TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ON A VIETNAM MOTORBIKE TOUR

Vietnam is still a developing country, and most foreign visitors are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. In addition, there are several important travel documents you should have before setting off on a motorbike tour in Vietnam.

Below are the essential documents that Vietnam Motorbike Rental recommends you check before beginning the ride of a lifetime.

Passport

Please bring your original passport. You will need it to register with the local police at your overnight accommodations and to obtain permits when entering border or restricted areas.

Make sure your passport has at least six months of remaining validity. Photocopies or digital copies are not accepted for these purposes, so always carry the original with you. It is one of the most important travel documents you will need during your trip.

Vietnam Visa

Vietnam currently offers e-visas (valid for up to three months with multiple entry; extensions are generally not available) to citizens of all nationalities. Processing times may vary, so we strongly recommend applying as early as possible and selecting the maximum stay duration available.

You can apply for an e-visa online at this official link.

Alternatively, you may apply through a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Citizens of some countries are eligible for up to 45 days of visa-free entry. Updated visa exemption information can be found at this link.

If you need an express visa, we can help. Please follow this link for more information.

Driving License

A valid driving licence is one of the most important documents you need before riding a motorcycle in Vietnam. Unfortunately, there is still a great deal of confusion about what is and isn’t legal, with many websites providing outdated or incorrect information.

In general, your home country driving licence alone is not valid for riding a motorcycle in Vietnam. This applies regardless of where your licence was issued. While some travelers claim they have ridden without any problems, this does not change the legal requirements. In the event of a traffic stop, accident, or insurance claim, having the correct documents can make a significant difference.

The good news is that the International Driving Permit (IDP) has been recognized in Vietnam since August 1, 2016, under Decree 46/2016/ND-CP. However, not every type of IDP is accepted. Vietnam recognizes only IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If your country issues a different version, such as one based solely on the 1949 Geneva Convention, it may not be valid for use in Vietnam.

If you plan to ride legally, you should carry:

• Your original International Driving Permit (1968 Vienna Convention).
• Your original home country driving licence with the appropriate motorcycle endorsement.
• Your passport.

These documents should always be carried with you while riding, as they may be requested by the traffic police, insurance companies, or other authorities.

Before travelling, we strongly recommend checking whether your country issues an IDP that is recognized in Vietnam. If not, you should understand the legal implications before deciding to ride.

For more information about Vietnamese motorcycle licence requirements and the legal status of foreign licences and IDPs, please follow this link.

Credit or Debit Cards

Although cash is still widely used throughout Vietnam, carrying a credit or debit card is highly recommended during your motorbike tour. ATMs are available in most cities, towns, and many smaller district centers, making it easy to withdraw Vietnamese Dong (VND) whenever you need it.

Most hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and many tourist-oriented businesses accept credit cards. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, while American Express is accepted at some larger hotels and businesses but is generally less common.

If you plan to ride through remote or mountainous areas, always carry enough cash with you. Small family-run guesthouses, local restaurants, fuel stations, markets, and village shops often accept cash only, and ATMs may be limited or unavailable.

For the smoothest journey, we recommend carrying a combination of cash and at least one international credit or debit card. This gives you flexibility wherever your adventure takes you.

Vietnam SIM Card

A local SIM card is inexpensive and highly recommended for your motorbike tour in Vietnam. If your smartphone is unlocked, you can easily buy a prepaid SIM card at airports, mobile phone shops, or convenience stores throughout the country.

For just a few US dollars, you can get a SIM with local calls, text messages, and plenty of mobile data. Coverage is excellent in most cities, towns, and many rural areas, although the signal may be limited in some remote mountain regions.

Having a Vietnamese SIM card makes your trip much easier. You can contact us immediately if you have any problems with your rental motorcycle, ask for directions, book accommodation, or use navigation, translation, and weather apps while on the road.

We strongly recommend purchasing a local SIM card before starting your journey. It is one of the most useful travel essentials for a safe and enjoyable motorbike tour in Vietnam.

Personal Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance that covers motorcycle riding in Vietnam is strongly recommended. Before buying a policy, make sure it specifically includes motorcycle-related accidents and that you meet all of the insurer’s licensing requirements.

Some insurance companies, such as CHI, World Nomads, and Allianz, offer policies that may provide motorcycle coverage, depending on your destination, licence, motorcycle size, and the policy’s terms and conditions. Always read the policy carefully before purchasing.

Travel insurance is one of the most important parts of preparing for a motorbike tour in Vietnam. It can provide valuable financial protection in the event of an accident, medical emergency, or trip interruption.

For more information about choosing suitable travel insurance, please follow this link.

Security Deposit Documents

When you rent a motorcycle from us, we require a security deposit. This helps ensure that the motorcycle is returned in good condition and that any damage or outstanding charges are covered.

We never keep your main passport as a security deposit. You will need your original passport to check in at hotels and homestays during your trip, and it is also government property that should remain with you at all times. However, if you hold dual nationality and have a second passport, you may leave one of your passports with us as the security deposit.

If you hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), please also bring your home country driving licence. In this case, you may leave your national identity card or a cash deposit as security.

If you do not have an IDP, you may leave your home country driving licence, national identity card, or a cash deposit as security instead.

Motorbike Rental Contract

Your motorbike rental contract is an important document and should be carried with you throughout your trip. It serves as proof that you have legally rented the motorcycle and may be requested by the traffic police or other authorities during routine checks.

We will provide you with one copy of the rental contract before your tour begins. Please keep it with you whenever you are riding.

Travel Maps

It is always a good idea to plan your route in advance and carry a good paper map as a backup to your GPS or smartphone. A paper map can be invaluable in remote areas where mobile coverage may be limited.

While in Hanoi, you can purchase a detailed roadbook for around US$15. We also sell a simple travel map showing the best route out of Hanoi, along with places of interest in Northern Vietnam to help you start your adventure with confidence.

Vietnamese Phrase Book

A Vietnamese phrase book can be very useful during your motorbike tour. While staff at most hotels and tourist attractions speak some English, many local people you meet along the way – including restaurant staff, mechanics, and villagers – may speak little or no English.

Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can make everyday interactions much easier and help you connect with local people. It can also prevent misunderstandings when asking for directions, ordering food, or negotiating prices. For example, locals may sometimes quote prices in US dollars, while you assume they are speaking in Vietnamese Dong (VND), which can lead to unnecessary confusion.

Even a small phrase book or a translation app can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Motorbike User’s Manual or Troubleshooting Guide

A motorbike user’s manual or basic troubleshooting guide can be invaluable during your trip. It helps you understand your motorcycle and deal with simple issues that may arise on the road.

When you collect your rental motorcycle, we will provide you with a basic troubleshooting guide covering the most common problems and how to solve them quickly. This can save you time and help you continue your journey with confidence.

If you have any questions about travel documents or preparing for your Vietnam motorbike tour, please contact us We will be happy to answer your questions and provide the latest information available.

Other Essential Things

Safety riding gear 
Motorbike lesson
Driving license
Insurance
Things to bring
Mechanic basics
Terminology