If you are a foreign traveler planning to conquer the Ha Giang Loop by motorbike, checking your international driving permit should be at the top of your list right alongside your itinerary and the weather forecast. Many travelers assume that simply holding any International Driving Permit (IDP) allows them to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, but the 1968 and 1949 IDPs are two distinct permits, and Vietnam does not recognize both of them. So, what is the actual difference between the 1968 and 1949 IDPs, how can you easily tell them apart, and if your permit doesn’t meet Vietnamese regulations, what is your safer alternative?
What are the 1968 and 1949 IDPs? Why must you know the difference before tackling the Ha Giang Loop?
IDP – International Driving Permit is issued based on international conventions on road traffic. In practice, travelers commonly encounter two types: the IDP under the 1949 Geneva Convention and the IDP under the 1968 Vienna Convention. These two permits look remarkably alike on the surface, and both carry the prominent title International Driving Permit. As a result, many travelers simply see the words on the cover and assume they are good to go without verifying which version they actually hold. Overlooking this detail can be a critical mistake if you plan to self-drive in Vietnam.
What is the difference between the 1968 and 1949 IDP?
To tell these two permits apart, here are the key facts you need to know:
- 1968 IDP: Issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Vietnam joined this agreement and accepts this IDP as long as you meet all the rules. A 1968 IDP is usually valid for up to 3 years.
- 1949 IDP: Issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention. Many countries still give this type to their citizens. That means you can arrive in Vietnam with a permit that is completely real and valid back home, but you still cannot use it to legally drive in Vietnam. A 1949 IDP is usually valid for only up to 1 year.
How to check if you have a 1968 or 1949 IDP
Before you decide to self-drive the Ha Giang Loop, check your permit with these steps:
Step 1: Look closely at the front cover
Check the small print on the front cover. A 1968 IDP will say “Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968”. A 1949 IDP will say “Convention on Road Traffic of 19 September 1949”. Do not skip this line just because both covers say “International Driving Permit.”
Step 2: Open the booklet and check your vehicle classes
Look at the vehicle list inside your IDP. On a 1968 Vienna IDP, you will see categories like A, A1, B, B1, C, C1, D, and D1. The stamp you have shows exactly how many cc you are allowed to ride. This is very important if you want to travel to Ha Giang on two wheels. For example: class A1 lets you ride bikes under 125cc, while class A lets you ride bikes over 150cc.
Why travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, and Spain often have problems
Countries like the US, Canada, Australia, or Spain often issue IDPs under the 1949 Geneva rules. If you are from one of these countries, you should check your permit very carefully before planning to ride in Vietnam. Having your permit ready only to find out you cannot use it does not mean your IDP is fake or wrong. The only problem is that Vietnam does not accept the 1949 agreement. If you come from these countries, make sure to check your IDP before you go.
Important notes when preparing your driving documents for Vietnam
Having an IDP does not automatically mean you can ride a motorbike in Vietnam, you need the right IDP. Before starting your Ha Giang Loop journey, especially if you plan to self drive, you should carefully check your IDP type, your home country drivers license, and the vehicle class you are allowed to ride.
- Check if your IDP is the 1968 version. If you are not sure, double check the text on your IDP or contact the agency that issued it before traveling to Vietnam.
- Always carry both your IDP and your home drivers license. You must show these two documents together to prove that you can legally ride.
- Check your vehicle category before renting a bike. Make sure your license includes a motorbike class and that it matches the engine size of the bike you plan to rent.
- Make sure the information on both documents matches. An IDP is not a standalone license that gives you extra driving rights. It only works alongside your home license and must show the exact same vehicle classes you are licensed to drive back home.
What should you do if you have a 1949 IDP?
Based on the rules we looked at, if you have a 1949 IDP, your safest choice is not to use it to ride a motorbike on the Ha Giang Loop. You should choose the easy rider option instead. In case you get checked by the police, cooperate and follow the instructions and decisions of the local authorities. If you still want to experience the Ha Giang Loop on two wheels, an easy rider is the best way to go, where you sit on the back and let a local driver handle the bike.
Easy rider – A great choice if you cannot self drive
An easy rider tour means you sit on the back while an experienced local driver handles the motorbike throughout the entire trip.
This means you can still:
- Explore the famous roads of the Ha Giang Loop.
- Enjoy the views and take photos.
- Stop at the spots you want to check out.
- Avoid the stress of riding a motorbike through steep mountain passes.
- Stop worrying about driving with the wrong permit.
This is why many travelers choose the easy rider option when they do not have the right license to self drive or feel unsure about the mountain roads in Ha Giang. With Raw, you can choose Ha Giang Loop trips with an easy rider or book a private tour to fit your plans.
Private Ha Giang Loop tour – A more flexible choice for your trip
If you are planning to explore Ha Giang with your partner, family, or a group of friends, a private tour is well worth considering. Instead of traveling with a large crowd, you have complete freedom to control your own schedule. Even better, if everyone in your group shares the same passion to ride and explore the roads yourselves, you can easily make plans together without having to follow the rest of a big group.
When booking tours with Raw, you can talk directly with the team about your riding skills, your IDP, and which bike size fits your permit best. A quick tip before you start is to chat with the Raw team about your riding experience, or simply take a photo and send your IDP details to Raw if you are not sure whether you are qualified to self drive. Checking everything in advance is far better than arriving in Ha Giang only to run into unexpected problems.
Raw Ha Giang Loop private tours: Flexible choices with easy rider or self drive
Once you know your license type and driving rules in Vietnam, you can easily choose the travel style that fits your personal taste. If you are looking for a more personal and flexible journey, check out some of the Ha Giang Loop private tours from Raw below. All tours offer both Easy Rider and Self Drive options, making it simple to pick the right ride for you.
Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights
If you want plenty of time to explore Ha Giang, the 3 day 2 night tour gives you a much more comfortable pace. The extra time allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints, visit remote mountain villages, and truly enjoy the ride instead of rushing non stop to keep up with a tight schedule.
You can choose between easy riding and self driving. With an easy rider, a local driver handles the bike so you can focus entirely on the views and the experience. If you choose self drive, make sure you have your 1968 IDP, your home country driver license, and the right vehicle class for the bike before setting off.
Ha Giang Loop 4 Days 3 Nights
The 4 day 3 night private tour is ideal for travelers who want to see more hidden spots along the Ha Giang Loop rather than just checking off famous sights. This route is made for a deeper experience, blending rocky mountain landscapes, legendary mountain passes, and genuine opportunities to connect with local communities. Because the tour is longer, you can travel at an easy pace and have more time for hands-on local activities.
Best of all, on this tour you will stay in private wooden bungalows or homestays run by local families, giving you a cozy, authentic, and truly comfortable stay. When booking this 4 day 3 night private tour with Raw, you can freely pick between easy rider or self drive, with a price difference of around 1,000,000 VND.
To ensure an amazing Ha Giang Loop adventure, remember to double check your international driving permit alongside your route and accommodations. Keep in mind that Vietnam only recognizes IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention when riders meet all legal conditions, and you must always carry your valid home driver license alongside it. If your IDP is not the right type, if you lack experience on steep mountain roads, or if you simply want to relax and soak in the scenery, choosing an easy rider is your safest and best option. Get in touch with Raw today for personal guidance and find the perfect way to experience Ha Giang.
=> Read more: Who is a private Ha Giang Loop tour for?
