand! – join us for an awesome motorbike adventure by riding pillion (sit behind the guide). You get to explore the thrill of riding a motorbike and feel the wind in your hair, and can fully enjoy the beautiful landscape without continiously having to watch the road. Check out these thrilling routes below:

Wow much luggage can i bring on an Easy Rider tour ?

Each person can bring one (1) backpack or suitcase (max. 20 kg / 44 lbs) and one (1) daypack or handbag on the tour. Even pretty big hard scale suitcases can be tied to the back of the motorbike as long as they are not over 20 kg (44 lbs); it’s more about weight distribution than size.

All luggage is put in waterproof bags and securely strapped to the front or back of the motorcycle.

 

If you start and end the Easy Rider tour in the same location, we encourage you to travel light and only bring the luggage you need during the tour. Usually your hostel or hotel has luggage storage for the rest of your belongings.

What happens if my backpack or suitcase doesnt='t fit the bike ?

If your backpack or suitcase is too heavy to be tied to the back of the motorbike, or you have more luggage than allowed, your luggage can be transported by bus to the destination city. The luggage will be stored at the bus company office until you come to pick it up after the tour. Please note that this also means that your tour ends at the bus station, and not at your accommodation. You’ll need to arrange a transfer for the last part to your hotel yourself.

For luggage transfer by bus we charge a small fee of 100.000 VND (€$/4) per item. You can’t access your luggage during the tour, so you’ll need to put everything you need during a multi-day tour in your daypack. Also, take your valuables with you Or your group can book a support vehicle is 125 USD / day (including fuels, accommodation, meals, driver, parking fee )

What is types of accommodation in tour ?