Can Australians Ride Motorbikes in Vietnam Without an International License? Here’s What You Need to Know

There are few things in life that make your heart race like the moment you kickstart a motorbike in Vietnam. Maybe it’s the electric buzz of Hanoi’s streets at dawn, the smell of sizzling street food wafting through alleyways, or the sight of rice paddies shimmering under the sun. But for me, that thrill was about more than scenery — it was about freedom. Glorious, unapologetic freedom. And if you’re someone with a restless spirit and a craving for adventure, let me tell you: motorcycle tours in Vietnam are not just a trip — they’re a revelation.

Proudly being Aussies with a thirst for open roads and untamed beauty, we thought w’d seen it all — the red dust trails of the Outback, the winding roads of the Great Ocean Road, and the endless coastline of Byron Bay. But nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared me for the raw, electrifying, soul-shaking experience of exploring Vietnam by motorbike.

Being landed in Hanoi with a helmet in my bag and butterflies in my stomach. What started as curiosity quickly turned into obsession. From the very first ride — weaving through the organized chaos of Hanoi’s Old Quarter — I knew I had stumbled into something special. This wasn’t just travel. This was freedom. And if you’re an Aussie traveler like me who lives for adrenaline, spontaneity, and stories worth telling, then buckle up: motorbike tour in Vietnam are your next great adventure.

What makes adventure travel Vietnam so addictive isn’t just the jaw-dropping scenery. It’s the people. The roadside vendors who hand you a bowl of hot pho and smile without needing words. The mechanic in a tiny village who fixes your chain with a laugh and refuses payment. The fellow riders you meet along the way — a mix of locals and travelers — all bonded by dust, sweat, and stories.

Riding through Vietnam isn’t just about getting from A to B. It’s about what happens in between. The spontaneous detours, the surprise homestays, the wrong turns that lead to the best memories. It’s about slowing down to feel the wind, taste the rain, and hear the laughter of kids chasing your bike as you roll into town.

If you’re an Australian traveler wondering whether to explore Vietnam on two wheels — don’t hesitate. You don’t need to be a hardcore biker. You just need a sense of adventure and a love for the open road. Whether you ride solo, with a mate, or join a guided tour, Vietnam will welcome you with open arms and roads that lead straight to the heart.

So go ahead — rent that bike, take that leap. Let Vietnam surprise you, humble you, and fill you with the kind of joy that only a motorbike and an open road can bring. However, there’s a common roadblock: Australian-issued International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not valid in Vietnam.

So, how can Australian riders experience motorbike tours in Vietnam legally and safely? Let’s break it down step-by-step.

 Understanding Vietnam’s Legal Requirements for Riding Motorbikes

Vietnamese law requires any motorbike rider operating a vehicle above 50cc to hold a valid license recognized in Vietnam:

• A Vietnamese motorbike license (Category A1 or A2), OR
• An International Driving Permit issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention.

Why This Is a Problem for Australians

Australia issues IDPs under the 1949 Geneva Convention, which Vietnam does not officially recognize. Therefore, an Australian tourist holding an Australian license and an IDP is technically unlicensed in Vietnam.

 Legal Risks of Riding Without a Valid License in Vietnam

Many travelers still ride without valid licenses, often unknowingly. However, this comes with substantial risks:

• Police Fines: You may be stopped and fined for riding without a valid license.
• Insurance Invalidation: Most travel insurances explicitly state that claims are only valid when the rider is legally licensed.
• Liability in Accidents: If you’re involved in an accident, especially one causing injury or death, you could face civil or criminal charges.

 Differences Between Vietnamese and Australian Motorbike Licensing Laws

These differences lead to confusion for Australian tourists expecting their IDP to be sufficient.

 The Link Between Licenses and Travel Insurance Coverage

Most Australian travel insurance providers require the rider to be:

• Riding legally under local law
• Riding a motorbike within license restrictions (e.g., engine size)
• Wearing a helmet and following safety guidelines

If you’re not legally licensed in Vietnam, your insurance may reject any claims for:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Liability to others

Real Case Example:

Emma, an Australian tourist, had an accident on a rented motorbike in Da Nang. Despite having a valid IDP and Australian license, her insurance denied the claim. The reason? Her IDP wasn’t issued under the 1968 Convention, and therefore she was not legally licensed in Vietnam.

 Can Australians Ride in Vietnam Legally?

Technically, only with a valid Vietnamese license or an IDP under the 1968 Convention.

Option 1: Convert Your License into a Vietnamese License (for Long-Term Travelers)

Australian residents staying in Vietnam for longer than 3 months can apply to convert their license into a Vietnamese one. The process requires:

• A notarized translation of your license
• Health certificate
• Residency permit or long-stay visa

Option 2: Convert Your License into an IDP (issued by International Automobile Association)

This converted IDP issued by International Automobile Association with validity of 3, 5, 10 & 20 years is widely accepted in Vietnam and legalized in more than 192 countries in the world

For those who have difficulties in converting their local licenses into the IDP, We normally suggest them to do this way because it’s much more simple & easy for all to carry out as we can execute it online under some following specific requirments:

1. Your passport’s copy
2. Your local license’s copy (back & front)
3. Your selfie portrait
4. Your signature on a white paper

All those documents will be sent us by emails or whatsapp then after 7 – 10 working days, we’ll get them all done and hand over to you when you land either in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city. In this way, you can ride comfortably in Vietnam

=> The conversion cost for a 3-year license is US$ 145

=> The conversion cost for a 5-year license is US$ 155

=> The conversion cost for a 10-year license is US$ 170

=> The conversion cost for a 20-year license is US$ 190

Option 3: Join a Guided Motorbike Tour

Tour operators like Vietnam Motorbike Tours or Vietnam Offroad Motorcycle Tours offer guided tours where:

• Bikes are registered for tourism use
• Local guides manage routes and police stops
• Riders are given instruction and safety equipment

While this doesn’t change the legal licensing requirement, it lowers the risk of enforcement and increases insurance coverage eligibility.

 Suggested Travel Insurance Providers for Australian Riders

Here are some insurance providers known to cover motorbike activities in Vietnam (under specific conditions):

• World Nomads – Covers riders if participating in guided tours and using safety gear
• Fast Cover – Offers adventure sport coverage including motorbiking
• Cover-More – Customizable packages that can include motorbike riding
• TID (Travel Insurance Direct) – Popular with Australians; covers up to 250cc with valid AU license
• Allianz Global Assistance – Requires riders to ride legally and wear proper gear

Always confirm by contacting the provider directly and request written confirmation.

To get more details on many other travel insurance companies for motorbike tours, you can check at 

Where to Buy Motorbike Travel Insurance for Your Vietnam Adventure

 Practical Tips for Riding in Vietnam as an Australian

• ✅ Join a guided motorbike tour with local operators
• ✅ Wear full protective gear, including helmets, gloves, and jackets
• ✅ Stick to rural routes to avoid heavy traffic and police zones
• ✅ Avoid riding solo or without support
• ✅ Always carry a copy of your license, passport, and visa

 Testimonials From Real Australian Riders

“We joined a 7-day tour from Hanoi to Sapa. I didn’t have a 1968 IDP, but our guide handled everything. I felt completely safe and supported.” – James M., Brisbane

“My insurance with Fast Cover required riding with a guide, so I booked a tour. After a small accident, I submitted a claim with no issues.” – Lisa T., Adelaide

Vietnam offers some of the most breathtaking motorbike adventures in the world. But for Australian riders, it’s crucial to understand the legal gaps between IDP conventions and local Vietnamese law.

While Australia’s IDP isn’t officially recognized in Vietnam, there are still safe, legal, and insured ways to enjoy motorbike tours—especially by partnering with a reputable tour operator and choosing the right insurance plan.

Stay informed. Ride responsibly. And experience Vietnam on two wheels with peace of mind.